
Equatorial Guinea consists of a continental territory and five inhabited islands; it is one of the smallest countries by area and population in Africa. The mainland region was most likely predominantly inhabited by Pygmy ethnic groups prior to the migration of various Bantu-speaking ethnic groups around the second millennium BC. The island of Bioko, the largest of Equatorial Guinea’s five inhabited islands and the location of the country’s capital of Malabo, has been occupied since at least 1000 B.C. In the early 1470s, Portuguese explorers landed on Bioko Island, and Portugal soon after established control of the island and other areas of modern Equatorial Guinea. In 1778, Portugal ceded its colonial hold over present-day Equatorial Guinea to Spain in the Treaty of El Pardo. The borders of modern-day Equatorial Guinea would evolve between 1778 and 1968 as the area remained under European colonial rule.
In 1968, Equatorial Guinea was granted independence from Spain and elected Francisco MACIAS NGUEMA as its first president. MACIAS consolidated power soon after his election and ruled brutally for over a decade. Under his regime, Equatorial Guinea experienced mass suppression, purges, and killings. Some estimates indicate that a third of the population either went into exile or was killed under MACIAS’ rule. In 1979, present-day President OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo, then a senior military officer, deposed MACIAS in a violent coup. OBIANG has ruled since and has been elected in non-competitive contests several times, most recently in 2022. The president exerts near-total control over the political system.
Equatorial Guinea experienced rapid economic growth in the early years of the 21st century due to the discovery of large offshore oil reserves in 1996. Production peaked in 2004 and has declined since. The country's economic windfall from oil production resulted in massive increases in government revenue, a significant portion of which was earmarked for infrastructure development. Systemic corruption, however, has hindered socio-economic development, and the population has seen only limited improvements to living standards. Equatorial Guinea continues to seek to diversify its economy, increase foreign investment, and assume a greater role in regional and international affairs. 
28,051 sq km
0 sq km
28,051 sq km
tropical; consistently warm and humid
coastal plains rise to hills in the interior; the islands are of volcanic origin
9.9% (2023 est.)
86.4% (2023 est.)
3.7% (2023 est.)
arable land: 1.9% (2023 est.)
permanent crops: 1.7% (2023 est.)
permanent pasture: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Central Africa, adjacent to the Bight of Biafra, situated between Cameroon and Gabon
296 km
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Pico Basile 3,008 m
577 m
NA
Africa
528 km
Cameroon 183 km; Gabon 345 km
12 nm
200 nm
intense windstorms; sudden floods
volcanism: Santa Isabel (3,007 m), the only historically active volcano in the nation, last erupted in 1923; both Santa Isabel and two dormant volcanoes constitute Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea
insular and continental areas are significantly distanced; contrary to its name, no segment of the equator traverses Equatorial Guinea -- the mainland region is positioned just north of the equator
petroleum, natural gas, timber, gold, bauxite, diamonds, tantalum, sand and gravel, clay
slightly smaller than the state of Maryland
2 00 N, 10 00 E
the major urban centers are Bata on the mainland and the capital, Malabo, situated on Bioko Island; various small communities are dispersed across the mainland and the five inhabited islands, as depicted in this population distribution map
Spanish is the official language at 67.6%, while other languages (which include Fang, Bubi, Portuguese, French, and Fa d'Ambo spoken in Annobon) account for 32.4% (estimation from 1994)
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
The religious demographics include Roman Catholic at 88%, Protestant at 5%, Muslim at 2%, and other faiths at 5% (such as animist, Baha'i, and Jewish) based on estimates from 2015
1.03 male(s)/female
1.07 male(s)/female
1.22 male(s)/female
1.16 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
1.09 male(s)/female
28.55 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
8.81 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
22.7 years
22.3 years (2025 est.)
21.5 years
962,385
1,795,834 (2024 est.)
833,449
Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)
Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean
74.4% of total population (2023)
3.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
35.6% (male 330,636/female 309,528)
59.4% (male 585,139/female 481,121)
5% (2024 est.) (male 46,610/female 42,800)
The ethnic composition consists of Fang at 78.1%, Bubi at 9.4%, Ndowe at 2.8%, Nanguedambo at 2.7%, Bisio at 0.9%, foreigners at 5.3%, other groups at 0.7%, and unspecified at 0.2% (2011 estimates)
68.4 (2024 est.)
60 (2024 est.)
11.9 (2024 est.)
8.4 (2024 est.)
0.15 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
3.4% of GDP (2021)
4.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
11.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
4.05 children born/woman (2025 est.)
83.3 deaths/1,000 live births
76.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
71.3 deaths/1,000 live births
3.1% (2025 est.)
1.99 (2025 est.)
The principal urban areas include Bata on the mainland and Malabo, the capital, located on Bioko Island; additionally, small populations are distributed across the mainland and the five inhabited islands, as depicted in this population distribution map
61.6 years
66.2 years
63.9 years (2024 est.)
174 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
3.83 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
1.24 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
6.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
0.99 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
297,000 MALABO (capital) (2018)
8% (2016)
tropical; consistently warm and moist
9.9% (2023 est.)
86.4% (2023 est.)
3.7% (2023 est.)
arable land: 1.9% (2023 est.)
permanent crops: 1.7% (2023 est.)
permanent pasture: 0.2% (2023 est.)
74.4% of total population (2023)
3.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
2.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
10 kt (2019-2021 est.)
129.8 kt (2022-2024 est.)
0.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
198,400 tons (2024 est.)
23.9% (2022 est.)
deforestation (due to agricultural growth, wildfires, and livestock grazing); desertification; pollution of water sources; drinking water unsafe; conservation of wildlife
15.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
5.471 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
4.575 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
1 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
896,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
26.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
26 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
description: three horizontal bands of equal size in green (top), white, and red, accompanied by a blue isosceles triangle on the left side and a coat of arms placed centrally in the white band; the coat of arms features six yellow six-pointed stars (symbolizing the mainland and five surrounding islands) positioned above a gray shield adorned with a silk-cotton tree; beneath this is a scroll inscribed with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice)
meaning: green represents the jungle and natural resources, blue signifies the sea, white symbolizes peace, and red denotes the struggle for independence
Malabo; note - Malabo is situated on the island of Bioko; during certain months of the year, the government operates from Bata located on the mainland.
The city was established in 1827 by English settlers who named it Port Clarence in honor of the Duke of CLARENCE; it was later renamed Santa Isabel in 1843 after Queen ISABELLA II of Spain; in 1973, it was again renamed to honor King MALABO (1837–1937), the last monarch of the Bubi ethnic group.
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
3 45 N, 8 47 E
18 years of age; universal
no
at least one parent must be a citizen of Equatorial Guinea
no
10 years
previously in 1968, 1973, and 1982; sanctioned by referendum on 17 November 1991
proposed by the president of the republic or endorsed by three-fourths of the members in either chamber of the National Assembly; passage necessitates a three-fourths majority vote in both chambers of the Assembly and ratification in a referendum if sought by the president
Spanish Guinea
the nation derives its name from the Guinea region of West Africa, which extends along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches northward to the Sahel; the term "equatorial" indicates that the country is located just north of the Equator
Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial (Spanish)/ République de Guinée équatoriale (French)
Guinea Ecuatorial (Spanish)/Guinée équatoriale (French)
Republic of Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea
12 October 1968 (from Spain)
a hybrid system of civil law and customary law
presidential republic
Supreme Court of Justice (comprising the President of the Supreme Court and nine judges organized into civil, criminal, commercial, labor, administrative, and customary divisions); Constitutional Court (consisting of the court president and four members)
Court of Guarantees; military courts; Courts of Appeal; first instance tribunals; district and county courts
Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president for terms of five years; members of the Constitutional Court are appointed by the president, two of whom are nominated by the Chamber of Deputies
Council of Ministers appointed by the president and overseen by the prime minister
President OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo (since 3 August 1979)
2022: OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo reelected as president; percentage of vote - OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo (PDGE) 95%, others 6.1%
2016: OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo reelected as president; percentage of vote - OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo (PDGE) 93.5%, others 6.5%
Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua (since 17 August 2024)
20 November 2022
the president is elected directly by simple-majority popular vote for a term of seven years (eligible for one additional term); the prime minister and deputy prime ministers are appointed by the president
2029
Independence Day, 12 October (1968)
green, white, red, blue
Center Right Union or UCD
Convergence Party for Social Democracy or CPDS
Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea or PDGE
Liberal Democratic Convention or CLD
Liberal Party or PL
National Congress of Equatorial Guinea (CNGE)
National Democratic Party (PNDGE)
National Democratic Union or UDENA
National Union for Democracy PUNDGE
Popular Action of Equatorial Guinea or APGE
Popular Union or UP
Progressive Democratic Alliance or ADP
Social and Popular Convergence Party or CSDP
Social Democratic Coalition Party (PCSD)
Social Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea or PSDGE
Social Democratic Union or UDS
Socialist Party of Equatorial Guinea
Parliament (Parlamento)
bicameral
"Caminemos pisando la senda" (Let Us Tread the Path)
adopted 1968
Atanasio Ndongo MIYONO/Atanasio Ndongo MIYONO or Ramiro Sanchez LOPEZ (disputed)
silk cotton tree
the national emblem, the silk cotton tree, is featured at the center of the coat of arms; this tree marks the site where the initial treaty was established between local leaders and the Portuguese; the stars above the tree represent the mainland and the five offshore islands; a ribbon beneath the shield carries the national motto, “Unidad, Paz, Justicia” (Unity, Peace, Justice)
8 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Djibloho, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-Nzas
Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de los Diputados)
5 years
100 (all directly elected)
proportional representation
full renewal
11/20/2022
November 2027
31%
Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) and its allies (100)
Senate (Senado)
5 years
70 (55 directly elected; 15 appointed)
proportional representation
full renewal
11/20/2022
November 2027
25%
Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) and its allies (55)
[1] (202) 518-5252
2020 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
[1] (202) 518-5700
Ambassador Dr. Crisantos OBAMA ONDO (since 27 February 2024)
Houston
[email protected]
https://www.egembassydc.com/
Malabo II Highway (connecting the Headquarters of Sonagas and the offices of the United Nations), Malabo
[240] 333 09-57-41
2320 Malabo Place, Washington, DC 20521-2520
Ambassador David R. GILMOUR (since 24 May 2022)
[email protected]
https://gq.usembassy.gov/
ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, CPLP, FAO, Francophonie, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO (observer)
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
$3.62 billion (2022 est.)
$2.051 billion (2022 est.)
$7.25 billion (2022 est.)
$4.516 billion (2023 est.)
$4.489 billion (2024 est.)
$3.948 billion (2022 est.)
$3.065 billion (2023 est.)
$3.24 billion (2024 est.)
petroleum, natural gas, sawmilling
715,000 (2024 est.)
43.3% of GDP (2016 est.)
0% of GDP (2021 est.)
0% of GDP (2022 est.)
0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) per US dollar -
575.586 (2020 est.)
554.531 (2021 est.)
623.76 (2022 est.)
606.57 (2023 est.)
606.345 (2024 est.)
expanding CEMAC economy and new OPEC member; substantial oil and gas reserves; aiming for economic diversification and poverty alleviation; still in recovery from the CEMAC crisis; enhancing public financial management; ongoing poverty challenges; significantly impacted by COVID-19
8.5% (2022 est.)
8.4% (2023 est.)
7.9% (2024 est.)
China 27%, Netherlands 12%, Spain 10%, Italy 7%, Germany 6% (2023)
China 20%, Spain 17%, USA 10%, Gabon 5%, UK 5% (2023)
$16,900 (2022 est.)
$15,700 (2023 est.)
$15,500 (2024 est.)
3.2% (2022 est.)
-5.1% (2023 est.)
0.9% (2024 est.)
sweet potatoes, cassava, plantains, oil palm fruit, root vegetables, bananas, coconuts, coffee, cocoa beans, chicken (2023)
crude petroleum, natural gas, alcohols, wood, scrap iron (2023)
ships, poultry, plastic products, beer, valves (2023)
6.6% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
$12.766 billion (2024 est.)
52.9% (2024 est.)
28.3% (2024 est.)
-0.1% (2024 est.)
9.1% (2024 est.)
35.2% (2024 est.)
-25.4% (2024 est.)
4.8% (2020 est.)
-0.1% (2021 est.)
4.8% (2022 est.)
0.8% (2024 est.)
$30.539 billion (2022 est.)
$28.985 billion (2023 est.)
$29.248 billion (2024 est.)
13.9% (2024 est.)
14.7% (2024 est.)
15.7% (2024 est.)
$44.271 million (2021 est.)
$1.458 billion (2022 est.)
$1.538 billion (2023 est.)
45.8% (2024 est.)
51.1% (2024 est.)
3.1% (2024 est.)
2.6% (2022 est.)
29.1% (2022 est.)
38.5 (2022 est.)
8 metric tons (2023 est.)
98,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
1.1 billion barrels (2021 est.)
6,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
1.402 billion kWh (2023 est.)
349,000 kW (2023 est.)
170.527 million kWh (2023 est.)
3.63 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
6.013 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
2.332 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
139.007 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
1.4%
89.8%
67% (2022 est.)
54.509 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
68.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
31.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
60% (2023 est.)
The government exercises authority over broadcast media, which includes 1 state-operated television station, 1 privately-owned television station belonging to the president's eldest son, 1 state-run radio station, and 1 privately-owned radio station also owned by the president's eldest son; satellite television services are accessible; broadcasts from various international outlets are typically available (2019)
.gq
11,000 (2022 est.)
1 (2022 est.) less than 1
893,441 (2022 est.)
50 (2022 est.)
2,000 (2022 est.)
(2022 est.) less than 1
0
1
0
Bata, Ceiba Terminal, Cogo, Luba, Malabo, Punta Europa Terminal, Serpentina Terminal
6
7 (2024)
6
7 (2025)
53 (2023)
1 bulk carrier, 16 general cargo vessels, 7 oil tankers, 29 others
3C
The Armed Forces of Equatorial Guinea (FAGE) are tasked with the protection of the nation's territory and sovereignty. Additionally, the FAGE undertakes certain internal security responsibilities, which include performing police functions in border regions, sensitive locations, and areas with high traffic. A significant focus is placed on maritime security, particularly in safeguarding offshore oil facilities and addressing piracy and criminal activities in the Gulf of Guinea (2025)
1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
1% of GDP (2024)
Equatorial Guinea Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas de Guinea Ecuatorial, FAGE): comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Gendarmerie (Guardia Civil) (2025)
Voluntary military service is available for individuals aged 18-25; there is also selective compulsory military service for men, accompanied by a 24-month service commitment (2025)
The FAGE is primarily equipped with older weapons systems, often dating back to the Soviet era, and many are secondhand. In recent years, efforts have been made to modernize its naval fleet through acquisitions from various nations, including Bulgaria and Israel, with additional equipment supplied by China and Russia (2025)
An estimated 2,000 personnel are part of the active Armed Forces, including the Gendarmerie (2025)
5 (2024 est.)