5 Facts of Equatorial Guinea

The capital of Equatorial Guinea is Malabo

Equatorial Guinea is officially referred to as the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. This country is located in Middle Africa and comprises of two parts, the continental region otherwise known as Rio Muni and the insular region. The Rio Muni consists of offshore islands like Corisco, Elobey Choci and Elobey Grande while the other region has Annobon Island and Bioko Island. The capital is known as Malabo and it's located in Bioko Island.

5 Facts You Might Not Know

1

The population of Equatorial Guinea is about 668,225 according to a July 2011 census. The annual population growth rate is 2,641%. There are several ethnic groups but the majority is the Fang group. This group dominates the business and political life success in the country. Other enthnic groups are Bubi with 50,000 people; Annobonese 3000, Ndowe and Kombe are about 300 each and Bujebas 2000.

2

The GDP of Equatorial Guinea was estimated to be $24,66 billion with the growth rate estimated at 0,9% in 2010. The inflation rate was estimated at about 8,2% in 2010. The country has several resources which are petroleum, natural gas, gold deposits that are unexploited, uranium, manganese and timber as well. Agriculture forms a strong part of the economy as well with coffee, rice, bananas among others.

3

The Republic of Guinea is located particularly in west central Africa. The island of Bioko is 25 miles from Cameroon, Annobon Island 370 miles from southwest Bioko Island. The larger continental region of Rio Minu covers 26,003 square kilometers. The other region continental Island of Annobon was discovered on the new year's day of 1472. It measures only 18 square kilometers.

4

The first people who are believed to be inhabitants of the now Republic of Equatorial Guinea are the Pygmies. The island of Bioko was discovered by a Portuguese explorer named Fernando Po in 1471. He initially names it Formosa which means pretty flower. The Portuguese remained in control until 1778 but by 1827 the British had established a base on the island.

5

The government has significantly reduced its role in the economy and started promoting the development of the private sector. The US is that largest foreign investor at over $12 billion.