23 Facts About Equatorial Guinea Most People Get Wrong

Equatorial Guinea is the only African country where Spanish is an official language, a legacy of Spanish colonial rule that ended in 1968.

The country has three official languages: Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Equatorial Guinea is made up of a mainland region, Rio Muni, and several islands, including Bioko and the remote Annobon.

The capital, Malabo, sits on the island of Bioko rather than on the mainland, an unusual arrangement among African nations.

Despite its name, no part of Equatorial Guinea actually lies on the equator; the closest point, the island of Annobon, is just south of it.

Oil discovered in the 1990s made it one of Africa's largest oil producers per person, though the wealth is highly concentrated.

President Teodoro Obiang has ruled since 1979, making him one of the world's longest-serving heads of state.

Bioko Island is one of Africa's most biodiverse islands, home to rare primates and the volcanic peak of Pico Basile, the country's highest point.

The government is building a brand-new capital, Ciudad de la Paz (formerly called Oyala), deep in the mainland rainforest.

Annobon, a tiny volcanic island far to the south, is one of the most isolated inhabited places in the Gulf of Guinea.

Equatorial Guinea is one of the smallest countries in mainland Africa by both area and population.

Before independence the territory was known as Spanish Guinea, and Spanish remains the language of government and education.

Equatorial Guinea is located in Central Africa, Africa, with its capital city in Malabo.

The population of Equatorial Guinea is approximately 1.5M, spread across 28,051 km² of territory.

Equatorial Guinea has a population density of 53/km²: a moderate density for its region.

Equatorial Guinea has a coastline of 296 km, giving it access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism.

Equatorial Guinea shares land borders with 2 countries: Cameroon, Gabon.

The official languages of Equatorial Guinea are Spanish / French / Portuguese.

Equatorial Guinea uses the Central African CFA Franc (XAF) as its official currency.

Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968, establishing itself as a sovereign nation in Central Africa.

The total GDP of Equatorial Guinea is $12.3B, with a GDP per capita of $8,200, classifying it as a lower-middle-income economy.

Equatorial Guinea has a tropical, hot and humid year-round climate, with the best time to visit being June–August.

Equatorial Guinea is considered a Mid–Expensive destination for travellers, with meals averaging $8–15.

🌋 Pico Basile

The highest peak in Equatorial Guinea at 3,011m, a dormant volcano with cloud forest

🦍 Monte Alén National Park

Mainland rainforest park with gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants and bongos

🏛️ Malabo Colonial Architecture

Spanish colonial buildings and a cathedral in the island capital

🐢 Ureka Beach

Remote black sand beach on the southern tip of Bioko with nesting sea turtles