Fact 1: The Only Country in Africa Where Spanish is Official
Equatorial Guinea is the only African country where Spanish is officially spoken. This country was once a Spanish colony, and it has held on to the Spanish language ever since its independence in 1968. It's worth noting that there are two other official languages in the country: French and Portuguese.
Fact 2: The Smallest Country in Continental Africa
Spread across a mainland and several islands, Equatorial Guinea is the smallest country in mainland Africa. Its landmass encompasses an area of just 28,000 square kilometers, which is roughly the size of Maryland in the United States.
Fact 3: The Country Comprises of Continental and Island Regions
The Equatorial Guinea terrain is composed of two distinct parts: the Continental Region or Rio Muni, which is situated on the western coast of Africa, and the Insular Region, composed of islands including Bioko, Annobón, and Corisco.
Fact 4: One of the Oldest Volcanoes in the World
Equatorial Guinea is home to Pico Basile, one of the oldest volcanoes in the world. It's located on Bioko Island and, standing at 9,878 feet (3,011 meters), it's also the highest point in the country.
Fact 5: Home to Many Unique Species of Wildlife
Equatorial Guinea is rich in biodiversity, with many species of wildlife that are only found there. Unique species include Goliath frogs, drill monkeys, and Bioko speirops, a type of bird.
Fact 6: The Capital City is on an Island
Malabo, the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, is not located on the mainland but on the northern coast of Bioko Island. The city has a mix of colonial Spanish architecture and modern buildings.
Fact 7: Oil is the Backbone of the Economy
Since the discovery of oil in the 1990s, Equatorial Guinea has become Sub-Saharan Africa's third-largest oil exporter, significantly boosting the country's economy.
Fact 8: The Cacao Trade
Before becoming an oil-rich country, Equatorial Guinea was known for cacao. The Spanish colonists introduced cacao trees in the 19th century, which have since become an important part of the country’s economy.
Fact 9: The Country's Unique Flag
Equatorial Guinea's flag is distinctive. It's a horizontal tricolor of green, white, and red with a blue triangle on the hoist side while the national coat of arms is in the middle of the white band.
Fact 10: Low Population Density
Despite its small size, Equatorial Guinea has a relatively low population density with just over 1.3 million people. Its low density is due to factors such as a high infant mortality rate and low life expectancy.
Fact 11: A High Literacy Rate
Equatorial Guinea boasts one of the highest literacy rates in Africa, with nearly 95% of the population over the age of 15 being able to read and write.
Fact 12: Diverse Cultural Heritage
Equatorial Guinea has a population made up of several ethnic groups. The Fang people are the largest ethnic group, followed by the Bubi, Ndowe, Bisio, and Annobonese.
Fact 13: Famous for Wood Carvings
Fang wood carvings from Equatorial Guinea are highly appreciated by art collectors. These unique artworks are often shaped like human or animal figures and have spiritual significance.
Fact 14: Distinctive Music and Dance Forms
Music and dance are integral parts of Equatorial Guinea's culture. Popular forms include the fango (a lively dance), balélé rhythms, and ibanga music.
Fact 15: Discovered by the Portuguese
Without the Portuguese explorer Fernão do Pó, Equatorial Guinea may not have been known to the western world. This country was discovered by him in 1472 during maritime expeditions.
Fact 16: A Love of Soccer
Like many other African nations, Equatorial Guinea is soccer-crazy. The nation even co-hosted the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2012, alongside Gabon.
Fact 17: Traditional Houses
Equatorial Guineans build traditional houses known as "acabados", constructed using local materials such as bamboo, raffia palm, and wooden poles.
Fact 18: The Home of Black Beach
Located on Bioko Island, Black Beach, or Playa Negra, is one of the most secluded and exceptional beaches in Africa, famous for its black volcanic sand.
Fact 19: A Constitutional Monarchy
Equatorial Guinea is one of the few African countries that follows a constitutional monarchy system. The current President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has been in power since 1979, making him the longest-serving current head of state in Africa.
Fact 20: An Island Paradise for Endangered Turtles
Equatorial Guinea provides a safe haven for endangered turtles. The country's beaches, especially those of Corisco Island, serve as the nesting ground for the globally threatened Leatherback and Olive Ridley Turtles.