Equatorial Guinea

Welcome to Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea is a small country on the west coast of Central Africa. It has a big island called Bioko and a piece of land called Río Muni. About 1.8 million people live there. Most of them belong to a group called the Fang, but there are also people called the Bubi people who live mainly on Bioko Island.

The name Equatorial Guinea might make you think the Equator runs through the country, but it does not! Only a tiny island called Annobón is just south of the Equator. Long ago, Portuguese explorers visited these islands and named Bioko after one of them, Fernando Pó. Later, the country became a colony of Spain and was called Spanish Guinea. In 1968, Equatorial Guinea became its own country.

Today, Equatorial Guinea is known for having lots of oil under the ground. This has made the country rich, but not everyone shares in the wealth. The country speaks Spanish, and many people also learn French or Portuguese. Children go to free schools, and there is even a university where they can study many things.

Equatorial Guinea has warm weather all year and lots of forests. Animals like gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants live in these forests. The country enjoys music, football, and swimming. Two swimmers from Equatorial Guinea even competed in the Olympics, which was very exciting!