Current Time in Tchibanga
Gabon's culture regarding time
Gabon's culture regarding time
Public institutions and companies have relatively flexible business hours
Many government institutions and private companies in Gabon work from around 8:00 to 16:00, but they do not always start on time, so it is common to have some leeway in opening and responding hours.
Schedule changes due to religion and holidays
Islamic and Christian holidays are deeply involved in life, and daytime plans are sometimes adjusted to coincide with worship services and events.
How to use time according to the heat
Because of the equatorial climate and the hot daytime, activities tend to be concentrated in the early morning and evening. The afternoon is sometimes considered a time to rest.
Gabon's values regarding time
Relatively relaxed about time
There is not much strictness about appointment times, and 10 to 30 minutes of delay is accepted as "tolerable". There is not a strong culture of punctuality.
Flexible time sense that prioritizes human relationships
Relationships with the other person and the flow of the conversation tend to be more important than time. It is not uncommon for conversations to drag on or for plans to be delayed due to interactions with other people.
Prefer gradual progress over immediacy
It is normal to take time for planning and procedures, and it is more important to "go with the flow" than to "get results immediately".
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or relocating to Gabon
It is safe to act with plenty of time for appointments
Business and administrative procedures often do not go as planned, so it is necessary to schedule things in anticipation of waiting times.
Business hours vary by region and industry
Time management is relatively good in the capital, Libreville, but business hours can be unclear in rural areas. It is important to check in advance.
Beware of temperature and traffic jams when traveling during the day
Because it gets very hot during the day, traveling on foot or doing outdoor activities tends to drain your energy. You should also take into consideration traffic jams during rush hour.
Interesting trivia about time in Gabon
Lifestyle that starts with the sunrise
Because it is located near the equator, the hours of daylight are almost constant. The rhythm of life is rooted in the sun rising around 6:00 and setting around 18:00.
Opening times of markets and food stalls are "depending on the mood of the day"
Opening times of open-air markets and local food stalls vary depending on the owner's schedule and the weather. It is basic to follow the local atmosphere rather than the exact time.
"Gabonese time" is a symbol of slow life
A lifestyle that is not bound by time is also called "Gabonese time", and this feeling is shared even in urban areas. It is important not to rush too much.