Equatorial Guinea is a small country on the west coast of Central Africa, consisting of a mainland region called Río Muni and several islands, including Bioko. It is one of the few African countries where Spanish is an official language, alongside French and Portuguese. The country is known for its oil wealth, tropical rainforests, and remarkable biodiversity.
- Capital
- Malabo
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- Middle Africa
- Area
- 28,051 km²
- Coordinates
- 2° N, 10° E
Country facts
- Equatorial Guinea is the only country in Africa where Spanish is a primary official language.
- The country gained independence from Spain in 1968.
- Its rainforests are home to western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, and numerous rare bird species.
- Despite its small size, Equatorial Guinea became one of sub-Saharan Africa's largest oil producers after offshore oil was discovered in the 1990s.
- The country is divided into two parts: the continental Río Muni region and a group of islands, the largest of which is Bioko in the Gulf of Guinea.
Capital facts
- Malabo is located on the island of Bioko, making it one of the few African capitals situated on an island.
- The city was founded by the British in the early 19th century and was originally called Clarence City.
- Under Spanish colonial rule, the city was renamed Santa Isabel before becoming Malabo after independence.
- Malabo Cathedral, a striking colonial-era church, is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
- The city sits near the base of Pico Basile, an active volcano and the highest peak in Equatorial Guinea.