Equatorial Guinea
From MaxTravelz
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| Quick Facts | |
| Capital | Malabo |
| Government | republic |
| Currency | Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States |
| Area | total: 28,051 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 28,051 sq km |
| Population | 498,144 (July 2002 est.) |
| Language | Spanish (official), French (official), pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, Ibo |
| Religion | nominally Christian and predominantly Roman Catholic, pagan practices |
Equatorial Guinea is a small country in West Africa, divided into two parts, the mainland and the islands. A former Spanish colony, it borders Cameroon and Gabon.
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Regions
- Río Muni – the mainland.
- Bioko – the largest and most important island.
Cities
- Malabo – the capital, on Bioko
- Bata – the major city on the mainland
- Luba – another town on Bioko
- Ebebiyin – a major access point in the far northeast corner
Understand
History
Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Franco's Spain in October 1968. Since then, it has been ruled by two men. Francisco Macías Nguema, the first president, was a brutal dictator who despised intellectuals, killed a large number of the ethnic Bubi minority, banned fishing, and awarded himself a huge number of grandiose titles (including President for Life). He was overthrown by his nephew, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in 1979 and later captured and executed. Obiang's rule has seen less violence, but his regime is still brutally repressive. Political power is centralized in his small mainland clan, and most senior members of the government are related. The majority of the people are extremely poor.
Climate
People
The major ethnic groups are the Fang of the mainland and the Bubi of Bioko Island.
Holidays
Equatorial Guinea recognizes the major Christian holidays. October 12 is Independence Day.
Get in
By plane
There are two paved airports, one a few miles from Malabo (SSG), and one in Bata (BSG). Air service is not extensive and only a few international airlines fly to either airport.
By train
Equatorial Guinea has no railroads.
By car
The major cities are either on islands or on the western coast of the mainland, so it is not convenient to access these areas by car.
By bus
By boat
Get around
Talk
The colonial language is Spanish, and the country is also a member of La Francophonie. There is an Anglophone population in Bioko that is historically linked to British commerce on the island.
Buy
Costs
Eat
Drink
Ebebiyin is known for its large number of bars.
Sleep
Learn
Work
Stay safe
The country has never seen a conflict like those common in the rest of Africa, though there is some ethnic tension and resentment against the government. Don't photograph airports, government buildings, or anything of military or strategic value. Don't involve yourself in local politics.
Stay healthy
Respect
Contact