Equatorial Guinea. Guinea on the world map

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Geographical position. Equatorial Guinea- state in West Africa, consisting of the mainland (Rio Muni) on west bank, the islets of Corisco, Elobi Grande and Elo bi Shiko and the islands of Bioko (formerly Masis Nguema Biyo-go, even earlier Fernando Po) and Annobin (Pagalu) in the Gulf of Guinea.

Area. The territory of Equatorial Guinea occupies 28,051 sq. km.

main cities, Administrative division. The capital of Equatorial Guinea is Malabo (formerly Santa Isabel) in the north of Bioko Island. Largest cities: Malabo (38 thousand people), Bata (24 thousand people) - the largest city on the mainland. Administrative-territorial division of the country: 7 provinces.

Political system

Equatorial Guinea Republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. The legislative body is the House of People's Representatives.

Relief. Most of the surface of the continental part is a highland with a height of 600-900 m (the largest is 1,200 m), along the coast there is a strip of low plains.

Geological structure and minerals. The bowels of the country contain reserves of manganese, uranium, oil.

Climate. The climate in the country is tropical. The average annual temperature in Malabo is about +25°C, the average annual rainfall is over 2,000 mm. The rainy season lasts from December to February.

Inland waters. The main river is the Mbini.

Soils and vegetation. Evergreen moist equatorial forests. Animal world. characteristic leopard, crocodile, buffalo, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, monkeys, antelope, many snakes and birds

Population and language

The population is approximately 454 thousand people (it is believed that several tens of thousands of people live in emigration due to the difficult political situation in the country), the population density is about 16 people per 1 sq. km. km. Ethnic groups: Fang - 80%, Bubi - 15%. Languages: Spanish (official), Fang (one of the Bantu languages), Bubi.

Religion

Catholics-90%).

Brief historical outline

The territory of Equatorial Guinea was discovered by the Portuguese at the end of the 15th century, from the end of the 16th century. the colonization of the islands began. Spain, Holland and Great Britain also claimed the territory of Equatorial Guinea. Since 1778 - possession of Spain under the name of Spanish Guinea. Since 1960 "overseas province" of Spain. In 1964 it was given internal autonomy. From October 1968 Spanish Guinea is an independent state called Equatorial Guinea. In 1991 new constitution approved. In 1992 introduced a multi-party system.

Brief economic essay

The basis of the economy is the production of export crops and logging. Main export crops: cocoa, coffee, bananas, oil palm. In the forests, the harvesting of wild oil palm fruits, rubber-bearing sap and the harvesting of valuable species of wood. Animal husbandry is poorly developed. Fishing. Primary processing of agricultural raw materials and timber. Export: cocoa, coffee, timber.

The monetary unit is the CFA franc.

Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

The name of the country is due to its geographical location.

Capital of Equatorial Guinea. Malabo.

Equatorial Guinea area. 28051 km2.

Population of Equatorial Guinea. 845,000 people (

Equatorial Guinea GDP. $15.53 billion (

Location of Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial - a state in the Central, which consists of the mainland and the islands of Corisco, Elobi Grande, Elobi Shiko, Bioko, Annobin in the Gulf of Guinea.

Administrative divisions of Equatorial Guinea. The state is divided into 4 provinces.

Form of government of Equatorial Guinea. Republic.

Head of State of Equatorial Guinea. The president.

Supreme Legislature of Equatorial Guinea. The unicameral parliament is the House of People's Representatives.

Supreme executive body of Equatorial Guinea. Government.

Major cities in Equatorial Guinea. Bata.

State language of Equatorial Guinea. Spanish, French.

Religion in Equatorial Guinea. 90% -, 5% - Protestants.

Ethnic composition of Equatorial Guinea. 80% - Fang, 15% - Bubi.

Currency of Equatorial Guinea. CFA franc = 100 centimes.

Attractions of Equatorial Guinea. There are no special attractions in the country.

Useful information for tourists

Equatorial Guinea is a very poor country, where the only pastime other than the beach are the numerous bars and restaurants with national cuisine, which can be found on almost every corner in every village and town. The population of the country, especially on the mainland, has retained fairly strong folk traditions, while the importance of various cults and black magic is great. Wizards and sorcerers are still among the most important members of the community, so many tourists come here specifically to get acquainted with this particular aspect of the life of the local population. It is forbidden to export products made of gold and silver, skins of wild animals without an appropriate permit.

But she is very rich and with a high standard of living. Although the word "equatorial" is present in her name, her territory is not crossed. Its name is rather associated with its proximity to the equator. Most of the territory of Equatorial Guinea is covered national parks and protected areas. Equatorial Guinea is one of the countries with a high standard of living on the continent.

Geographic location, boundaries and dimensions. Equatorial Guinea is located between 0 and 2° north latitude and between 9 and 11° east longitude. The country is located between the jungles of central Africa. It covers an area of 28051 sq. km. In the west there is an outlet to the Gulf of Biafra on the Atlantic Ocean. It borders Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the east and south. Bioko Island, which is located off the coast of Africa, is the property of Equatorial Guinea. The island is located almost 160 kilometers from the coast of the continent. The capital of the country is also located on the island of Bioko, which is quite unusual, given that the country also has territories on the continent. In addition to Bioko, the country owns four more islands. It is interesting to note that due to the proximity to the equator here every day the sun rises and sets at approximately the same time. Sunrises are observed around 6 and a half in the morning, and sunsets are observed around 6 and a half in the evening, there are differences within a few minutes. Unlike the Mediterranean, where day and night come somehow gradually, here everything happens very quickly. Night comes on unnoticed, so that unprepared foreigners often remain greatly surprised and impressed by this phenomenon.

Nature. Equatorial Guinea is covered by flat areas. Only in a small part of the country there is a plateau-like relief with an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level. The most high point Equatorial Guinea Pico de Basil. It is located on the volcanic island of Bioko and rises to 3008 meters. A huge part of the country is covered with forests, in which unique plant and animal species live. Here you can meet such animals as leopard, gorilla, chimpanzee and many others. Various poisonous snakes hide among the trees, and the branches are full of different kinds of birds. It is dangerous to enter the rivers because crocodiles live in them. The variety of insects is amazing - if a person listens to the sounds of the equatorial forest at night, he will feel that something is stirring from all the stars, something is moving and making noise! Most of Equatorial Guinea is occupied by protected areas, and this is especially true of the continental part of the country.

Climate. Equatorial Guinea falls within the climate zone. It is characterized by year-round high temperatures and heavy, almost daily rainfall. Temperatures throughout the year range from 29 to 32°C during the day and between 20 and 22 at night. The maximum temperatures are measured in February, and the minimum in July. Precipitation varies from 40 mm in January to 250 mm in September. For people living in temperate latitudes, it is quite difficult to endure the combination of high temperature and high humidity. I must say that 30 degrees here is much more difficult to bear than 30 degrees, for example, in or. Heat and humidity make even the smallest effort exhausting.

population. The population of Equatorial Guinea is about 700,000 inhabitants. The official language is Spanish and the official religion is Christianity. Since 1968, the inhabitants of Equatorial Guinea have enjoyed independence. Until then, they are under control. There are only two cities in the country that have a population of more than 100,000 inhabitants. This is the city of Bata and the capital of Malabo. Although the capital of Malabo was largest city in the country today, with its 160,000 inhabitants, it ranks second after the 180,000th Baht.

Economy. Equatorial Guinea is a country with a developing economy, but a very high standard of living. Income comes mainly from oil, agriculture (cocoa / mainly from the island of Bioko / cassava, bananas, yams) and fishing in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The reason for the wealth of Equatorial Guinea is that the wealth is distributed among a small number of people. Thus, the country with an emerging economy provides a standard of living higher than in many countries, including the Baltic countries and Taiwan. Literacy in Equatorial Guinea
one of the leading places in Africa. Despite this, however, the fact that Equatorial Guinea is a developing country is best seen in the quality of health care, which is not very high, as in most African countries.

Best time to visit Equatorial Guinea the months of November, December, January and February, when precipitation is scarce. Arriving at any time of the year, still bring your umbrella and very light and loose clothes.

Equatorial Guinea is a tiny state, the smallest in Africa. The people of the country until 1968 fought against Spanish rule. After gaining independence and proclaiming democracy, the republic embarked on the path of economic development. Large offshore oil reserves and growth remind of takeoff United Arab Emirates. Only the climate is more humid, there is an untouched jungle, a population unspoiled by the benefits of civilization. The gentle coast of the Atlantic, preserved folk traditions like a magnet attract to Guinea modern travelers who are in search of exotic adventures.

Guinea on the map of the world and the African continent

The former Spanish colony - the Republic of Equatorial Guinea - is a young developing country. On a small scale, the country is a small rectangle on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea and a number of islands. The state is located slightly north of the equator and extends from 0.54° to 2.19° N.

The territory of Equatorial Guinea consists of the mainland - Rio Muni, which is located between Cameroon in the north, Gabon in the south and east. In the west, the coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Biafra. State owned 5 volcanic islands, the largest of which are Bioko, Annobon, Corisco. The area of the mainland is 26 thousand km2, the island territory occupies 2 thousand km2.

National symbols

On Independence Day on October 12, the national flag of Equatorial Guinea can be seen everywhere in the Republic. Its bright cloth consists of three equal width horizontal stripes of green, white and red. There is a blue triangle next to the pole edge. In the center of the flag is the state emblem in the form of a silver shield. The personification of the unity of the population of the country are six golden six-pointed stars above it. Each of them is one mainland and five island provinces. The motto of the Republic is carved under the shield - "Unity, Peace and Justice". In the central part there is an image of a green cotton tree - bombax, which is rich in Equatorial Guinea (photo).

The colors of the flag have a deep symbolic meaning:

the blue triangle represents the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, washing the shores of the country;
the green strip reflects the main wealth of the flora and the flourishing activity of the population - agriculture;
white color is a symbol of the peace that has been established since independence;
the blood shed by the freedom fighters of Equatorial Guinea is symbolized by the bottom red stripe.

Currency of Equatorial Guinea

Many collectors are looking for old and new designs issued in Equatorial Guinea. The history of the country's currency is an exciting novel for a numismatist. The CFA franc is in circulation (1 franc = 100 cents). Coins are minted from light copper-nickel and aluminum-bronze alloys (golden color).

Modern coins of Equatorial Guinea are similar to those of the Central African Monetary Union (Communaute Financiere Africaine, CFA). The association arose at a time when the six member states were Equatorial Guinea's accession to the union in 1986 was marked by the change of its own monetary unit - equele - to the CFA franc. In 1976-1996, alphabetic symbols of countries were applied to coins of a common sample for the union. In Equatorial Guinea, in 1985, coins were issued that differed from a single sample by inscriptions in Spanish and the full name of the country on the obverse. In the next, 1986, only one type of such coins was minted - 50 francs, then they stopped issuing them.

Capital of Equatorial Guinea

The administrative center of the country and the port of Malabo is located on the island of Bioko near the crater extinct volcano(3011 m). Previously, both the city and the majestic peak were called Santa Isabel. Now Mountain peak referred to in country guides as Pico Basile or Mount Malabo. The landscapes of the island are picturesque lagoons, former craters, now covered with evergreen jungle, volcanic lakes. The population of Malabo is more than 160 thousand people. The city looks well-groomed, its inhabitants are friendly to guests.

in the administrative center of the country international Airport, comfortable hotels were built. The city is literally immersed in tropical greenery. Malabo Airport is connected by weekly flights to world capitals. Equatorial Guinea can be reached from Cameroon by land. The national airline operates daily flights between Malabo and Bata. To move around the mainland and island territory, you can use the services fixed-route taxis. To get to the islands, you need to wait for the ferry or rent a canoe.

Other cities of the republic

Bata, the economic capital of Equatorial Guinea, is a clean city with wide avenues. Tourists have chosen it as a starting point for trips to villages and islands.

Mbini is a small town 50 km south of Bata, in the bay of Rio Benito. Here the main river of Equatorial Guinea, the Mbini (formerly called the Benito), flows into the bay. One of the main beach resorts country.

Ebebin is a city located in the northeast of the continental part of the state. First major locality on the way from Cameroon.

Luba is the administrative center of the Southern Province on about. Bioko, port city.

In the cities of New Guinea, market trade is flourishing, there are many bars and restaurants where guests can taste national dishes and local drinks.

Climate

The climatic conditions of Equatorial Guinea are fully consistent with ideas about the humid tropics of Africa. During the year, warm weather prevails and the temperature is 25 C °, occasionally the thermometer rises above 32 C °. Seasons typical for temperate latitudes are weakly expressed. Basically, the bill goes to the seasons: wet and dry. On the island of Bioko, it rains from July to January. The same precipitation regime in the capital - Malabo.

Equatorial Guinea in the mainland is 2 rainy periods: in April-May and October-December. The least showers are in May-September and December-January. The mountainous area differs from the flat part of the country in more humid and cool weather, but less than 18 ° C is rare. best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is a dry season - November-April.

Nature

The coastline of the mainland is slightly indented. A low-lying plain stretches here, and highlands up to 900 m high go inland. On the island of Bioko there is a three-thousander of Equatorial Guinea - Pico Basile - a mountain formed by the cones of three merged volcanoes. At the foot there is a belt of tropical forests, which are filled with the hubbub of hundreds of species of birds. The world of reptiles and mammals is rich. Higher in the mountains, one can observe the change of lush vegetation to wastelands and meadows - unusual natural complexes for the tropical latitudes in which Equatorial Guinea is located.

The map of the mainland provinces of the country gives an idea of the plains on the coast, the hills in the central part, and full-flowing rivers. The wealth of the continental regions - minerals, evergreens. There are more than 150 tree species, dominated by ficuses, coconut palms, iron and breadfruit trees. Lianas twine around them, bright flowers grow in the undergrowth. Exotic fauna is represented by large predators, elephants, monkeys, antelopes, hippos, tropical birds.

country culture

The color of Equatorial Guinea lies in the linguistic diversity, the preservation of the traditions and customs of original tribes, in which elements of the culture of alien peoples are woven. Ancient African dialects are still heard in the forest villages, and shamans are engaged in magical rituals, as many centuries ago. Residents of cities communicate with each other in Spanish, Portuguese and French. The rural population mainly uses local languages - Fang, Bubi, Ndove, Annobon, Buhebu. Colorful festivals are held annually in Equatorial Guinea. None of them is complete without national dances and songs that glorified Equatorial Guinea in Africa and other continents.

Main Attractions

The capital - Malabo attracts tourists as a starting point for climbing to the top of the volcano and visiting the reserve. An asphalt road has been laid from the city to the top of Pico Basil. Tourists often go on day trips to the natural gem that Equatorial Guinea is famous for. One of the main architectural sights of the capital is the Cathedral of Santa Isabel. Exactly this beautiful building city, which has become its peculiar calling card, located on Independence Square. Before high architectural structure with narrow pointed towers there is another local attraction - a picturesque fountain.

You can get acquainted with the national traditions, folk art, works of art of Equatorial Guinea in the museum, which is located 20 km from the small town of Ebebin in the northwest of the mainland. The institution was created by local enthusiasts to get acquainted with the culture of the country as a whole. The decoration of the city center of Bath, which is also located on the continent, is the building of the Panafrica Hotel. The hotel offers a magnificent view of Atlantic Ocean, coast and beach.

Tourism development

Equatorial Guinea has rich resources for tourism development:

beaches on the coast with fine white sand;
large tracts of tropical forests;
volcanic peaks, caves;
waterfalls, rivers and lakes;
ethnic traditions of African tribes, black magic of shamans;
festivals and ceremonies with live singing and dancing;
colorful markets;

The nature of the country is threatened by the same danger that was realized in other states of the forest belt of Africa. Increased economic needs, development Agriculture, mining and road construction have required deforestation. Reducing biodiversity, changing the natural habitat - only part of the exacerbated environmental problems.

Difficulties in the economy somewhat delay development tourism infrastructure small state. Nevertheless, mainland and island Equatorial Guinea is of great interest to travelers.

General information

Official name - Republic of Equatorial Guinea. The state is located in Central Africa. The area is 28,051 km2. Population - 740 people. (for 2012). The official language is Portuguese, Spanish, French. The capital is Malabo. The monetary unit is the CFA franc.

The state in the south and east borders on Gabon (the length of the border is 350 km), in the north - on Cameroon (189 km). In the west, the country is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Guinea. The total length of the border is 539 km. Length coastline- 296 km. In addition to the mainland, Equatorial Guinea includes the islands of Bioko, Annobón and several small islands.

The climate of the country is equatorial, hot (average temperature in January is +24°С, in July - +27°С) and humid (an average precipitation is over 2,000 mm per year).

History

By 1472, when a Portuguese expedition landed on an island in the Gulf of Guinea, which became part of Equatorial Guinea, the Pygmy tribes, the Fang and Bubi groups of peoples, lived here. The crew commander Fernand do Po, who went on a trip in search of a convenient trade route to, called the lands he discovered Formosa, which means “beautiful island”. But the name did not stick, and for a long time new territories were marked on maps under the name Fernando Po (now Bioko). In 1474, the islands of Fernando Po and Annobón became colonies.

In 1592, when the state fell under the control of the Spanish kingdom for sixty years, the boundaries of the possessions of both metropolises were blurred. Only after the Spanish-Portuguese war (1761-1763), when it became necessary to revise the borders of Portugal and, was an agreement signed in the royal palace of El Pardo (Spain), according to which the Portuguese possessions in Africa, including the lands between the Ogove and Niger rivers and the islands of Fernando Po and Annobón, were exchanged for Spanish territories in South America.

Although the colonies located within the boundaries of the future Equatorial Guinea formally passed to Spain, she had to actually prove her right to power: the local tribes were ready for war with strangers, and the island of Fernando Po was gradually occupied by English slave traders who founded a base here in 1827 Clarence Town. In 1843, the island possessions were again subordinated to the Spanish crown, but the Spanish colonialists won an absolute victory on the mainland only by the end of the 19th century.

The united colony, called Spanish, appeared in 1926. The prospects for its existence at that time were not the most rosy: the metropolis used the territories for growing cocoa, slaves imported from the plantations worked. Tension among the inhabitants of the colony grew, and from the 1920s every decade was marked by an uprising against Spanish rule. In 1959, as the crisis reached its peak, the Spanish government granted Spanish Guinea limited autonomy by declaring the new Spanish Equatoria. In 1968, under pressure from the UN, Spain agreed to organize a referendum in Guinea, as a result of which 63% of local residents cast their votes in favor of full independence.

The desired was finally achieved, but life in Equatorial Guinea did not become any easier. Elected in 1968, the first president of an independent state, Macias Nguema Biyogo, set a course for the establishment of an authoritarian regime. The right to exist was given to one party, the United National Party of Workers. Until 1979, repressions were carried out in the country, all forces were thrown into the search for "internal enemies", while the economy of Guinea was weakening more and more.

In 1979, the nephew of the incumbent president, Nguema Mbasogo, organized a military coup and, having come to power, began to pursue a policy of democratization and rapprochement with Spain and. However, by 1990, persecution of opposition parties began again in the country. Elected in 1996, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema finally consolidated the power of the dictatorship in Guinea.

Attractions of Equatorial Guinea

Malabo- the capital of Equatorial Guinea, until 1973 was called Santa Isabel - a port in the Gulf of Biafra, which is part of the Gulf of Guinea. Malabo is located on the island of Macías Nguema Biyogo (the old name is Fernando Po) at the foot of the Santa Isabel volcanic mountain. In the vicinity of the city - evergreen rainforests, which are home to many monkeys, snakes, birds, hippos and other animals.

Cathedral of Malabo- one of the few monuments of the colonial era. During the reign of Macias, it was used as an armory.

There are no special historical and architectural sights in Malabo. It is famous, like other cities of the Black Continent, for its annual cultural festivals, an important part of which is the performance of ibanga dances and other folk songs and dances.

Pico Santa Isabel Nature Reserve, located near the capital in the area of the mountain of the same name (3,050 m). There is lush tropical vegetation and a very diverse animal world(monkeys, porcupines, foxes, squirrels, parrots of various species).

Evergreen equatorial forests grow in the reserve. baobabs, breadfruit trees and even ficuses. inhabits great amount rare birds. Here you can see buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, antelopes, monkeys, lions and even elephants!

Ebebin- the second largest city in Rio Muni, located in the far northeast corner of the country, is most often the first point of contact with the country for many travelers entering Equatorial Guinea from. Twenty kilometers west of the city is the Ebebin Museum, which displays traditional sculpture of the peoples of the country and other works of art.

Mbini- a pleasant town 50 km south of Bata, in the bay of Rio Benito. It is a popular swimming spot as well. perfect place to chat with local residents in their traditional environment.

Cuisine of Equatorial Guinea

Bamboo is widely used in the national cuisine of Equatorial Guinea. There is even a dish called " bamboo fingers". As a rule, a plate is served on which 4 pieces of bamboo 6-7 centimeters long are laid out, their thickness is approximately 2 centimeters.

The absorption of bamboo is a simple process. It should just be cut into small pieces. Bamboo is usually dipped in coconut gravy before eating. By the way, only a young plant is used to prepare such a dish. If you miss the deadline for its collection, then the product turns into inedible.

home distinguishing feature national cuisine are sauces made from products native to the region such as peanuts, nyame and okro. In addition, meat of wild animals is used for cooking - crocodiles, pangolins, snakes, monkeys, antelopes, turtles, gazelles and others.

The main dishes of Equatorial Guinea are pepesup(spicy fish soup), chocolate covered pangolin, bamboo peanut soup. The garnish is almost always rice or green bananas.

Traditional drinks are palm wine and sugar cane malamba. However, beer is the most popular these days.

Equatorial Guinea on the map

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