Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest on the African continent. President Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO has ruled the country since 1979 when he seized power in a coup. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996 and 2002 presidential elections - as well as the 1999 and 2004 legislative elections - were widely seen as flawed. The president exerts almost total control over the political system and has discouraged political opposition. Equatorial Guinea has experienced rapid economic growth due to the discovery of large offshore oil reserves, and in the last decade has become Sub-Saharan Africa's third largest oil exporter. Despite the country's economic windfall from oil production resulting in a massive increase in government revenue in recent years, there have been few improvements in the population's living standards.
Languages & Population
Approximate Population: 551,201 (July 2007 est.)
Nationality (Noun): Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)
Nationality (Adjective): Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean
Official Language(s): Spanish, French
Major Languages Spoken: French, Spanish
Country Facts
Country Name (long form): Republic of Equatorial Guinea
Country Name (short form): Equatorial Guinea
Country Name (local long form): Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial/Republique de Guine
Country Name (local short form): Guinea Ecuatorial/Guinee equatoriale
Name of Capital: Malabo
UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Countries Near by, and Bordering Equatorial Guinea: Cameroon, Gabon
Land Area: 28051 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Maryland
Total Land Boundry: 539 km
Coastline: 296 km
National Holiday: Independence Day, 12 October (1968)
International Phone Code: 240
Currency Code: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF)
Internet Country Code: .gq
US Embassy Location: adjacent to the golf course at the base of Mont Febe
US Embassy Mailing Address: B.P. 817, Yaounde, Cameroon; US Embassy Yaounde, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520
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