Equatorial Guinea: Africa’s only Spanish-Speaking Country

Equatorial Guinea

It is our privilege to help the world community of football by becoming the host of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. We welcome Africa’s footballers. President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang. In 2015, Equatorial Guinea hosted Africa’s Cup of Nations after Morocco withdrew.

Tucked between Gabon and Cameroon, this central-African nation may not be well-known to some. However, what this country lacks in size, it definitely makes up for in history, culture, and even controversy. As Africa’s only Spanish-speaking country, it makes for an ideal destination for anyone seeking a Spanish-immersion vacation.

Geography

Equatorial Guinea is composed of two parts – the mainland, located on continental Africa, and five islands. The islands consist of Bioko, Corisco, Great Elobey, Little Elobey, and Annobon. As you have probably deduced, Equatorial Guinea is a former Spanish colony, and much of the Spanish culture and influence remains within the country. Having gained it’s independence in 1968, this country has grown leaps and bounds from it’s former colonial state.

Culture

The native inhabitants of Bioko island are the Bubi, a Bantu-speaking population that migrated from the mainland. Unfortunately, their numbers significantly decreased due to colonialism and a later struggle with the Fang ethnic group, which has left their numbers only in the couple of thousand. Other ethnic groups present in Equatorial Guinea are Yoruba, Igbo, Spaniard, and Seke.

St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Festival, Equatorial Guinea

President Obama and First Lady along with Equatorial Guinea President Obiang and First Lady

Despite the visible traces of Equatorial Guinea’s Spanish colonial past, there has been an emergence of traditional culture seen in the country, particularly on the mainland. This makes for a unique cultural experience for any traveler; the mixture of authentic traditional culture with touches of Spanish influences.

Equatorial Guinea has since become a booming, oil-rich nation. Oil was discovered in the Gulf of Guinea offshore in 1995; since then, oil has become the country’s biggest export. Equatorial Guinea is the third-largest exporter of oil in sub-Sahara Africa, trailing closely behind Nigeria and Angola.

Getting There

Malabo International Airport, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea

Currently, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to stay in the country for up to 90 days. However, it is important to check on these policies for changes before your trip. The most commonly used airlines to fly into the country are Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, and Lufthansa Airlines. Visitors will arrive at Malabo International Airport, located on the island of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

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What unique attractions did you experience when you visited Equatorial Guinea? Leave us a comment below!

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