Equatorial Guinea

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region –Equatorial Guinea is an independent nation located in Central Africa.
• Currency symbol of Equatorial Guinea –Central African CFA Franc symbol FCFA
• Capital City –Malabo
• Official languages –Spanish
• Population – 1,414,470 (2020)
• Country dialling code  –  (+240 )
• Official website – Equatorial Guinea
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Petroleum, farming, Fishing
• Google Maps link –Equatorial Guinea
• Where is it? –Continental Equatorial Guinea is a roughly rectangular territory bounded by Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the east and south. Near the coast are the small islands of Corisco and Great and Little Elobey.

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Equatorial Guinea In Pictures

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Equatorial Guinea History

• How did the country get its first name? –Spanish Guinea became the independent nation of Equatorial Guinea on October 12, 1968, which was formerly a colony of Spain with the name Spanish Guinea.
• How did the country get its current name? -Formerly the colony of Spanish Guinea, its post-independence name evokes its location near both the Equator and the Gulf of Guinea.
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – The Pygmies are believed to be the first in the area, followed by the Bantu people in the 17th century. The Portuguese explorer Fernando Pó is believed to be the first European to visit the islands in 1472. 
• Who were the first Inhabitants? –The first inhabitants of the region that is now Equatorial Guinea are believed to have been Pygmies, of whom only isolated pockets remain in northern Río Muni. Bantu migrations between the 17th and 19th centuries brought the coastal groups and later the Fang.
• When it was first recognized as a country?-On October 12, 1968, Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain.
• Who was the first leader of the country? –Francisco Macías Nguema was the first President of Equatorial Guinea, from 1968 until his overthrow and subsequent execution in 1979.

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Five Significant Events 

1. Spanish settling in Rio Muni: Spanish settle in what became the province of Rio Muni – mainland Equatorial Guinea. (https://face2faceafrica.com/article/how-equatorial-guinea-became-the-only-spanish-speaking-country-in-africa1)
2. New Year Day: Every year on January 1, Equatorial Guinea celebrates the arrival of the upcoming year along with the rest of the world. (https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/equatorial-guinea/festivals-and-events)
3. Independence Day: Equatorial Guinea celebrates its Independence Day on October 12. (https://anydayguide.com/calendar/2590#)
4. Malabo Hip Hop Festival: A 10-day event held every year in December, the celebrations are often hosted by the Institute of Cultural Expression (https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/equatorial-guinea/festivals-and-events)
5. Spanish granted independence: Spanish Guinea granted independence and becomes the Republic of Equatorial Guinea with Francisco Macias Nguema as president (https://sites.tufts.edu/atrocityendings/2015/08/07/equatorial-guinea/)

Five Places to Visit in Equatorial Guinea

1. Malabo: A curious fusion of colonial traditions meets between the age-stained, salt-washed architectural pieces that pepper Malabo’s heart. (https://www.visitguineaecuatorial.com/en/cities/malabo/)
2. Monte Alen National Park: The vast wildernesses of the Monte Alén National Park: perhaps the single most important area of outstanding natural beauty in West Africa you’ve never heard of. (https://www.nationalparks.africa/listing/monte-alen-park/)
3. Moca: Clutching the rugged volcanic ridges of the Moca Valley on the southern edges of Bioko, the namesake town of Moca is a bucolic picture of wild Equatorial Guinea. (http://trip-suggest.com/equatorial-guinea/equatorial-guinea-general/moca/)
4. San Antonio de Ureca: This little town of low-rise shacks and mud roads sits in the shadow of the mighty San Carlos Caldera, is imbued with gushing waterfalls, and surrounded by countless hiking routes to boot. (https://www.touristlink.com/equatorial-guinea/san-antonio-de-ureca/overview.html)
5. Bata: Bata Cathedral is the main sight, oozing a taste of Spanish character in the heart of town, while there’s also an airport and regular services to Cameroon and the city of Malabo by boat. (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g480185-Bata_Litoral_Province-Vacations.html)

References: 

• https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-continent-is-equatorial-guinea-in.html
• https://currencyname.com/equatorial-guinea/#:~:text=Equatorial%20Guinea%20Money%20The%20official%20money%20used%20in,is%20FCFA.%20The%20Equatoguinean%20currency%20code%20is%20XAF.
• https://www.studycountry.com/guide/GQ-language.htm
• https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/equatorial-guinea-population/
• https://www.howtocallabroad.com/equatorial-guinea/
• https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-the-biggest-industries-in-equatorial-guinea.html
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Equatorial-Guinea
• http://equatorialguineaonline.com/history#:~:text=Although%20first%20settled%20by%20pygmies%20and%20later%20by,to%20Christopher%20Columbus%E2%80%99%20discovery%20of%20the%20New%20World.
• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13317615
• https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/equatorial-guinea/festivals-and-events