The largest ethnic group in Gabon is the Fang, who live mainly in the north, but they have yet to gain control of government. President Omar Bongo, himself from a sub-group of the minority Bateke in the southeast, has artfully united the common interests of other ethnic groups to keep the Fang from power. The Myene group around Port-Gentil consider themselves to be the aristocrats of Gabonese society due to their long-standing ex-colonial contacts. Oil wealth has led to the growth of a distinct bourgeoisie.
