Equatorial Guinea Travel Guide - Key Facts

West Coast of Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea.

GMT + 1.

28,051 sq km (10,831 sq miles).

521,000 (UN estimate 2005).

18.6 per sq km.

Malabo. Population: 95,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Equatorial Guinea is bordered to the south and east by Gabon, to the north by Cameroon and to the west by the Gulf of Guinea. The country also comprises the island of Bioko, formerly Fernando Po, 34km (21 miles) off the coast of Cameroon, and the small offshore islands of Corisco, Great Elobey, Small Elobey and Annobón (formerly Pagalu). The mainland province, Rió Muni, is mainly forest, with plantations on the coastal plain and some mountains. Bioko rises steeply to two main peaks in the north and south. The southern area is rugged and inaccessible. Cultivation and settlements exist on the other slopes; above the farming land, the forest is thick. The beaches around the islands are extremely beautiful.

Republic. Declared independence from Spain in 1968.

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo since 1979.

Prime Minister Ricardo Mangue Obama Nfube since 2007.

As an impoverished African backwater, Equatorial Guinea attracted little international attention, and the EU, the country’s principal source of aid in recent years, had all but given up on it. This has since changed, along with Equatorial Guinea’s economic fortunes, following the discovery of oil and gas deposits in the Gulf of Guinea. This windfall has had two other important consequences. Firstly, the resolution of a long-standing territorial dispute with Nigeria in September 2000, since when the two countries have begun joint explorations. Secondly, the revival of independence aspirations on the island of Bioko (formerly Fernando Po), which is part of Equatorial Guinean territory and hosts most of the new oil and gas facilities. Ricardo Mangue Obama Nfube became the new prime minister in April 2007.

Spanish and French are the official languages. The main African dialects spoken are Fang and Bubi (which is common on Bioko).

No official religion, but around 90% are Roman Catholic, with an animist minority.

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Foreign visitors (especially Europeans) are a comparative rarity in Equatorial Guinea and are liable to be met with curiosity and, possibly, suspicion. Foreign cigarettes are appreciated as gifts. A knowledge of Spanish is useful.

Photography: A permit is required from the Ministry of Information and Tourism. Care should be taken when choosing subjects. Photographing the presidential palace, airports, ports, military bases and other sensitive areas could lead to imprisonment.