Time Zone |
Africa/Libreville |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Asia/Baku |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Bélinga is a major mining town in the Ogooué-Ivindo Province of the northeastern Gabonese Republic, located deep in the equatorial rainforest near Gabon's border with the Congo Brazzaville. The region is known for its world-class iron ore resources, with proven reserves of approximately 1 billion tons, making it one of the largest undeveloped iron ore deposits in West Africa.
Located on Gabon's inland plateau, with an average elevation of about 800 meters above sea level, Belinga has a tropical rainforest climate with an annual precipitation of more than 2,000 millimeters. It is surrounded by the Ivindo River and other waterways, and is rich in biodiversity, but has a weak infrastructure and is mainly connected to the port of Gentil by road.
Since the discovery of iron ore in the 1960s, Belinga has been considered a strategic project for the diversification of Gabon's economy. The development of the iron ore mine involves plans to build a 270-kilometer dedicated railroad and a deep-water port, which have been repeatedly postponed due to environmental assessments and investment issues. The local economy is still dominated by traditional forestry and small-scale agriculture.
The area is inhabited mainly by the Kota ethnic group, with a population of about 15,000 people. The balance between mining development and rainforest conservation is a central issue, and UNDP has been involved in sustainable development planning, and in 2023 the Gabonese government re-launched a revised development program that takes into account ecological preservation.
Located in the southern part of Azerbaijan, Satre District is an important administrative division of the country, known for its natural beauty and agricultural economy. With a total area of about 770 square kilometers and a population of about 100,000, the district is situated in the belt of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, with a mountainous terrain and a mild climate suitable for the cultivation of cereals and fruits.
Bordering on the Iranian border and about 250 kilometers away from the capital Baku, Satre District is rich in forests and water resources. There are several nature reserves in the district with rich biodiversity, making it an ideal destination for hiking and eco-tourism.
The economy is predominantly agricultural, producing wheat, grapes and nuts. Traditional Azerbaijani culture is preserved in the region, with handicrafts and folk festivals attracting tourists. The Satre district is easily accessible by road, connecting major cities and serving as an important gateway for exploring the south of Azerbaijan.