EQUATORIAL GUINEA
– Country Information

Population:
Equatorial Guinea has a population of of 836,178 as of 2020.

Size:
28,050 sq km / 10,830 sq mi (slightly larger than Massachusetts)

Capital City:
The capital city of Malabo is located on the island of Bioko. Bata is the administration capital and is located on the mainland.

Ethnic Groups:
85.7% Fang
6.5% Bubi
3.6% Mdowe
4.1% Other

Religion:
79.9% Roman Catholic
4.1% Sunni Muslim
6.9% Other Christian
9.1% Other / Nonreligious

Languages:
Spanish
Portuguese
French

Each ethnic group speaks its own language but Spanish is taught in school and used by the press.

Geography:
Equatorial Guinea is a country located on the west coast of Africa and also consists of five islands.

Economy:
Equatorial Guinea’s economy is largely based on petroleum making up more than four-fifths of its gross domestic product. Despite these resources, Equatorial Guinea remains a poor country and farming is the main occupation.

Interesting Fact:
Equatorial Guinea has the highest literacy rate of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Important Facts:
In 1472, the Portuguese discovered Equatorial Guinea and in 1474, they signed a treaty giving them exclusive trade rights. In 1778, they gave the territory to Spain in exchange for Brazil. Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain on October 12, 1968.