Equatorial Guinea
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At a glance
- Region
- Middle Africa
- Capital
- Malabo
- Population
- 1.9 million (2024)
- Area
- 28,051 km²
- Languages
- French, Portuguese, Spanish
- Currency
- Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +240
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Before you go
Overview
Equatorial Guinea is located on the west coast of Central Africa.
It consists of two parts, mainland (Rio Muni) and five small islands, Bioko, Corisco, Annobon, Elobey Chico (small) and Elobey Grande (great). The capital city is Malaba on Bioko.
The Capital, Malabo.
In 1471, Portuguese explorer Fernao do Po spotted the island of Fernando Poo now called Bioko. In 1777, the Portuguese surrendered the islands of Annobon and Fernando Poo to Spain where there accessed slaves from. Spanish Guinea gained their independence in 1968 when it became the Republic of Equatorial Guinea with Francisco Macias Nguena as the president.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo grasped power in an armed coup in 1979. He was described by human rights organisations as one of the most brutal dictators in Africa. In 1996, the Mobil oil corporation reported having discovered large oil and gas reserves. A coup conspiracy was defeated after a plane carrying soldiers was captured in Zimbabwe in 2004.
The vice president Nguema Obiang, son of president Teodoro, was charged by the US government for obtaining his assets by allegedly corrupt means, using resources taken from his country, but he refused to get rid of them.
Equatorial Guinea’s official languages are Spanish, French and Portuguese.
The education system comprises of five years of primary education, four years of secondary education in the first stage and three years in the second stage. Education is free and compulsory for children from age six to fourteen.the most popular sport is soccer.
The predominant religion is Christianity.
The country is almost triangular-shaped; it is bordered to the north by Cameroon and Gabon to the east and south. Islands of Corisco and Great and Small Elobey are near the coast. Bioko Island is located off the coast of Cameroon in the Bight of Biafra. Annobon Island is located south of the equator and 640km southwest of Bioko.
History
Portugal and then Spain colonised the region, and it became independent from Spain in 1968. It is the only country in Africa where Spanish is an official language.
Food & culture
Seafood, cassava, plantains and palm-oil stews are the staples.
Wildlife
Bioko Island's forests are home to rare monkeys, including drills, and its beaches are nesting sites for sea turtles.
Festivals & events
Independence Day is 12 October.
Things to see
The colonial architecture of Malabo, the Moca valley on Bioko and the beaches of Annobón.
Interesting facts
The capital, Malabo, is on Bioko Island rather than the mainland.
Neighbours
My Bucket List goals in Equatorial Guinea
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