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The island now called Bioko was first discovered by the Portuguese in the late 15th century.
Named for the explorer Fernando Poo, it was ceded to the Spanish in 1778. Then in 1827, the British founded Malabo and maintained a naval station there in an effort to squelch the slave trade along the African coast.
The Spanish arrived in 1858, and began the colonization of Bioko, and the mainland territory. It was then called Spanish Guinea, until the 5 islands (two quite small), and the African mainland territory of Rio Muni, became Equatorial Guinea in 1968, after gaining independence from Spain.
Long dependent on cocoa production for cash flow, as well as farming, fishing and forestry products, the somewhat recent discovery and subsequent selling of large oil reserves has certainly improved the local economy, at least for government officials, families and friends.
Those internal governmental relationships (according to some experts), were the major catalyst for the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cancel their long term and much-needed financial aid agreements to this very poor country.
Regardless, the future in Equatorial Guinea is uncertain, as much of the infrastructure (especially on the mainland) needs attention, health care must improve, and like many African countries, its literacy level is extremely low. |
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- Official Name Republic of Equatorial Guinea
- Population 659,197
- Capital City Malabo (101,000)
- Largest Cities Malabo, Bata, Ebebiyin
- Currency Africaine Franc
- Currency Converter
- Languages Spanish (official), French (official)
- National Day 12 October, Independence Day
- Religions Roman Catholic, pagan practices
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- Land Area 28,050 sq km (10,830 sq miles)
- Highest Point Pico Basile (3,008 m) (8,868 ft)
- Lowest Point Atlantic Ocean, sea level
- Land Divisions 7 provinces, including: Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral and Wele-Nzas
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The mainland of Equatorial Guinea begins on a narrow coastal plain, edged by mangrove swamps. From there, the land rises into an elevated plateau of thickly forested hills to its border with Gabon, reaching (in a few places) up to 4,000 ft. above sea level.
The major river, the Uola, snakes its way across the center of the country.
The offshore island of Bioko, volcanic in origin and very fertile, is dominated by three extinct volcanoes. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 3º 45' N, 8º 48' E
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Facilities for tourism are limited in Equatorial Guinea; ATM's are rare, there is little public transportation and renting a vehicle is quite difficult.
Nevertheless, intreprid travelers agree that the black sand (volcanic in origin) beaches near Bata, the stunning mountain scenery on Bioko and the attractive capital city of Malabo are great places to visit.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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Equatorial Guinea, just a few degrees north of the Equator, has a consistent tropical climate, one that's hot and humid throughout the year. The mean high temperature approaches the lows 80s.
The rainy season runs from April to October, and 10 inches per month are commonplace.
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A moment of reflection...
Bioko Island beach scene...
An African sunset...
A stunning young girl... |
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