Equatorial Guinea is a small country in Central Africa, consisting of Rio Muni, Annobon Island, and Bioko Island. It was a Spanish colony and Spanish is its official language. The government is a republic with a president and prime minister, but the president has more power. The population is mostly Bantu, with some Europeans and mulattoes. Visitors should avoid the rainy season when traveling to the countryside.
The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is located in Central Africa. It is among the smallest countries on the continent, covering just 10,828 square miles (28,051 kilometers). The country consists of more than one landmass, including Rio Muni, Annobon Island, and Bioko Island. Equatorial Guinea borders Cameroon, Gabon and the Gulf of Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea was once a colony of Spain. At that time, it was hailed by the name of Spanish Guinea. Interestingly, it stands out among other African countries as the only one that has Spanish as its official language. The country’s motto is also Spanish and is Unidad, Paz, Justicia; in English, this motto means “Unity, Peace, Justice”. Spanish is not the only official language of Equatorial Guinea; French and Portuguese also have this status.
The government of Equatorial Guinea is considered a republic; it has not only a president, but also a prime minister. However, of the two, the president has more power. In his position, he can make laws by decree, hire and fire cabinet members, and dismiss the House of Representatives. He can also negotiate and implement treaties with foreign governments and organize elections. The president also has an important role in ensuring that the country is able to defend itself; he serves as both commander-in-chief of the country’s armies and defense minister.
The prime minister of Equatorial Guinea gets his position when nominated by the president. The president gives the prime minister certain powers and responsibilities. It’s his job to handle the things the president doesn’t handle himself. As such, the prime minister is generally not granted any or much real power in matters of the country’s foreign or defense policy.
Most citizens of Equatorial Guinea are Bantu. A large part of the Bantus comes from the Fang tribe. There are also several coastal tribes that make up about five percent of the population. A small number of Europeans also call Equatorial Guinea their home, as do a small population of mulattoes. There is little Spanish presence, as most of the Spanish occupiers left the country following its independence in 1968.
For those interested in traveling to the countryside, rain is an important consideration. The country features a large number of dirt roads which sometimes become muddy and practically impassable. Therefore, visitors are suggested to avoid the rainy season by traveling to the country between November and April.
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