33 Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Equatorial Guinea's Culture

Here are 33 interesting facts you didn’t know about the culture of Equatorial Guinea, a small but unique country located in Central Africa:

1. Equatorial Guinea consists of both a mainland region (called Río Muni) and several islands, with Bioko Island being the largest, where the capital city, Malabo, is located.

2. The country is the only Spanish-speaking nation in Africa, as it was a former Spanish colony until it gained independence in 1968.

3. Malabo, the capital, sits on Bioko Island, while the nation’s seat of government has been moved to Oyala on the mainland, in an effort to promote development.

4. The official currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), though Equatoguinean peso was once used.

5. Equatorial Guinea is one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of GDP per capita, largely due to its oil reserves.

6. The country’s oil boom began in the 1990s, transforming Equatorial Guinea’s economy and leading to its significant wealth.

7. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been in power since 1979, making him one of the longest-serving presidents in the world.

8. Equatorial Guinea is known for having one of the highest levels of income inequality in the world despite its wealth from oil.

9. The nation has a population of about 1.5 million, with Malabo being the most populous city.

10. Spanish is the official language, but Fang, Bubi, Ndowe, and other indigenous languages are also widely spoken.

11. Bioko Island was once known as Fernando Po during colonial times and was named after a Portuguese explorer.

12. Equatorial Guinea was one of the last African countries to gain independence, achieving it on October 12, 1968.

13. Macías Nguema, the country's first president, was notorious for his brutal dictatorship from 1968 to 1979, with thousands of deaths during his regime.

14. Macías Nguema’s reign is often described as one of the most repressive in African history, marked by extreme human rights abuses.

15. Obiang took power in a military coup in 1979, overthrowing Macías, and has maintained control ever since.

16. The country has a diverse ecosystem, with tropical forests, mountains, and coastal regions teeming with wildlife, such as monkeys, chimpanzees, and rare species of birds.

17. Monte Alen National Park is one of the most notable protected areas in Equatorial Guinea, home to some of the country’s most incredible biodiversity.

18. Equatorial Guinea has a humid tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy season from April to October and a dry season from November to March.

19. The nation has one of the highest rates of illiteracy in Africa, with efforts underway to improve education in rural areas.

20. The country is rich in mineral resources in addition to oil, including timber, bauxite, and gold.

21. Equatorial Guinea is a member of the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and OPEC due to its oil exports.

22. The Bubi people, indigenous to Bioko Island, are known for their distinctive culture, including vibrant art, traditional music, and elaborate dances.

23. The country is divided into two main ethnic regions: the Fang people, predominantly on the mainland, and the Bubi people on Bioko Island.

24. The Bubi language is one of the most widely spoken languages on Bioko Island despite the dominance of Spanish.

25. Equatorial Guinea has been involved in a number of international legal disputes, particularly over its natural resources and human rights violations.

26. The nation boasts a significant African diaspora, especially in Spain, due to migration during colonial times and economic opportunities post-independence.

27. Despite its wealth, Equatorial Guinea has received significant international criticism for its poor human rights record, corruption, and lack of political freedoms.

28. Macías Nguema attempted to eradicate African traditional practices, such as animism and local customs, in favor of forced modernization, resulting in significant social disruption.

29. The country has a well-developed road network, especially around the capital, although infrastructure outside urban areas is still developing.

30. Malabo features a unique architectural blend, with colonial-era buildings standing alongside more modern structures.

31. Obiang’s regime has maintained strict control over the media, limiting freedom of expression and press in the country.

32. The equator runs through Río Muni, giving the country its name, which refers to its location near the equator.

33. Equatorial Guinea is one of the most underrated travel destinations, with pristine beaches, rich forests, and historical sites, though its political climate may make it a challenging place to visit.

These facts illustrate the complexity of Equatorial Guinea, a nation where history, culture, politics, and natural resources intertwine in a fascinating way. From its indigenous heritage to the contemporary challenges it faces, Equatorial Guinea’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and ongoing struggle.