Belying its troubled political past, Equatorial Guinea is a country of luscious vegetation and beautiful scenery, including tropical forests and snow-capped volcanoes. The capital, Malabo, is a rather rundown but attractive town, with pleasant Spanish colonial architecture, a striking volcanic setting and a lively market. The white-sand beaches around the islands are stunning. No wonder the country was first of all named ’Formosa’, meaning ’beautiful’, by the Portuguese.

The area was first colonised by the Portuguese in the late 15th century and handed over to the Spanish in 1788. Self-government was granted in 1959, followed by full independence in 1968.

Despite being a mainly ’undiscovered’ country with a history of human rights’ abuses, Equatorial Guinea’s financial fortunes appear to be looking up of late, following the discovery of oil and gas deposits in the Gulf of Guinea. Although this find has not alleviated the problem of a corrupt, inept and abusive government, it might put the country back on the global map and ensure that more are aware of both this country’s plight and its splendour.

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).

Republic. Declared independence from Spain in 1968.

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.

GMT + 1.

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.

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Prime Minister Ricardo Mangue Obama Nfube since 2007.

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo since 1979.