Equatorial Guinea is a tiny state, the smallest in Africa. The people of the country until 1968 fought against Spanish rule. After gaining independence and proclaiming democracy, the republic embarked on the path of economic development. The large oil reserves found on the shelf and the growth of inbound tourism recall the takeoff of the United Arab Emirates. Only the climate is more humid, there is an untouched jungle, a population uninhabited by the benefits of civilization. The gentle coast of the Atlantic, the preserved folk traditions like a magnet attract modern travelers to Guinea who are in search of exotic adventures.
Guinea on a map of the world and the African continent
Former Spanish colony - Republic of Equatorial Guinea -
Africa's youngest developing
state. On a small-scale
political map of the world, the country is a small rectangle on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea and a number of islands. The state is located slightly north of the equator and extends from 0.54 ° to 2.19 ° N.
The territory of Equatorial Guinea consists of the mainland - Rio Muni, which is located between Cameroon in the north, Gabon in the south and east. In the west, the coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Biafra. The state owns 5 volcanic islands, the largest of which are Bioko, Annobon, Korisko. The area of the mainland is 26 thousand km2, the island territory occupies 2 thousand km2.
National symbolism
On Independence Day, October 12, you can see the national flag of Equatorial Guinea everywhere in the Republic. Its bright panel consists of three horizontal stripes of equal green, white and red colors. A blue triangle is located next to the pole end. In the center of the flag is the state emblem in the form of a silver shield. The personification of the unity of the country's population are six golden six-pointed stars above it. Each of them is one mainland and five island provinces. Under the shield, the Republic's motto is “Unity, Peace and Justice”. In the central part there is an image of a green cotton tree - a bombax, which Equatorial Guinea is rich in (photo).
Flag colors have a deep symbolic meaning:
- the blue triangle represents the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, washing the coast of the country;
- the green line reflects the main wealth of the flora and a thriving type of population activity - agriculture;
- white color is a symbol of peace, which was established after gaining independence;
- the blood shed by the freedom fighters of Equatorial Guinea is symbolized by the lower strip of red.
Equatorial Guinea Currency
Many collectors are in search of old and new coins issued in Equatorial Guinea. The history of the country's monetary unit is an exciting novel for numismatists. In circulation is the CFA franc (1 franc = 100 centimes). Coins are minted in light copper-nickel and aluminum-bronze alloys (golden color).
Modern Equatorial Guinea coins are similar to the same currency units of the Central African Monetary Union (Communaute Financiere Africaine, CFA). The association arose at a time when six member states were colonies of France. The accession of Equatorial Guinea to the union in 1986 was marked by the change of its own monetary unit - equela - to CFA franc. In 1976–1996, alphabetic symbols of countries were applied to coins of a common model for the union. In Equatorial Guinea, in 1985, coins were issued that differed from a single specimen with inscriptions in Spanish and the full name of the country on the obverse. The following year, 1986, only one type of such coins was minted - 50 francs, then their production was stopped.
Capital of Equatorial Guinea
The administrative center of the country and the port of Malabo is located on the island of Bioko near the crater of an extinct volcano (3011 m). Previously, both the city and the majestic peak were called Santa Isabel. Now the mountain peak is mentioned in country guides as Pico Basile or Mount Malabo. The landscapes of the island are picturesque lagoons, former craters, now covered with evergreen jungles, volcanic lakes. The population of Malabo is more than 160 thousand people. The city looks well-groomed, its residents are friendly towards guests.
An international airport operates in the administrative center of the country, and comfortable hotels have been built. The city is literally surrounded by tropical greenery. Malabo Airport is connected by weekly flights to world capitals. Equatorial Guinea can be accessed from Cameroon by land. The national airline operates daily flights between Malabo and Bath. To move around the mainland and island territory, you can use the services of fixed-route taxis. To get to the islands, you need to wait for the ferry or rent a canoe.
Other cities of the republic
Bata, the economic capital of Equatorial Guinea, is a clean city with wide avenues. Tourists have chosen it as a starting point for trips to villages and islands.
Mbini is a small town 50 km south of Bata, in Rio Benito Bay. Here the main river of Equatorial Guinea flows into the bay - Mbini (formerly called Benito). One of the main beach resorts in the country.
Ebebyin is a city located in the northeast of the continental part of the state. The first major settlement on the way from Cameroon.
Luba is the administrative center of the southern province on about. Bioko, a port city.
In the cities of New Guinea, market trade is booming, many bars and restaurants where they offer guests to taste national dishes, local drinks.
Climate
The climatic conditions of Equatorial Guinea are fully consistent with the ideas of the humid tropics of Africa. During the year, warm weather and a temperature of 25 ° C prevail, and occasionally the thermometer rises above 32 ° C. Seasons typical of temperate latitudes in the equatorial belt are weakly expressed. Basically, the bill goes to the seasons: wet and dry. On the island of Bioko, it rains from July to January. The same rainfall in the capital is Malabo.
Equatorial Guinea in the mainland is 2 rainy periods: in April – May and October – December. Least rainfall in May – September and December – January. The mountainous terrain differs from the flat part of the country in wetter and cooler weather, but rarely less than 18 ° C. The best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is the dry season - November – April.
Nature
The coastline of the mainland is slightly indented. Here lies a low-lying plain, and upland 900 meters high extends into the country. On the island of Bioko there is the three-thousandth Equatorial Guinea - Pico Bazile - a mountain formed by the cones of three merged volcanoes. At the foot of the belt is a rainforest that is filled with the hubbub of hundreds of bird species. The world of reptiles and mammals is rich. Above in the mountains, you can observe the change of lush vegetation into wasteland and meadows - unusual natural complexes for tropical latitudes, in which Equatorial Guinea is located.
Map mainland provinces The country gives an idea of the plains on the coast, hills in the central part, full-flowing rivers. The wealth of the continental regions is minerals, evergreen equatorial forests. There are more than 150 species of trees, dominated by ficus, coconut palm, iron and breadfruit. Vines encircle them, bright flowers grow in the undergrowth. Exotic fauna is represented by large predators, elephants, monkeys, antelopes, hippos, tropical birds.
Country Culture
The color of Equatorial Guinea lies in the linguistic diversity, the preservation of the traditions and customs of the original tribes, which are interwoven with elements of the culture of alien peoples. Ancient African dialects are still heard in forest villages, and shamans are engaged in magical rituals, as many centuries ago. Residents of cities communicate among themselves in Spanish, Portuguese and French. The rural population uses mainly local languages - Fang, Bubi, Ndove, Annobon, Buhebu. Equatorial Guinea hosts colorful festivals every year. None of them can do without national dances and songs that glorified Equatorial Guinea on the African and other continents.
Major Attractions
The capital, Malabo, attracts tourists as a starting point for climbing to the top of the volcano and visiting the reserve. An asphalt road is laid from the city to the top of Pico Basil. Tourists often go on day trips to the natural pearl of which Equatorial Guinea is famous. One of the main architectural sights of the capital is the Catholic Cathedral of Santa Isabel. This is the most beautiful building of the city, which has become its original visiting card, located on Independence Square. In front of a tall architectural structure with narrow gabled towers, there is another local attraction - a picturesque fountain.
You can get acquainted with national traditions, folk art, works of art of Equatorial Guinea in the museum, which is located 20 km from the small town of Ebebin in the northwest of the mainland. The institution was created by local enthusiasts to get acquainted with the culture of the country as a whole. The decoration of the center of Bata, which is also located on the continent, is the Panafrica Hotel. The hotel offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, coast and beach.
Tourism development
Equatorial Guinea has rich resources for tourism development:
- beaches on the coast with fine white sand;
- large tracts of rainforest;
- volcanic peaks, caves;
- waterfalls, rivers and lakes;
- ethnic traditions of African tribes, black magic of shamans;
- festivals and ceremonies with live singing and dancing;
- colorful markets;
- National cuisine.
The nature of the country is threatened by the same danger that was realized in other states of the forest belt of Africa. Increased economic needs, agricultural development, mining and road construction required deforestation. Reducing biodiversity, changing the natural habitat is only part of the aggravated environmental problems.
Difficulties in the economy somewhat delay the development of the tourism infrastructure of a small state. However, mainland and island Equatorial Guinea is of great interest to travelers.