Equatorial Guinea

National name:
Républica de Guinea Ecuatorial

Government
Dictatorship.

Geography
Equatorial Guinea, formerlySpanish Guinea, consists of RíoMuni (10,045 sq mi; 26,117 sq km),on the western coast of Africa, and several islands in the Gulf of Guinea, the largest of which is Bioko (formerly Fernando Po) (785 sq mi; 2,033 sq km). The other islands are Annobón, Corisco, Elobey Grande, and Elobey Chico.

Historical Background
Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest on the African continent. President Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO has ruled the country since 1979 when he seized power in a coup. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996 and 2002 presidential elections - as well as the 1999 and 2004 legislative elections - were widely seen as flawed. The president exerts almost total control over the political system and has discouraged political opposition. Equatorial Guinea has experienced rapid economic growth due to the discovery of large offshore oil reserves, and in the last decade has become Sub-Saharan Africa's third largest oil exporter.

Facts & Figures

Name: Equatorial Guinea

Capital: Malabo

Government: Presidential Republic

Language

Spanish and French 

Race/Ethnicity

85.7% Fang, 6.5% Bubi, 3.6% Mdowe, 1.6% Annobon, 1.1% Bujeba, 1.4% other (Spanish)

Religion

Roman Catholic (87%), Protestants (5%). Another 5% indigenous beliefs, 2% comprises Muslims.

Area

28,050 km2 (144th), 10,830 sq mi

Population

676,000 (166th)

Currency

Central African CFA franc (XAF)