Fun Facts:
1. It’s located on the west coast of Central Africa and consists of two parts: a mainland region, Rio Muni, and an insular region comprised of five islands, Bioko, Annobón, Corisco, Great Elobey, and Little Elobey.
2. Its current capital is Malabo, on Bioko island. Its largest city is Bata, located on the mainland region, along with Ciudad de la Paz, the country’s planned future capital.
3. It’s one of Africa’s top 5 oil producers and is the richest country per capita in Africa. Due to extreme income inequality, most of the population lives in poverty.
4. It’s the only Spanish-speaking nation in Africa. Spanish is the language of education and administration and one of 3 official languages, along with French and Portuguese (which aren’t widely spoken).
5. Regional languages include Fang, Bube, Combe, Pidgin English, Annobonese and Igbo.
6. Major ethnic groups: Fang (81.7%), Bubi (6.5%), Igbo (5.4%), Ndowe (3.6%), Annobon (1.6%), Bujeba (1.1%)
7. Major religions: Christianity (93%), Indigenous and other (5%), Islam (2%)
8. It is a former colony of Spain, from whom it gained independence in October 1968.
9. Its president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in power since 1979, is Africa’s longest-serving ruler.
10. Most of the mainland region is covered by tropical rainforest.
11. It has abundant wildlife, including western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, mandrills, and forest elephants, and a sea wildlife unique to the area.
12. It’s one of the world’s least visited countries and is an off the beaten path destination.
13. Tourist attractions include the Spanish Colonial architecture of Malabo, the town and markets of Bata, Moca Valley and the Cascades de Moca waterfalls, Monte Alen National Park, Pico Basile mountain, Pico Malabo volcano, the beaches, and the tropical rain forests.
14. Its new festival, the Equatorial Guinea Bodypainting Festival held in January, is poised to bring more tourism to the country.
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