Equatorial Guinea Fast Facts

Bordering Cameroon and Gabon, the small country of Equatorial Guinea lies on the west coast of Africa. Although it is rich in petroleum, the poverty rate is very high. It is the only country in Africa where Spanish is the primary language spoken. The country’s capital, Malabo, is located on the island of Bioko, which is also the political, cultural and economic center of Equatorial Guinea. See andyeducation for education in Equatorial Guinea.

Capital City Malabo
Size 28,051 km²
Resident 686,000
Official Language Spanish
Currency CFA Franc (XAF)
Time Zone UTC+1
Telephone Area Code +240

Fast facts to know

  • One of the smallest countries in Africa.
  • Associated islands: Annobón, Bioko, Corisco, Elobay Grande, Elobey Chico.
  • Islands are all of volcanic origin.
  • Species-rich and unique wildlife.
  • Hardly any tourist infrastructure available.
  • Germans need a visa, which must be applied for before departure.
  • Yellow feather vaccination, police clearance certificate, current HIV test mandatory.
  • Medical care on site bad.
  • Malabo is served directly from Germany.
  • Drinking water quality rather bad.
  • Taking photos is forbidden in many places and not welcomed.
  • High risk of malaria throughout the country.
  • Prices in Equatorial Guinea are comparatively high and credit cards are hardly ever accepted.
  • Take enough cash with you in euros.
  • High crime rate.

Exciting cities in Equatorial Guinea

  • Malabo
  • bata

History of Equatorial Guinea

  • In the 6th millennium B.C. settled by pygmies.
  • Discovered and claimed by Portuguese navigator Fernão do Póo in 1469.
  • Sphere of power expanded with the establishment of trading posts.
  • Assignment to Spain.
  • As the colony of “Spanish Guinea”, the country was under Spanish rule for a long time.
  • Released to full state sovereignty in 1968.
  • A reign of terror followed under President Francisco Macías Nguema.
  • 1979 military coup.
  • 1990s Introduction of a multi-party system.

Climate & travel weather in Equatorial Guinea

  • Tropical rainforest climate due to its proximity to the equator.
  • Year-round high temperatures of around 26 degrees.
  • Lots of rain February to June and September to November.
  • Best travel time: drier months between November and April, especially January and February, which are also the sunniest months.

Ideas for trips in Equatorial Guinea

  • Bioko Island
  • Monte Alen National Parks (guided tours through tropical rainforest)
  • malabo:
    • Palace of the President
    • Cathedral of the capital
    • Markets & Port
  • Pico Basilé volcano, near the small town of Batete
  • Seaside town of Bata .

Eating & Drinking in Equatorial Guinea

  • Shaped by Spanish, Portuguese but also by Arabic influences.
  • Main staple: cassava (starchy root vegetable, also known as cassava).
  • Often used: chili, bitter spinach, fresh fruit such as bananas, mango or pineapple, yam, rice, plantains.
  • Typical dishes:
    • Poulet à la sauce aux arachides (chicken in peanut sauce)
    • fish and seafood
    • Mbika (fish grilled in banana leaves)
    • Banga (oil palm pulp soup)
    • Bitalif (Bitter Spinach Soup)
    • Pepe (fish or meat soup with chilies, tomatoes, local herbs)
  • Game, such as antelope, is processed as well as more exotic ingredients such as snails, porcupine, sea turtle
  • Eating monkey meat is no longer commonplace
  • Malamba (sugar cane beer)

Particularly scenic

  • Savannas and remains of the original rainforest vegetation
  • Mangrove coast of Mbini region
  • Mountain ranges on Bioko

Equatorial Guinea Fast Facts