Río Muni

Río Muni, also known as Mbini in the Fang language, is the mainland part of Equatorial Guinea. It covers an area of 26,017 square kilometres (10,045 sq mi) and is called the Continental Region in Spanish. The name Río Muni comes from the Muni River, where early Europeans built settlements along its banks.

Río Muni shares borders with Cameroon to the north, Gabon to the east and south, and the Gulf of Guinea to the west. This region is an important part of Equatorial Guinea, connecting the country to its neighbors and the Atlantic Ocean.

History

Main article: Treaty of Paris (1900)

Río Muni was given by Portugal to Spain in 1778 through the Treaty of El Pardo. Spain wanted to gather people to work in other places but many became very sick and left. Later, growing cocoa and cutting timber became important jobs. In 1959, Río Muni and Bioko became part of Spanish Guinea.

Population

In 2015, about 885,015 people lived in Río Muni, which is around 72% of the total population of Equatorial Guinea. The main languages spoken there are Fang-Ntumu in the north and Fang-Okak in the south. Spanish is also used, though mainly as a second language.

Provinces

Río Muni is made up of five provinces. These are:

• Centro Sur
• Djibloho
• Kié-Ntem
• Litoral
• Wele-Nzas

Cities

The biggest city in Río Muni is Bata, which is also the main administrative center for the area. Other important towns include Evinayong, Ebebiyín, Acalayong, Acurenam, Mongomo and Mbini.