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Equatorial Guinea
Africa
One of Africa's smallest countries, Equatorial Guinea is oil-rich but has stark economic inequality. It consists of mainland territory and offshore islands.
1,700,000
Population
28,051
Area (km²)
Malabo
Capital
17
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
17 Events
September 12, 2025 - The ICJ rules in favor of France in a dispute over a seized Paris mansion owned by the president's son, Teodorin Obiang, rejecting Equatorial Guinea's claims.
September 09, 2025 - Equatorial Guinea loses 0-1 to Tunisia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, ending hopes of qualification.
August 28, 2025 - Baltasar Ebang Engonga is sentenced to prison for embezzlement tied to the 2024 sex tape scandal, marking a rare high-level corruption conviction.
August 01, 2025 - Activist Joaquín Elo Ayeto is arrested for alleged anti-government activities, continuing patterns of political repression.
June 05, 2025 - U.S. President Donald Trump reinstates a travel ban affecting Equatorial Guinea, citing security and corruption concerns.
May 19, 2025 - The ICJ rules in Equatorial Guinea's favor in the island dispute with Gabon, awarding sovereignty over Mbanié, Cocotiers, and Conga, potentially unlocking new oil resources.
January 01, 2025 - Opposition activist Liberato Bielo Biacho is arrested for online criticism of the government, underscoring crackdowns on dissent.
December 31, 2024 - Russian Africa Corps (formerly Wagner Group) mercenaries enter the country at the government's request to bolster security; the economy rebounds with 4.7% GDP growth due to hydrocarbon sector recovery.
November 05, 2024 - National Security Director General Baltasar Ebang Engonga is arrested in connection with a scandal involving over 400 sex tapes implicating high-profile figures, including the president's sister, Constancia Mangue Nsue Obiang.
November 01, 2024 - The UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review highlights ongoing abuses, including arbitrary detentions and restrictions on freedoms.
September 30, 2024 - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) begins hearings on a territorial dispute with Gabon over oil-rich islands (Mbanié, Cocotiers, and Conga), escalating bilateral tensions.
July 20, 2024 - The government cuts telephone and internet access in Annobón to conceal punitive measures against locals, as reported by independent media.
January 01, 2024 - Residents on Annobón Island report withering crops and structural cracks in homes due to environmental degradation; dozens are arrested and detained without trial, continuing a pattern of repression on the remote island.
December 31, 2023 - The economy contracts by 5.7%, driven by declining hydrocarbon production, exacerbating fiscal challenges despite oil wealth.
November 20, 2023 - President Obiang wins a sixth consecutive term in tightly controlled elections, securing over 94% of the vote amid opposition boycotts and international criticism of irregularities.
October 12, 2023 - Nationwide celebrations commemorate the 55th anniversary of independence from Spain, highlighting national unity under President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
February 07, 2023 - An outbreak of Marburg virus disease is reported, marking the country's first confirmed cases and prompting international health alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equatorial Guinea
100 Questions
Equatorial Guinea is in Central Africa, bordered by Cameroon, Gabon, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The official capital is Malabo (on Bioko Island), but the government is gradually moving to Oyala (Ciudad de la Paz) on the mainland.
Around 1.7 million people as of 2025 estimates.
Spanish, French, and Portuguese are official languages; Fang, Bubi, and Ndowe are widely spoken.
Tropical, hot, and humid with heavy rainfall, especially on Bioko Island.
The Central African CFA franc (XAF).
Green, white, and red horizontal stripes with a blue triangle and a coat of arms with a silk cotton tree.
Malabo, Bata, Ebebiyín, Aconibe, and Mongomo.
On October 12, 1968, from Spain.
Francisco Macías Nguema.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (as of 2025).
Since 1979, making him the world’s longest-serving president.
A unitary presidential republic, but often described as authoritarian.
Fang (majority), Bubi, Ndowe, and Annobonese.
Christianity (mainly Roman Catholic), with Islam and traditional beliefs also present.
Around $13 billion in 2025 estimates.
Around $7,500, among the highest in Africa (though wealth is unevenly distributed).
Around 95%.
About 60 years.
Around 4.2 children per woman.
About 60%.
Oil, gas, timber, and cocoa.
Machinery, food, vehicles, and manufactured goods.
Oil, gas, timber, gold, uranium, and fertile land.
It accounts for over 90% of exports and government revenue.
In the 1990s, transforming the economy.
The capital, Spanish colonial architecture, and oil companies.
The largest mainland city, with a deep-water port.
A small island known for fishing and Portuguese heritage.
The island where Malabo is located, with volcanic landscapes.
A volcano on Bioko Island and the highest point in the country (3,011 m).
West Africa Time (WAT), UTC +1.
Cassava, yams, plantains, rice, fish, and peanuts.
A common dish made with beans, corn, and fish.
A starchy staple eaten with sauces.
Succotash (bean and corn stew with fish or meat).
Palm wine, malamba (sugarcane liquor), and imported drinks.
Football, basketball, and athletics.
Yes, in 2012 (with Gabon) and 2015.
Not yet.
Emilio Nsue and Rodolfo Bodipo.
Makossa, soukous, reggaeton, and local drumming.
Drums, xylophones, and guitars.
Fang and Bubi dances with drumming and singing.
Colorful wraps, European-style clothes in cities.
Active in trade and farming but face inequality in politics.
Around 93%.
Around 97%.
High, despite oil wealth, due to limited diversification.
Around 30%, though it contributes little to GDP.
Cocoa, coffee, cassava, bananas, and yams.
Goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry.
Improved with oil money but still unequal.
Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and diarrheal diseases.
High, but declining.
Also high, reflecting weak rural healthcare.
“Caminemos pisando las sendas de nuestra inmensa felicidad” (“Let’s Tread the Path of Our Immense Happiness”).
“Unidad, Paz, Justicia” (“Unity, Peace, Justice”).
The gorilla.
The African grey parrot.
The hibiscus.
National University of Equatorial Guinea and private institutes.
Above 95%.
Around $7,500 annually, though most live in poverty.
Declining slowly.
Over 70%, with rapid city growth.
Focused on farming and fishing.
Oil and gas.
High in solar and hydro, but underdeveloped.
Overdependence on oil.
Authoritarian rule and lack of democracy.
Communities in Spain, the U.S., and neighboring Africa.
Much smaller compared to oil revenues.
Major trade partner and cultural influence.
Economic and diplomatic influence.
Largest investor in infrastructure and oil.
Oil investments and limited diplomatic ties.
Equatorial Guinea participates actively.
The country is a member and has hosted conferences.
Colonial architecture, oil industry, and being an island capital.
Port, trade, and oil refining.
A planned capital city under construction.
Bioko Island is home to unique primates and wildlife.
Monte Alén, Pico Basilé, and Annobón Natural Reserve.
A rainforest reserve with gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants.
Deforestation, oil expansion, and poaching.
Around 4% difference.
Moderate, but vulnerable to oil markets.
Low overall but high in Malabo and Bata.
Wood carving, weaving, and mask-making.
Important in celebrations, storytelling, and identity.
Fang dances, Bubi rituals, and modern zouk.
They dominate small-scale trade.
Strong influence in education and culture.
Much lower than youth.
Lower than in rural regions.
About 5–6 years.
Dependent on diversifying beyond oil and governance reforms.
It is the only African country where Spanish is an official language.
Small but resource-rich, with oil wealth, cultural diversity, and strategic location.