Historical Timeline
October 12, 1778 (Monday) – Treaty of El Escorial cedes Bioko Island from Portugal to Spain
August 12, 1968 (Monday) – Equatorial Guinea gains independence from Spain
August 3, 1979 (Friday) – Coup d’état led by Teodoro Obiang ousts Francisco Macías Nguema
October 1991 (Monday) – Proclamation of a multiparty system following political reforms
December 1996 (Thursday) – Francisco Macías Nguema’s trial and execution for human rights violations
October 10, 2002 (Thursday) – Failed coup attempt against President Obiang
January 15, 2007 (Monday) – 2007 Bioko Island volcanic eruption near Malabo, no fatalities but significant ash fall
March 2008 (Saturday) – Oil discovery off the coast, further boosting the country’s economy
December 2011 (Wednesday) – Riots in Malabo after political tensions over elections and presidential power
December 2017 (Tuesday) – Tropical Storm Cindy hits Bioko Island, causing flooding and damage
November 12, 2020 (Thursday) – Cocoa production boom continues, establishing more trade routes with Europe
August 2023 (Friday) – Flooding caused by heavy rainfall in mainland areas, displacing thousands and affecting agriculture
March 2024 (Monday) – Magnitude 5.3 earthquake shakes Bioko Island and surrounding coastal regions
General Information
Continent: Central Africa
Location: Central Africa, bordered by Cameroon (north), Gabon (east and south), and the Atlantic Ocean (west)
Capital: Malabo (on the island of Bioko), with Oyala being the future planned capital
Language: Spanish (official), French (official), Portuguese (official), Fang (local)
Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
Population: ~1.5 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1)
Topography
Borders: Cameroon (north), Gabon (east and south), Atlantic Ocean (west)
Landscape: Bioko Island (mountainous), mainland region (Coastal plains, mountains), several small islands
Major Rivers: Muni River, Mbini River, Teke River
Major Mountains: Mount Pico Basile (highest), Mount Etindele
Deserts: None
Lakes: None notable
Volcanoes: Mount Pico Basile (active), Mount Etindele (active)
Highest Point: Mount Pico Basile – 3,011 m (9,878 ft)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean (sea level)
Climate: Tropical climate; wet season (March to October), dry season (November to February)
Geological Features: Located on the Ring of Fire, volcanic origin, seismic activity from tectonic plate interactions
Demography
Ethnic Groups: Fang (~80%), Bubi (~15%), others (~5%)
Religion: Roman Catholic (majority), Protestant (minority)
Urban Population: ~70% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Highest population density on Bioko Island, the capital Malabo is the largest urban area
Culture
Famous For: Bioko Island’s biodiversity, cocoa production, oil reserves
Cuisine: Pepper soup, Malamba (fish stew), Mango chutney
Arts: Traditional music (drumming), modern art scene, wood carving, dance
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, boxing
Economy
Economy Type: Upper-middle-income, largely driven by oil and gas exports
GDP: Approx. $15.5 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Oil & gas, cocoa, forestry, agriculture
Key Exports: Crude oil, cocoa, timber, seafood
Unemployment Rate: ~7.3% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Oil-rich Bioko Island, agricultural mainland region (cocoa and timber)
Government
Government Type: Republic (authoritarian system)
Head of State & Government: President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (Chamber of Deputies & Senate)
Constitution: In effect since 2012, though regularly amended to strengthen executive power
Travel Attractions
Bioko Island: Beaches, tropical forests, Mount Pico Basile, Malabo city
Corisco Island: Unspoiled beaches, wildlife
Annobón Island: Remote, scenic island with rich cultural heritage
Santa Isabel: Colonial architecture, coastal views, local markets