Capital- the city of Malabo (formerly Santa Isabel, 10 thousand inhabitants) is located on Bioko Island.
Ethnic groups
In 1983, 304 thousand people lived in Equatorial Guinea, of which 57 thousand lived on Bioko Island and 2 thousand on Annobon Island. By 1998, the population had increased to 454 thousand people. The population is dominated by Bantu-speaking peoples. In the interior of Bioko live the Bubi, who are the indigenous people of the island. Having died out from alcoholism and various diseases during the colonial period, they are gradually recovering their numbers. In the early 1990s, 15 thousand Bubi lived in the country. About 3/4 of the population of Mbini is made up of the Fang people, who have managed to preserve their ethnic community and traditional institutions of government. Previously, these people lived in villages, but in the 1960s they began to move to the administrative centers of the interior regions - Micomeseng, Niefang, Ebebiyin and Mongomo, as well as to coastal cities. In the early 1990s, the Fang made up 80–90% of the population of the largest city, Mbini, and several other cities. In the 1970s, some fanga were forcibly brought to Bioko Island to replace foreign workers expelled from Equatorial Guinea. The coastal tribes of Kombu, Buheba and Benga, who were intermediaries in trade between the Europeans and the Fang, who inhabited the interior, gradually lost their former influence. Among the country's other ethnic groups are the Fernandinos, descendants of English-speaking freed slaves who settled in Bioko in the 19th century. Until the 1970s, Equatorial Guinea hosted numerous communities of foreigners, including c. 40 thousand migrants from Nigeria who worked on cocoa plantations in Bioko and logging in Mbini. In the mid-1970s, under pressure from the authorities, Nigerians, who made up 2/3 of the population of Bioko and a significant part of the population of Mbini, were forced to leave the country. In 1960, in Equatorial Guinea there were approx. 7 thousand Europeans, mainly Spanish businessmen, government officials and missionaries. At that time, they almost completely controlled the economic life of the country. Soon after the declaration of independence, there were only approx. 200 people. In 1979, the Spaniards began to return to Equatorial Guinea, and in 1980 there were 4 thousand of them.
Language
Several African languages are spoken in the country, the most important of which are Fang and Bubi. Fernandinos speak pidginized English. Most of the population speaks Spanish, the official language of the country. Residents of the country profess mainly Catholicism.
National currency: 1 CFA franc (Communaute Financiere Africaine francs - CFAF) = 100 centimes
Religion
The dominant religion is Catholicism, there are Protestants, and part of the population retains traditional beliefs.
Geographical position
Republic of Equatorial Guinea, a state in Central Africa, on the west coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of the mainland (common name Mbini, formerly Rio Muni), the coastal islands of Corisco, Greater and Lesser Elobey and the islands of Bioko (formerly Fernando Po) and Annobon (formerly Pagalu) in the Gulf of Guinea. Administratively, it is divided into seven provinces. Area – 28,051 sq. km, of which 2034 sq. km falls on the islands of Bioko and Annobon. The Mbini mainland is bordered by Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the east and south. Population – 454 thousand people (1998). The capital - the city of Malabo (formerly Santa Isabel, 10 thousand inhabitants) is located on Bioko Island. The city of Bata (17 thousand inhabitants) is the largest in Mbini.
Relief
Bioko and Annoban are mountainous islands of volcanic origin, with fertile soils. The highest point in the country, Mount Malabo (3008 m), is located on Bioko Island. In Mbini, the coastal plain borders the highlands of 600–900 m (peaks up to 1500 m).
Climate
The climate is equatorial, constantly humid. Average monthly temperatures range from 24 to 28° C. The average annual precipitation exceeds 2000 mm, on the islands it reaches 2500 mm. In the mountains at higher altitudes the climate is cooler.
Inland waters
The largest river, the Mbini, is replete with reaches and waterfalls and is accessible to small vessels only in its lower reaches.
Soils and flora
Vegetation is evergreen moist equatorial forests on red-yellow lateritic soils. Over 150 valuable tree species grow in the forests - oil and coconut palms, ironwood, okume and others.
Animal world
The fauna is rich and diverse. Various species of monkeys, elephants, leopards, antelopes, gazelles, nutria, dormouse, bats, mongooses, squirrels and other animals are found here. Lots of snakes, birds, insects, arachnids. The most common birds are parrots, rare rhinoceros birds, banana eaters, hoopoes, and turacos.
Economy
Until the last decades of the 20th century. The country's economy was based on cocoa beans, coffee and timber. Most of this production was (and still is) exported to France and Spain. Approximately 90% of cocoa is grown on plantations on Bioko Island. The overwhelming majority of cultivated land was previously distributed among small African farms; Europeans owned large plantations where most of the cocoa beans were produced. By the beginning of the 1980s, only 3 thousand hectares were cultivated. During this period, the annual volume of cocoa production fell from 38 thousand to 2.6 thousand tons. In 1991, the harvest of cocoa beans was 5.7 thousand tons. In the same year, the World Bank launched a campaign to “restore cocoa production”, as part of which planned to increase harvests by planting new trees and combating their diseases and pests. However, cocoa bean yields continued to decline, amounting to 4.5 thousand tons in 1997.
In 1967, 8.7 thousand tons of coffee were grown in small Fang farms in Mbini, and in the early 1980s - 6 thousand tons. By the end of the 1990s, peasants collected up to 7 thousand tons of coffee per year.
Peak wood harvesting – 910 thousand cubic meters. m falls on 1970, but in 1977 only 405 thousand cubic meters were harvested. m. In the 1990s, there was a sharp rise: in 1996, 811 thousand cubic meters were produced. m of wood and lumber. As a result, wood replaced cocoa as Equatorial Guinea's main export item.
In 1984, oil deposits were discovered on the shelf near Malabo. In 1991, a consortium of American companies began oil production at the level of 160 tons per day. By 1995, oil production increased to 1350 tons per day. By 1997, the value of annual oil exports was $23–25 million. In the same year, an American company began oil production at the new Zafiro field (approx. 5 tons per day). In the late 1990s, oil became Equatorial Guinea's main export.
Fishing is developed in the country. In 1995, the fish catch amounted to 3.8 thousand tons.
Little remains of the magnificent road system for which this country was once famous. Paved roads are now in poor condition. They follow the northern coast of Bioko and Mbini territory from Bata south to the town of Mbini and east to Ebebiyin, where they connect with the Gabon road system. The main ports are Malabo and Bata.
In the early 1980s, 4/5 of Equatorial Guinea's foreign trade was with Spain. After joining the French franc zone, the country significantly expanded its range of trading partners, which included Cameroon, Nigeria, the USA, France and other EU member states. Until 1993, Equatorial Guinea's trade balance was constantly in deficit, but as a result of expanding exports of timber and oil, a positive balance was achieved. In 1995, the value of exports amounted to 85.4 million dollars, imports - 49.5 million. The main export items are timber, oil, cocoa and coffee. Imports are dominated by machinery and transport equipment, sea vessels and other watercraft, food products, tobacco and drinks, and petroleum products. Substantial economic assistance comes to the country from Spain, France and the IMF.
Attractions
Equatorial Guinea is a very poor country with a largely stagnant economy, with the only pastime other than the beach being the many bars and restaurants serving ethnic cuisine that can be found on almost every corner in every village and town. The population of the country, especially on the mainland, has preserved quite strong folk traditions, the importance of various cults and black magic is especially great. Wizards and sorcerers are still among the most important members of the community, so many tourists come here specifically to get acquainted with this aspect of life of the local population. As almost everywhere in Africa, traditional cultural festivals and folk songs and dances are important rituals. Among the most enchanting celebrations is "akhira", a ceremony to cleanse a community or locality from the forces of evil. Also worthy of attention is the passionate dance "Balele" in the mainland areas, and "Ibanga" on the coast. In Bioko, the local version of "balele" is also performed at Christmas and New Year, so you can imagine what it would be like to celebrate these holidays under the hot African sky, with a palm tree instead of a fir tree and with Santa Claus in his traditional costume and carrying a spear! But the most interesting events in Equatorial Guinea usually coincide with Christian or traditional local religious ceremonies. Many of them are held by an individual clan or village in honor of their patrons or gods, but some public holidays are held by the entire community (and this may include the population of an entire region) for some particularly significant occasion. Independence is celebrated on October 12th and is the most auspicious time to attend public celebrations in Malabo and Bata. Equatorial Guinea is particularly rich in diverse vegetation. Formed by the ash of an extinct volcano, the soil on Bioko is particularly rich in microelements, which promotes the rapid growth of trees and vines. Local farmers even go to great lengths to prevent the rampant growth of vines that overwhelm the cocoa plantations. Rio Muni is also famous for its vegetation and abundance of wildlife, including elephants, lions and gazelles. Also, many tourists come here specifically to try to climb on foot to the mesmerizingly beautiful peak of the Malabo volcano on Bioko. Malabo is not the largest city in Equatorial Guinea, but it is certainly the most vibrant and tourist-friendly. Parisian-style street bars, thriving nightclubs and colorful markets characterize this city in the heart of the African tropics. With mighty ocean waves to the north and the imposing cone of the Malabo volcano to the south, the capital appears to be a prime destination for tourism, and the government is making a strong effort to attract visitors by keeping the city clean and relatively safe. As dusk approaches, the city's numerous restaurants and clubs pick up pace, usually not opening until sunset. Beer is very expensive, but local palm wines and the traditional malamba drink, made from sugar cane, are available everywhere. Bata is a clean, charming city with wide streets. While it lacks the spectacular volcanic views of Malabo, Bata does have a lively character, with busy markets and plenty of restaurants, bars and hotels. The town has a run-down colonial charm and is used primarily by tourists as a base for trips to nearby small villages or small islands off the mainland. To the north and south of Bata are some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Ebebyin is the second largest city in Rio Muni, located in the far north-eastern corner of the country, and is most often the first point of contact with the country for many travelers entering Equatorial Guinea from Cameroon. Twenty kilometers west of the city is the Ebebyina Museum, which displays the country's traditional sculpture and other works of art. Mbini is a pleasant town 50 km away. south of Bata, in the Rio Benito Bay. This is a popular swimming spot and is also an ideal place to interact with the locals in their traditional environment. Islas Elobi are charming islands (Grande, Chico, etc.) near the southern border with Gabon. The few locals are very friendly. Elobi Chico, on the other hand, is something of an "abandoned city" - there are absolutely no people on the island, although the deserted ruins of the country's former capital are very interesting and provide a wonderful opportunity for archaeology or treasure hunting. The country's national parks are few - Monte Raises and the Pico Santa Isabel Nature Reserve.
Equatorial Guinea is a tiny state, the smallest in Africa. The people of the country fought against Spanish rule until 1968. After gaining independence and proclaiming democracy, the republic embarked on the path of economic development. Large oil reserves found on the shelf and growth are reminiscent of the rise of the United Arab Emirates. Only the climate is more humid, there are untouched jungles, and a population unspoiled by the benefits of civilization. The gentle Atlantic coast and preserved folk traditions are like a magnet attracting modern travelers to Guinea who are in search of exotic adventures.
Guinea on the world map and the African continent
The former Spanish colony - the Republic of Equatorial Guinea - is a young developing country. On a small scale, the country is a small rectangle on the shore of the Gulf of Guinea and a number of islands. The state is located slightly north of the equator and extends from 0.54° to 2.19° N.
The territory of Equatorial Guinea consists of the mainland - Rio Muni, which is located between Cameroon in the north, Gabon in the south and east. In the west, the coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Biafra. The state owns 5 volcanic islands, the largest of which are Bioko, Annobon, and Corisco. The area of the mainland is 26 thousand km2, the island territory occupies 2 thousand km2.
National symbols
On Independence Day, October 12, the national flag of Equatorial Guinea can be seen everywhere in the Republic. Its bright panel consists of three equal-width horizontal stripes of green, white and red. There is a blue triangle located near the shaft edge. In the center of the flag is the state emblem in the form of a silver shield. The personification of the unity of the country's population are six golden six-pointed stars above it. Each of them consists of one mainland and five island provinces. Under the shield is the motto of the Republic - “Unity, Peace and Justice”. In the central part there is an image of a green cotton tree - bombax, which is rich in Equatorial Guinea (photo).
The colors of the flag have deep symbolic meaning:
- the blue triangle represents the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, washing the shores of the country;
- the green stripe reflects the main wealth of flora and the thriving activity of the population - agriculture;
- white color is a symbol of the peace that was established after independence;
- The blood shed by the freedom fighters of Equatorial Guinea is symbolized by the lower red stripe.
Currency of Equatorial Guinea
Many collectors are in search of old and new coins issued in Equatorial Guinea. The history of the country's currency is a fascinating novel for a numismatist. The CFA franc is in circulation (1 franc = 100 centimes). Coins are minted from light copper-nickel and aluminum-bronze alloys (golden color).
Modern coins of Equatorial Guinea are similar to similar monetary units of the Monetary Union of Central African States (Communaute Financiere Africaine, CFA). The association arose at a time when the six member states were Equatorial Guinea's accession to the union in 1986, which was marked by the change of its own currency - the equele - to the CFA franc. In 1976-1996, the letter symbols of the countries were applied to coins of a common type for the union. In Equatorial Guinea, in 1985, coins were issued that differed from the uniform sample in inscriptions in Spanish and the full name of the country on the obverse. The following year, 1986, only one type of such coins was minted - 50 francs, then their production was stopped.
Capital of Equatorial Guinea
The administrative center of the country and the port of Malabo is located on Bioko Island near the crater of an extinct volcano (3011 m). Previously, both the city and the majestic peak were called Santa Isabel. The mountain peak is now referred to in guidebooks around the country as Pico Basile or Mount Malabo. The island's landscapes include picturesque lagoons, former craters, now covered with evergreen jungle, and volcanic lakes. The population of Malabo is more than 160 thousand people. The city looks well-groomed, its residents are friendly towards guests.
There is an international airport in the administrative center of the country, and comfortable hotels have been built. The city is literally buried in tropical greenery. Malabo Airport is connected by weekly flights to world capitals. Equatorial Guinea can be reached from Cameroon by land. The national airline operates daily flights between Malabo and Bate. To move around the mainland and island territories, you can use the services of minibuses. To get to the islands, you need to wait for a ferry or rent a canoe.
Other cities of the republic
Bata, the economic capital of Equatorial Guinea, is a clean city with wide avenues. Tourists have chosen it as a starting point for trips to villages and islands.
Mbini is a small town 50 km south of Bata, in the Rio Benito Bay. The main river of Equatorial Guinea, the Mbini (formerly called Benito), flows into the bay here. One of the main beach resorts in the country.
Ebebyin is a city located in the northeast of the continental part of the state. The first large settlement on the way from Cameroon.
Luba is the administrative center of the Southern Province on the island. Bioko, port city.
In the cities of New Guinea, market trade flourishes, there are many bars and restaurants where guests can taste national dishes and locally produced drinks.
Climate
The climatic conditions of Equatorial Guinea fully correspond to the ideas about the humid tropics of Africa. Throughout the year, warm weather prevails and the temperature is 25 C°; occasionally the thermometer rises above 32 C°. The seasons typical for temperate latitudes are poorly expressed. Basically, it comes down to the seasons: wet and dry. On Bioko Island it rains from July to January. The same precipitation regime is observed in the capital, Malabo.
Equatorial Guinea in the mainland has 2 rainy periods: April-May and October-December. The least rainfall occurs in May-September and December-January. The mountainous terrain differs from the flat part of the country in more humid and cooler weather, but less than 18 C° is rare. The best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is the dry season - November-April.
Nature
The coastline of the mainland is slightly indented. A low-lying plain stretches here, and a highland up to 900 m high goes inland. On the island of Bioko there is a three-thousand-meter peak of Equatorial Guinea - Pico Basile - a mountain formed by the cones of three merged volcanoes. At the foot there is a belt of tropical forests, which are filled with the hubbub of hundreds of bird species. The world of reptiles and mammals is rich. Higher in the mountains you can observe the change from lush vegetation to wastelands and meadows - unusual natural complexes for the tropical latitudes in which Equatorial Guinea is located.
A map of the mainland provinces of the country gives an idea of the plains on the coast, hills in the central part, and deep rivers. The wealth of the continental regions is minerals, evergreens. There are more than 150 tree species, dominated by ficus, coconut palm, ironfruit and breadfruit. Lianas entwine them, and bright flowers grow in the undergrowth. The exotic fauna is represented by large predators, elephants, monkeys, antelopes, hippos, and tropical birds.
Country culture
The flavor of Equatorial Guinea lies in its linguistic diversity, the preservation of the traditions and customs of original tribes, into which elements of the culture of alien peoples are woven. Ancient African dialects can still be heard in forest villages, and shamans perform magical rituals as they did many centuries ago. City residents communicate with each other in Spanish, Portuguese and French. The rural population uses mainly local languages - Fang, Bubi, Ndowe, Annobon, Buhebu. Equatorial Guinea hosts colorful festivals every year. None of them is complete without national dances and songs that have glorified Equatorial Guinea on the African and other continents.
Main attractions
The capital, Malabo, attracts tourists as a starting point for climbing to the top of the volcano and visiting the reserve. There is a paved road from the city to the top of Pico Basil. Tourists often go on day trips to the natural gem for which Equatorial Guinea is famous. One of the main architectural attractions of the capital is the Cathedral of Santa Isabel. This is the most beautiful building of the city, which has become its unique calling card, located on Independence Square. In front of the tall architectural structure with narrow pointed towers there is another local attraction - a picturesque fountain.
You can get acquainted with the national traditions, folk art, and works of art of Equatorial Guinea in the museum, which is located 20 km from the small town of Ebebyin in the north-west of the mainland. The institution was created by local enthusiasts to introduce the culture of the country as a whole. The decoration of the city center of Bata, which is also located on the continent, is the building of the Panafrica Hotel. The hotel offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, coastline and beach.
Tourism development
Equatorial Guinea has rich resources for tourism development:
- beaches on the coast with fine white sand;
- large tracts of tropical forests;
- volcanic peaks, caves;
- waterfalls, rivers and lakes;
- ethnic traditions of African tribes, black magic of shamans;
- festivals and ceremonies with live singing and dancing;
- colorful markets;
The nature of the country is threatened by the same danger that was realized in other countries in the forest belt of Africa. Increased economic needs, agricultural development, mining and road construction required deforestation. Reducing biodiversity and changing natural habitats are only part of the worsening environmental problems.
Difficulties in the economy somewhat delay the development of the tourism infrastructure of a small state. Nevertheless, mainland and island Equatorial Guinea is of great interest to travelers.
Equatorial Guinea can be called the most unusual country on the African continent; it is often called the “lucky one”. Just a few decades ago it was a small and very poor state.
But after oil, gas and diamond deposits were discovered there, everything changed. Now this is one of the most richest and most developed African states. To find out where Equatorial Guinea is located on the world map, you need to pay attention to the western part of Africa.
Equatorial Guinea on the world and Africa map
This map can be enlarged by clicking on it.
Equatorial Guinea has enough interesting location. One part of it is on the mainland, and the other on several islands.
Attractions
Among the attractions of Equatorial Guinea we can note Ebebyina Museum in Mbini, which displays traditional sculptures of the country's peoples and various works of art that characterize the history and culture of the country as a whole.
To Malabo worthy of attention:
- Cathedral;
- National University;
- Residence of the President;
- Mount Pico Basile.
Also worth a visit is the group of islands Islas Elobi, which are located on the border with Gabon. The most interesting of them is Elobi Chiko, which is called the “abandoned city”. No one lives on its territory, and the ancient streets are ruins. It attracts the attention of archaeologists and treasure hunters.
Some of the most popular cities in Equatorial Guinea are Malabo and Bata. video:
Later history of Equatorial Guinea
The early history is rather poorly studied Equatorial Guinea. When European colonization began, this territory was inhabited by the Pygmy, Fang and Bubi tribes. In the 15th century, an island in the Gulf of Guinea was discovered, named Fernando Po, today it is called Bioko; at the end of the century, the colonization of the island by the Portuguese began. In the 16th century, Portugal gave Spain the island and the Rio Muni territory on the continent. In the 19th century, England took possession of the island of Fernando Po and founded the city of Clarence Town, the modern capital of Equatorial Guinea - the city of Malabo. A little later, the Spaniards recaptured the island and the territory of Rio Muni.
In 1926, Spanish Guinea was formed, uniting the colonies of Rio Muni, Bioko, Annobon, Corisco and Elobey. After 30 years, Rio Muni and Fernandotr became the Equatorial region of Spain. Spanish Guinea was later granted internal autonomy.
Independence was declared on October 12, 1968, but the struggle for power did not end there. The country suffered a military coup in the 70s, resulting in 80,000 deaths. Afterwards, a new constitution was adopted, relations with Spain and the United States were restored. And in the 2000s, there were at least 2 coup attempts in Equatorial Guinea.
Capital of Equatorial Guinea
In the northern part of Bioko Island at the foot of the volcano there is capital of Equatorial Guinea- Malabo. The main city of the country was called Santa Isabel until 1973. The capital is also the commercial and financial center of the republic. Malabo is home to the world's deepest port, an international airport and the main campus of the National University of Equatorial Guinea.
Population of Equatorial Guinea
According to statistics for 2013 population of Equatorial Guinea is 740,743 people. There are almost 27 people per square kilometer - such is the population density. 80% of the people belong to the Fang tribe, they are divided into 67 clans. Also living in the country are the Balenge, Benga, and Bujeba, also known as Kwasio. The already small groups of Pygmies, Beilele and Boquig are under pressure from their neighbors, gradually shrinking. You can see that she has absorbed a lot from each ethnic group. culture Equatorial Guinea.
State of Equatorial Guinea
The country's form of government is a super-presidential republic. State Equatorial Guinea has a parliament, the unicameral House of People's Representatives, as its legislative branch. The Republic has a Constitution of 1991. The territory of Equatorial Guinea is divided into 7 provinces, of which 2 are located on the island of Bioko, 1 on the island of Annobon and 4 within the mainland of the country. All modern branches of legislation in Equatorial Guinea are based on Spanish, i.e. Romano-Germanic law. At the same time, the population, especially outside the cities, continues to widely apply local customary law.
Politics of Equatorial Guinea
Formally, the country is a multi-party democracy, although in practice there is a dictatorship under the leadership of the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea. The political regime in the country is authoritarian-tribalistic. External politics of Equatorial Guinea aims to strengthen economic contacts with developed European countries such as France and Spain. Story talks about a serious struggle for power in the republic, which means a difficult period in the country.
Language of Equatorial Guinea
Spanish is used in education and for this reason approximately 88% of the population can speak it. This is a state language of Equatorial Guinea. In addition, the population speaks French and Portuguese, they are common as second languages and are considered official. There are also local dialects - Fang and Bubi, but the Annobonians speak Portuguese Creole. Visiting Asians and Europeans speak their native languages, while foreign Africans speak English and Igbo.
Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
The name of the country is determined by its geographical location.
Capital of Equatorial Guinea. Malabo.
Area of Equatorial Guinea. 28051 km2.
Population of Equatorial Guinea. 845,000 people (
Equatorial Guinea GDP. $15.53 billion (
Location of Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial is a state in Central, which consists of the mainland and the islands of Corisco, Elobi Grande, Elobi-Chiko, Bioko, Annobin in the Gulf of Guinea.
Administrative divisions of Equatorial Guinea. The state is divided into 4 provinces.
Form of government of Equatorial Guinea. Republic.
Head of State of Equatorial Guinea. The president.
Supreme legislative body of Equatorial Guinea. A unicameral parliament is the House of People's Representatives.
Supreme executive body of Equatorial Guinea. Government.
Major cities in Equatorial Guinea. Bata.
Official language of Equatorial Guinea. Spanish, French.
Religion of Equatorial Guinea. 90% - , 5% - Protestants.
Ethnic composition of Equatorial Guinea. 80% - fang, 15% - diamonds.
Currency of Equatorial Guinea. CFA franc = 100 centimes.
Sights of Equatorial Guinea. There are no special attractions in the country.
Useful information for tourists
Equatorial Guinea is a very poor country where the only pastime other than the beach is the numerous bars and restaurants serving ethnic cuisine that can be found on almost every corner in every village and town. The population of the country, especially on the mainland, has preserved fairly strong folk traditions, and the importance of various cults and black magic is great. Wizards and sorcerers are still among the most important members of the community, so many tourists come here specifically to get acquainted with this aspect of life of the local population. It is prohibited to export gold and silver products and the skins of wild animals without appropriate permission.
