One of its primary industries is mining, with manganese, gold and uranium being found in the region.

The uranium-bearing mineral francevillite takes its name from the primary city.

It is the historical home of three cultures, the Obamba, Ndzebi [fr] and Téké.

Like many regions in Africa, more traditional uses of the land have given way to rural migration to the larger cities.

[3] In August 2006, its soccer club won the Gabon Independence Cup.