Equatorial Guinea
Table of Contents: Regions / Cities / Culture and History / History / Climate / People / Holidays / Travel to Equatorial Guinea, visa requirements Flights to Equatorial Guinea, airtickets By train By car Buses to Equatorial Guinea By boat / Get around / Talk / Shopping, Equatorial Guinea souvenirs / Costs / Good restaurants and cheap meals / Equatorial Guinea nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs. / Hotels, youth hostels, lodging / Learn / Work / Stay safe / Stay healthy / Contact More from Central Africa: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Zambia More from Africa: Central Africa, East Africa, North Africa, Saharan Africa, Seychelles, Southern Africa, West Africa |
Equatorial Guinea is a small country in West Africa, divided into two parts, the mainland and the islands. A former Spanish colony, it borders Cameroon and Gabon.
Regions
from largest to smallest:
- Río Muni - the mainland.
- Bioko - the largest and most important island.
- Annobón - a smaller island some distance into the Atlantic Ocean.
Cities
- Malabo - the capital, on Bioko
- Acalayong
- Bata - the major city on the mainland
- Ebebiyin - a major access point in the far northeast corner
- Evinayong
- Luba - another town on Bioko
- Mbini
- Mongomo
Culture and History
History
Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Franco's Spain in October 1968. Since then, it has been ruled by two men. Francisco Macías Nguema, the first president, was a brutal dictator who despised intellectuals, killed a large number of the ethnic Bubi minority, banned fishing, and awarded himself a huge number of grandiose titles (including President for Life). He was overthrown by his nephew, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in 1979 and later captured and executed. Obiang's rule has seen less violence, but his regime is still brutally repressive. Political power is centralized in his small mainland clan, and most senior members of the government are related. The majority of the people are extremely poor.
Climate
People
The major ethnic groups are the Fang of the mainland and the Bubi of Bioko Island.
Holidays
Equatorial Guinea recognizes the major Christian holidays. October 12 is Independence Day.
Travel to Equatorial Guinea, visa requirements
Flights to Equatorial Guinea, airtickets
There are two paved airports, one a few miles from Malabo (SSG), and one in Bata (BSG). Air service is not extensive and only a few international airlines fly to either airport. The country's main airline is Ecuato Guineana de Aviación, which operates national and international flights out of Malabo International Airport. Other airlines flying to Malaba airport include Iberia (from Madrid), Spanair (also from Madrid) and Swiss (from Zurich).
By train
Equatorial Guinea has no railways.
By car
The major cities are either on islands or on the western coast of the mainland, so it is not convenient to access these areas by car.
Buses to Equatorial Guinea
By boat
Get around
Talk
The colonial language is Spanish, and the country is also a member of La Francophonie. There is an Anglophone population in Bioko that is historically linked to British commerce on the island.
Shopping, Equatorial Guinea souvenirs
Costs
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Equatorial Guinea nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Ebebiyin is known for its large number of bars. They drink a lot of wine.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Learn
Work
Stay safe
The country has never seen a conflict like those common in the rest of Africa, though there is some ethnic tension and resentment against the government. Don't involve yourself in local politics.
Photos: Taking photos of any government properties is strictly prohibited without permission. Don't photograph airports, government buildings, or anything of military or strategic value.
Clothing: Equatorial Guinea has tropical weather and is normally very hot. It is best to wear lightweight clothing. Avoid wearing dark colors due to mosquito concerns.
Wear Shoes: Beaches in Malabo and Bata are beautiful however, due to discarded trash and unsafe sand bugs it is a good idea to always wear shoes. This applies to walking on carpeted areas as well.
Stay healthy
Food/Water: There are no 'potable' or clean water sources in Equatorial Guinea. Travelers should drink only bottled water. Take care when consuming any fruits or vegetables that may have been washed or drinks that may contain ice cubes or 'water' additives such as coffee, tea, lemonade, etc.
Wear Shoes: Beaches in Malabo and Bata are beautiful however, due to discarded trash and unsafe sand bugs it is a good idea to always wear shoes. This applies to walking on carpeted areas as well.
Malaria Medicine: Malaria is a leading cause of death in this country. It is advised that visitors consult their doctor for malaria tablets.
AIDS The Government do not acknowledge the presence of AIDS in their country. It is an offence even to have an AIDS test. There are lots of pretty African girls in Malabo but the doctor (no names for safety) estimates that 80+% of females over 14 are infected.
Contact
More from Central Africa: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Zambia More from Africa: Central Africa, East Africa, North Africa, Saharan Africa, Seychelles, Southern Africa, West Africa |
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