Equatorial Guinea is a tiny state, the smallest in Africa. The people of the country until 1968 fought against Spanish rule. After gaining independence and proclaiming democracy, the republic embarked on the path of economic development. The large oil reserves found on the shelf and the growth of inbound tourism are reminiscent of the rise of the United Arab Emirates. Only the climate is more humid, there is an untouched jungle, a population unspoiled by the benefits of civilization. The gentle coast of the Atlantic, the preserved folk traditions like a magnet attract modern travelers who are in search of exotic adventures to Guinea.
Guinea on the map of the world and the African continent
Former Spanish colony - the Republic of Equatorial Guinea - a young developing state in Africa. On a small-scale political map of the world, the country is a small rectangle on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea and a series of islands. The state is located slightly north of the equator and extends from 0.54° to 2.19° N.
Equatorial TerritoryGuinea consists of the mainland - Rio Muni, which is located between Cameroon in the north, Gabon in the south and east. In the west, the coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Biafra. The state owns 5 volcanic islands, the largest of which are Bioko, Annobón, Corisco. The area of the mainland is 26 thousand km2, the island territory occupies 2 thousand km2.
National symbols
On Independence Day, October 12, the national flag of Equatorial Guinea can be seen everywhere in the Republic. Its bright cloth consists of three equal width horizontal stripes of green, white and red. There is a blue triangle next to the pole edge. In the center of the flag is the state emblem in the form of a silver shield. The personification of the unity of the population of the country are six golden six-pointed stars above it. Each of them is one mainland and five island provinces. The motto of the Republic is carved under the shield - "Unity, Peace and Justice". In the central part there is an image of a green cotton tree - bombax, which is rich in Equatorial Guinea (photo).
The colors of the flag have a deep symbolic meaning:
- the blue triangle represents the waters of the Atlantic Ocean washing the shores of the country;
- green stripe reflects the main richness of the flora and the flourishing activity of the population - agriculture;
- white color is a symbol of peace that has been established since independence;
- blood shed by freedom fightersEquatorial Guinea, symbolized by the bottom red stripe.
Currency of Equatorial Guinea
Many collectors are looking for old and new designs issued in Equatorial Guinea. The history of the country's currency is an exciting novel for a numismatist. The CFA franc is in circulation (1 franc=100 cents). Coins are minted from light copper-nickel and aluminum-bronze alloys (golden color).
Modern coins of Equatorial Guinea are similar to those of the Central African Monetary Union (Communaute Financiere Africaine, CFA). The association arose at a time when six member states were colonies of France. The accession of Equatorial Guinea to the union in 1986 was marked by the change of its own monetary unit - the equele - to the CFA franc. In 1976-1996, the letters of the countries were applied to coins of a common sample for the union. In Equatorial Guinea, in 1985, coins were issued that differed from a single sample by inscriptions in Spanish and the full name of the country on the obverse. In the next, 1986, only one type of such coins was minted - 50 francs, then they stopped issuing them.
Capital of Equatorial Guinea
The administrative center of the country and the port of Malabo is located on the island of Bioko near the crater of an extinct volcano (3011 m). Previously, both the city and the majestic peak were called Santa Isabel. Now the mountain peak is mentioned in guidebooks around the country as Pico Basile or Mount Malabo. Island landscapes -these are picturesque lagoons, former craters, now covered with evergreen jungle, volcanic lakes. The population of Malabo is more than 160 thousand people. The city looks well-groomed, its residents are friendly to guests.
An international airport operates in the administrative center of the country, comfortable hotels have been built. The city is literally immersed in tropical greenery. Malabo Airport is connected by weekly flights to world capitals. Equatorial Guinea can be reached from Cameroon by land. The national airline operates daily flights between Malabo and Bata. To move around the mainland and island territory, you can use the services of fixed-route taxis. To get to the islands, you need to wait for the ferry or rent a canoe.
Other cities of the republic
Bata - the economic capital of Equatorial Guinea - is a clean city with wide avenues. Tourists have chosen it as a starting point for trips to villages and islands.
Mbini is a small town 50 km south of Bata, in the bay of Rio Benito. Here the main river of Equatorial Guinea, the Mbini (formerly called Benito), flows into the bay. One of the main beach resorts in the country.
Ebebin is a city located in the northeast of the continental part of the state. First major settlement on the way from Cameroon.
Luba is the administrative center of the Southern Province on about. Bioko, port city.
In the cities of New Guinea, market trade is flourishing, there are many bars and restaurants where guests can taste nationaldishes, local drinks.
Climate
Climatic conditions of Equatorial Guinea are fully consistent with ideas about the humid tropics of Africa. During the year, warm weather and temperatures of 25 C ° prevail, occasionally the thermometer rises above 32 C °. The seasons typical for temperate latitudes in the equatorial zone are weakly expressed. Basically, the bill goes to the seasons: wet and dry. On the island of Bioko, it rains from July to January. The same rainfall pattern in the capital - Malabo.
Equatorial Guinea in the mainland is 2 rainy periods: in April-May and October-December. The least showers are in May-September and December-January. The mountainous area differs from the flat part of the country in more humid and cool weather, but less than 18 ° C is rare. The best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is the dry season - November-April.
Nature
The coastline of the mainland is slightly indented. A low-lying plain stretches here, and highlands up to 900 m high go inland. On the island of Bioko there is a three-thousander of Equatorial Guinea - Pico Basile - a mountain formed by the cones of three merged volcanoes. At the foot there is a belt of tropical forests, which are filled with the hubbub of hundreds of species of birds. The world of reptiles and mammals is rich. Higher in the mountains, one can observe the change of lush vegetation to wastelands and meadows - unusual natural complexes for the tropical latitudes in which Equatorial Guinea is located.
Mapmainland provinces of the country gives an idea of the plains on the coast, the hills in the central part, full-flowing rivers. The we alth of the continental regions is minerals, evergreen equatorial forests. There are more than 150 species of trees, dominated by ficuses, coconut palms, iron and breadfruit trees. Lianas twine around them, bright flowers grow in the undergrowth. Exotic fauna is represented by large predators, elephants, monkeys, antelopes, hippos, tropical birds.
Country culture
The color of Equatorial Guinea lies in the linguistic diversity, the preservation of the traditions and customs of original tribes, in which elements of the culture of alien peoples are woven. Ancient African dialects are still heard in the forest villages, and shamans are engaged in magical rituals, as many centuries ago. Residents of cities communicate with each other in Spanish, Portuguese and French. The rural population mainly uses local languages - Fang, Bubi, Ndove, Annobon, Buhebu. Colorful festivals are held annually in Equatorial Guinea. None of them is complete without national dances and songs that glorified Equatorial Guinea in Africa and other continents.
Main Attractions
The capital - Malabo attracts tourists as a starting point for climbing to the top of the volcano and visiting the reserve. An asph alt road has been laid from the city to the top of Pico Basile. Tourists often go on day trips to the natural gem that Equatorial Guinea is famous for. One of the main architecturalsights of the capital - the Catholic Cathedral of Santa Isabel. This most beautiful building of the city, which has become its original calling card, is located on Independence Square. In front of a tall architectural structure with narrow pointed towers, there is another local attraction - a picturesque fountain.
You can get acquainted with the national traditions, folk art, works of art of Equatorial Guinea in the museum, which is located 20 km from the small town of Ebebin in the northwest of the mainland. The institution was created by local enthusiasts to get acquainted with the culture of the country as a whole. The decoration of the city center of Bath, which is also located on the continent, is the building of the Panafrica Hotel. The hotel offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, the coast and the beach.
Tourism development
Equatorial Guinea has rich resources for tourism development:
- beaches on the coast with fine white sand;
- large tracts of tropical forests;
- volcanic peaks, caves;
- waterfalls, rivers and lakes;
- ethnic traditions of African tribes, black magic of shamans;
- festivals and ceremonies with live singing and dancing;
- colorful markets;
- national cuisine.
The nature of the country is threatened by the same danger that was realized in other states of the forest belt of Africa. Increased economic needs, agricultural development, miningminerals and road construction required deforestation. Reducing biodiversity, changing the natural habitat - only part of the exacerbated environmental problems.
Difficulties in the economy somewhat delay the development of the tourism infrastructure of a small state. Nevertheless, mainland and island Equatorial Guinea is of great interest to travelers.
