Equatorial Guinea in West Africa is bordered by Gabon, Cameroon and the Gulf of Guinea. The country also comprises the island of Bioko, formerly Fernando Poo, 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. The beaches around the islands are extremely beautiful. Equatorial Guinea is a country of luscious vegetation and much beautiful scenery, including tropical forests and volcanoes. The capital, Malabo, is a rather rundown but attractive town, with pleasant Spanish colonial architecture, a striking volcanic setting and a lively market. Most restaurants serve Spanish or continental cuisine. Beer is usually expensive, though a local sugar cane brew, malamba, can be sampled very cheaply.

West Coast of Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea.

GMT + 1.

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

521,000 (UN, 2005).

18.57 per sq km.

Malabo. Population: 38,000 (2001).

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. Head of State: President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo since 1979. Head of Government: Miguel Abia Biteo Boriko since 2004. Recent history: Miguel Abia Biteo Borico became the new Prime Minister in June 2004.
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.
The constitution allows for the introduction of multi-party politics and an elected Presidency and legislature. The President is elected for a seven-year term, while the 80-seat Cámara de Representantes del Pueblo (House of People’s Representatives) is elected in multi-member constituencies for a five-year term.

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 per cent are Roman Catholic, with an animist minority.

220/240 volts AC.

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.