Equatorial Guinea Facts

Equatorial Guinea, State of West Africa; 28,000 km², 1.3 million residents (2019).Equatorial Guinea consists partly of the mainland area Mbini (formerly Río Muni) located in Cameroon and Gabon and partly of several islands in the Gulf of Guinea: Bioko (formerly Fernando Póo) outside Cameroon and Stora Elobey, Lilla Elobey and Corisco outside Mbini. In addition, the island of Annobón (formerly Pagalu), about 600 km southwest of Bioko, is included in Equatorial Guinea. The capital is Malabo (257,000 residents, 2016), located at Bioko.

Country facts

• Republic of Guinea Ecuatorial / Republic of Equatorial Guinea
• Country abbreviation: GQ
• Area: 28 000 km²
• Population (2019): 1.3 million residents
• Capital: Malabo
• Main language: Spanish (however, the majority speak some Bantu language)
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Teodoro Obiang Nguema (President)
• Head of Government: Francisco Pascual Obama Asue
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 10,174
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 7,050
• Currency unit: 1 CFA franc = 100 centimes
• Currency code: XAF
• Country number (telephony): 240
• Internet domain name: gq
• Time difference compared to Sweden: 0
• National Day: October 12 (Declaration of Independence, 1968)

Nature

• Land use: forest (46%), agricultural land (8%), other (46%)
• Highest mountain: Basile (3,011 m above sea level)
• Longest river: Mbini (300 km)

Population

• Population density (2019): 46 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019) 2.4%; birthrate 34 ‰, death count 10 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (37%), 15-64 (60%), 65- (3%)
• Average life expectancy (2019): men 57 years, women 59 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 67 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast (2050): 3 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.591 (place 141 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 71%
• Most populous cities (2016): Bata (290,000 residents), Malabo (257,000)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (3%), industry (55%), service (42%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 6,118 million
• Main export products: oil, timber
• Main exporting countries: China, India, South Korea
• Imports (2017): US $ 2,577 million
• Main import products: equipment for the oil industry, building materials, vehicles
• Main importing countries: Spain, China, USA
• Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography

Location and Borders

Equatorial Guinea is a small country located on the west coast of Central Africa. It consists of a mainland region known as Río Muni and several islands, the largest of which is Bioko Island, where the capital, Malabo, is located. Equatorial Guinea is bordered by Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the south and east, making it a geographically strategic location for trade and regional cooperation within Central Africa. The country is unique in that it is the only African country with both a mainland and insular component, making its geographical layout distinct from many of its neighbors.

Bioko Island, which lies in the Gulf of Guinea, is separated from the mainland by the Bight of Biafra. The country’s strategic location on the coast, with access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, has historically been an advantage. The country’s exclusive economic zone in the Gulf of Guinea is rich in oil and gas resources, contributing significantly to its economy.

Topography and Natural Features

Equatorial Guinea’s terrain is diverse, with coastal plains, mountains, and volcanic islands. The mainland region of Río Muni is largely flat or gently rolling, with tropical rainforests and wetlands. In contrast, Bioko Island is volcanic, with mountains and steep slopes. The island’s highest point is Pico Basile, which reaches an elevation of 3,008 meters (9,869 feet), making it the tallest peak in the country.

The coastline of Equatorial Guinea is characterized by sandy beaches, cliffs, and rocky outcrops. The country is rich in biodiversity, particularly in the rainforests of the mainland and on Bioko Island, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and numerous bird species. Rivers such as the Mbini and the Wele run through Río Muni, and the country has several lakes, which provide vital resources for agriculture and local communities.

Despite the fertile lands and rich natural resources, Equatorial Guinea faces environmental challenges. Deforestation, caused by logging and agriculture, has led to the loss of biodiversity in some regions. Additionally, pollution from the oil industry has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the country’s natural resources and ecosystems.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

Equatorial Guinea has a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and significant rainfall throughout the year. The mainland region of Río Muni experiences a humid tropical climate, with heavy rainfall from March to November. The dry season, which lasts from December to February, is relatively short, and even during this period, the region still receives some rainfall.

Bioko Island experiences a more moderate climate due to its elevation and proximity to the ocean. The climate on the island is generally cooler and less humid than on the mainland, with temperatures typically ranging from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F). The island’s tropical climate is influenced by the trade winds and the surrounding sea, which helps to moderate temperatures.

The rainy season in Equatorial Guinea is intense, with heavy showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the highlands and coastal areas. The rains can be unpredictable, and some areas of the country are prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The climate is suitable for agriculture, but it can also be challenging for infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas.

People

Population and Demographics

Equatorial Guinea has a population of around 1.4 million people, making it one of the smaller countries in Africa. The population is concentrated on the mainland, with Malabo, located on Bioko Island, being the country’s largest city and political center. The capital city is home to a significant portion of the population, with other important cities such as Bata, the largest city on the mainland, and other smaller towns spread across the islands and the mainland.

The population is ethnically diverse, with a mix of indigenous groups, including the Fang, Bubi, Ndowe, and others. The Fang people are the largest ethnic group and are predominantly found in the mainland region of Río Muni. The Bubi people, who are indigenous to Bioko Island, also form a significant portion of the population. The country’s demographic composition reflects its complex history of indigenous cultures, colonial influence, and migration.

There is also a small expatriate community in Equatorial Guinea, particularly from countries like Spain, China, and neighboring African nations. These expatriates are often involved in business, government, or development projects, particularly in the oil and gas sectors. Despite the relatively small size of the country’s population, Equatorial Guinea’s demographic makeup is diverse, with a significant influence of Spanish colonial history and modern-day global exchanges.

Languages

The official languages of Equatorial Guinea are Spanish, French, and Portuguese, with Spanish being the most widely spoken. Spanish is used in government, business, and education, and it is the primary language spoken in urban areas, particularly in Malabo and Bata. French and Portuguese are also official languages, though they are less commonly spoken in daily life.

In addition to the official languages, various indigenous languages are spoken throughout the country, including Fang, Bubi, and Ndowe. Fang is the most widely spoken indigenous language, particularly on the mainland, while Bubi is predominantly spoken on Bioko Island. These languages are important aspects of the cultural identity of the country’s indigenous peoples, and efforts have been made to preserve and promote them.

The country’s linguistic diversity reflects its complex colonial past and indigenous heritage. While Spanish is the primary language of communication, the coexistence of other languages, both official and indigenous, adds to the cultural richness of the country.

Religion

The majority of the population in Equatorial Guinea is Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the dominant religion. Catholicism was introduced during the country’s colonial period by Spanish missionaries, and it remains a significant part of the country’s culture and daily life. Churches and religious ceremonies play a central role in many communities, and religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated.

Protestantism, particularly Evangelical Christianity, has also grown in popularity in recent years, with a significant portion of the population identifying as Protestant. Protestant denominations, including Pentecostal and Baptist churches, have become more prominent, particularly among the urban population.

There is a small Muslim community in Equatorial Guinea, primarily concentrated in urban areas and consisting mainly of immigrants from neighboring countries. The Muslim population is diverse, with both Sunni and Shia communities represented. Traditional African religions are still practiced by some indigenous groups, particularly in rural areas, and these beliefs often coexist with Christian practices.

Religion plays a significant role in the social and cultural fabric of Equatorial Guinea, with Christian values influencing many aspects of public and private life. Religious festivals, particularly those related to Catholicism, are celebrated with enthusiasm and are central to the cultural identity of the people.

Economy

Overview

Equatorial Guinea has one of the highest per capita incomes in Africa, primarily due to its oil reserves. The country’s economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas production, which accounts for the majority of government revenue and export earnings. Oil exploration in the Gulf of Guinea has transformed Equatorial Guinea from one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the wealthiest, at least in terms of per capita income. However, despite this wealth, there are significant disparities in income distribution, and poverty remains widespread, particularly in rural areas.

In addition to oil, the economy is supported by other sectors, including agriculture, forestry, and fishing. The government has made efforts to diversify the economy by investing in infrastructure, telecommunications, and financial services. However, the oil sector continues to dominate, and the country remains highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.

The government has worked to attract foreign investment in various sectors, including energy, mining, and tourism. Despite its oil wealth, the country faces challenges related to corruption, income inequality, and a lack of infrastructure outside major urban centers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture is an important part of Equatorial Guinea’s economy, particularly in rural areas where it provides employment and sustenance for local communities. The country’s fertile land, particularly in the mainland region, allows for the cultivation of crops such as cocoa, coffee, bananas, and cassava. Cocoa and coffee are two of the country’s main agricultural exports, though agriculture faces challenges due to limited access to technology, poor infrastructure, and a lack of investment.

Forestry is another important sector in Equatorial Guinea, with the country’s rainforests providing timber, including hardwoods like mahogany and teak. The government has worked to establish regulations for sustainable forestry practices, but illegal logging remains a concern, particularly in remote areas. The country’s fishing industry, located along its coastline, also contributes to the economy, with tuna and shrimp being among the main exports.

Equatorial Guinea is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and gas, which have been the driving forces behind the country’s economic growth. Oil reserves are located offshore in the Gulf of Guinea, and the country is one of the largest oil producers in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to oil, the country has significant natural gas reserves, which are increasingly being tapped for export.

The government has sought to use revenues from the oil sector to develop other industries, but efforts to diversify the economy have been slow. The oil wealth has contributed to rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in major cities like Malabo and Bata, but rural areas remain underdeveloped, and the country faces challenges related to social inequality and environmental sustainability.

Industry and Services

The industrial sector in Equatorial Guinea is heavily focused on oil and gas extraction, with significant investment in refining and petrochemicals. The country has a well-established oil industry, with companies like ExxonMobil, Marathon Petroleum, and Noble Energy operating in its offshore fields. The country’s oil sector has attracted significant foreign investment, and the government has sought to establish a regulatory framework to manage the wealth generated by oil exports.

Other industries in Equatorial Guinea include cement manufacturing, textiles, and construction. The country has experienced rapid growth in infrastructure development, particularly in urban areas, with new buildings, roads, and ports being constructed to accommodate the growing economy. However, the country’s industrial base remains heavily reliant on oil and gas, and diversification into other sectors remains a priority for the government.

The services sector in Equatorial Guinea has grown steadily, particularly in telecommunications, banking, and tourism. The government has worked to attract foreign investment in tourism, with an emphasis on the country’s natural beauty, including its rainforests, wildlife, and pristine beaches. The tourism sector remains underdeveloped but has potential for growth, particularly in eco-tourism and adventure tourism.

Government

Political System

Equatorial Guinea is a presidential republic with a highly centralized political system. The president, who holds significant power, serves as both the head of state and head of government. The president is elected for a seven-year term, with the possibility of re-election. Since the country’s independence from Spain in 1968, the president has been Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled with an authoritarian style. His government has been marked by repression of political opposition, limited press freedom, and widespread corruption.

The legislative branch consists of a bicameral parliament, with the Chamber of Deputies as the lower house and the Senate as the upper house. The president has substantial control over the legislative process, and elections are frequently criticized for being neither free nor fair. The ruling party, the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE), dominates the political landscape, and opposition parties are often sidelined or suppressed.

Legal System

Equatorial Guinea’s legal system is based on civil law, with a heavy influence from Spanish law due to its colonial history. The judiciary is nominally independent, but it faces significant interference from the executive branch. The president has considerable control over the appointment of judges and the administration of justice. The country’s legal framework guarantees basic rights and freedoms, but in practice, there are significant challenges related to the rule of law, human rights abuses, and corruption.

The legal system includes courts at various levels, with the Supreme Court serving as the highest court. While the government has made some efforts to improve the legal system and enhance access to justice, the judicial system remains largely under the control of the executive, and political repression remains a concern.

Foreign Relations

Equatorial Guinea maintains diplomatic relations with many countries, including Spain, France, and China. The country’s foreign policy has been influenced by its oil wealth, and it has sought to build strong economic relationships with global powers. However, Equatorial Guinea’s political system, marked by authoritarian rule, has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and Western governments.

The country is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). It has also sought to increase its influence in regional and international affairs through its oil exports and strategic positioning in the Gulf of Guinea. Relations with neighboring countries such as Cameroon and Gabon are generally cooperative, though there have been occasional tensions over maritime borders and economic cooperation.

The government of Equatorial Guinea has focused on maintaining strong ties with China, which has been a major partner in infrastructure development and trade. China’s involvement in Equatorial Guinea’s oil and gas sector has been significant, with Chinese companies operating in the country’s natural resource industries.

Equatorial Guinea Map