What are some cultural facts about Guinea Equatorial?

Equatorial Guinea is a country where mingle modernity and traditions. Despite a veneer of Spanish culture and of Roman Catholic religion that is thicker in Bioko than on the mainland, many Equatorial Guineans live according to ancient customs, which have undergone a revival since independence.

Why is it called Equatorial Guinea?

Formerly the colony of Spanish Guinea, its post-independence name evokes its location near both the Equator and the Gulf of Guinea.

When was oil discovered in Equatorial Guinea?

Equatorial Guinea discovered its large oil reserves in 1996, a development that led to the economic transformation of the country.

What country colonized Equatorial Guinea?

Formerly a colony of Spain with the name Spanish Guinea, the country achieved its independence on October 12, 1968. The capital is Malabo, on Bioko. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

When was Equatorial Guinea founded?

On October 12, 1968, Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain. The United States recognized the independence of Equatorial Guinea when U.S. President Lyndon Johnson appointed Albert W.

What are the major exports of Equatorial Guinea?

Exports The top exports of Equatorial Guinea are Crude Petroleum ($1.93B), Petroleum Gas ($530M), Acyclic Alcohols ($93.7M), Rough Wood ($60.9M), and Veneer Sheets ($11M), exporting mostly to China ($1.01B), Spain ($367M), Portugal ($348M), India ($315M), and South Korea ($127M).

When was Equatorial Guinea discovered?

1472
The Portuguese first explored Equatorial Guinea some time between 1472 and 1475. Because of the Treaty of Tordesillas (June 7, 1494) the Portuguese maintained control over Equatorial Guinea until 1778, when Spain took control of the colony.

Who ruled Equatorial Guinea?

Under Spanish colonial rule for most of the modern era, Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968. At the time of independence, Equatorial Guinea had one of the highest per capita incomes and the highest literacy rates in Africa.

When did Equatorial Guinea became a colony?

Spanish colonial territory (1778-1968)

How was Equatorial Guinea discovered?

The Portuguese explorer Fernão do Pó, seeking a path to India, is credited as being the first European to discover the island of Bioko in 1472. He called it Formosa (“Beautiful”), but it quickly took on the name of its European discoverer, usually found on maps Hispanized into “Fernando Po”.

How many rivers are in Equatorial Guinea?

7 RIVERS
7 RIVERS AND WATERFALLS The main rivers are the Mbini, the Ntem, and the Muni. The Mbini is the longest river with a length of 248 kilometers (155 miles). It runs east to west, dividing the mainland into two.

Who settled Equatorial Guinea?

The Portuguese first explored Equatorial Guinea some time between 1472 and 1475. Because of the Treaty of Tordesillas (June 7, 1494) the Portuguese maintained control over Equatorial Guinea until 1778, when Spain took control of the colony.

What is the history of the slavery and colonization in Equatorial Guinea?

Because of the slave trade, the island became a major centre of slave trade. The development of an extensive slave trade weakened the Fang society and finally the Spanish were able to colonise the rest of Equatorial Guinea. From the 1778 until 1959, Equatorial Guinea remained an underdeveloped African colony.

How is Christmas celebrated in Equatorial Guinea?

Christmas Day In the cities, friends and families celebrate together by eating, drinking and exchanging gifts. Equatorial Guineans also decorate their homes with the usual decorations, including lights and Christmas trees.

What is the history of Equatorial Guinea?

Equatorial Guinea was first sighted by a European in 1471 when Portuguese navigator Fernao do Po spotted the island of Fernando Po, which is now called Bioko. 4. Before colonisation, Bantu tribes came to mainland Equatorial Guinea during the 12th century from other West and Central Africa areas.

Where is Equatorial Guinea on the world map?

Equatorial Guinea is named for the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel. The “equatorial” part refers to the country’s position just north of the Equator. 18.

Why is Spanish so important in Equatorial Guinea?

Because of its long influence over the country, Spanish has remained an important language. In fact, Equatorial Guinea is the only country in Africa where Spanish is an official language. Approximately 67.6% of the population can speak it. Spanish is the language used for public administration and education.

How many people live in Equatorial Guinea?

Fewer than one million people live there. Equatorial Guinea is 1 of 10 African countries with a population of less than one million, based on projected estimates. The 2015 projected population for this country is listed at only 845,060, however, 2015 census results claim over 1.2 million individuals live here.