Politics of Gabon takes place in a framework of a republic whereby the President of Gabon is head of state and in effect, also the head of government, since he appoints the prime minister and his cabinet.
Gabon is divided into nine provinces, which they are further subdivided into 50 departments. The president appoints the provincial governors, the prefects, and the subprefects.
Libreville, the capital of Gabon, is one of the most expensive cities on the African continent with up market bars, elegant French restaurants and pricey boutiques though it is almost impossible to buy very much because of the prohibitive costs.