Equatorial Guinea. Guinea on the world map

Equatorial Guinea is a tiny state, the smallest in Africa. The people of the country until 1968 fought against the 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 Arab Emirates. Only the climate is more humid, there is an untouched jungle, a population not indulged by the blessings of civilization. Lovely coast of the Atlantic, preserved national traditions like a magnet attract modern tourists to Guinea who are in search of exotic adventures.

Guinea on the map of the world and the African continent

The former Spanish colony - the Republic of Equatorial Guinea - is a young and developing African state. 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 number of islands. The state is located slightly north of the equator and extends from 0.54 ° to 2.19 ° N.

The territory of Equatorial Guinea 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, Annobon, and Korisko. The area of the mainland is 26 thousand km2, the island territory occupies 2 thousand km2.

National Symbols

On Independence Day, on October 12, the national flag of Equatorial Guinea can be seen everywhere in the Republic. Its bright cloth represents three equal in width horizontal stripes of green, white and red colors. Near the pole, there is a blue triangle. In the center of the flag is the state emblem in the form of a silver shield. The personification of the unity of the country's population is six golden six-pointed stars above it. Each of them is one continental and five island provinces. Under the shield, the motto of the Republic is "Unity, Peace and Justice". In the central part is an image of a green cotton tree - the bomb bay, which is rich in Equatorial Guinea (photo).

The colors of the flag have a profound symbolic meaning:

• The blue triangle represents the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which is washing the coast of the country;
• The green belt reflects the main wealth of the flora and the flourishing form of the population's activity - agriculture;
• White color is a symbol of peace, which was established after the conquest of independence;
• The blood shed by the freedom fighters of Equatorial Guinea is symbolized by the lower band of red color.

Currency of Equatorial Guinea

Many collectors are in search of coins of the old and new models, issued in Equatorial Guinea. The history of the monetary unit of the country is an exciting novel for the numismatist. The CFA franc is in circulation (1 franc = 100 centimes). Coins are minted from light copper-nickel and aluminum-bronze alloys (golden color).

Modern coins of Equatorial Guinea are similar to similar monetary units of the Central African Countries' Currency Union (CFA). The Association arose at a time when the six participating 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 ecvel - to the CFA franc. On coins of the common for the union of the sample in 1976-1996 years the letter symbols of the countries were put. In Equatorial Guinea in 1985, coins were issued that differed from the single pattern in Spanish inscriptions and the full name of the country on the obverse. In the following, in 1986, only one type of such coins was minted-50 francs, then their production was stopped.

The 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 the country guides as Pico Basile or Mount Malabo. Landscapes of the island are picturesque lagoons, former craters, now covered with evergreen jungles, volcanic lakes. The population of Malabo is more than 160 thousand people. The city looks well-groomed, its inhabitants are friendly to the guests.

In the administrative center of the country operates an international airport, comfortable hotels are built. The city literally drowns in tropical greens. Malabo Airport is connected by weekly flights with world capitals. Equatorial Guinea can be reached from Cameroon by land. The national airline operates daily flights between Malabo and Bate. To travel on 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 Bath, in the bay of Rio Benito. Here the main river of Equatorial Guinea - Mbini (formerly called Benito) flows into the bay. One of the main beach resorts of the country.

Ebebin - a city located in the north-east of the continental part of the state. The first major settlement on the road from Cameroon.

Luba - the administrative center of the Southern Province on about. Bioko, the port city.

In the cities of New Guinea, there is a flourishing market trade, many bars and restaurants, where guests are offered to taste national dishes, local drinks.

Climate

The climatic conditions of Equatorial Guinea fully correspond to the notions of the humid tropics of Africa. During the year, warm weather prevails and the temperature is 25 ° C, occasionally the column of the thermometer rises above 32 ° C. Typical for temperate latitudes, the seasons are poorly expressed in the equatorial belt . In general, the account goes to the seasons: wet and dry. On the island of Bioko, it rains from July to January. The same mode of precipitation 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 terrain differs from the plain part of the country by the damp and cooler weather, but less than 18 ° C is rare. The best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is the dry season - November-April.

Nature

The shoreline of the mainland is slightly indented. Here lies a low plain, and deep into the country a highland up to 900 m high. On the island of Bioko there is a three thousandth of Equatorial Guinea - Pico Basile - a mountain formed by the cones of three merged volcanoes. At the foot of the belt is a rainforest, which is filled with a homon of hundreds of bird species. The world of reptiles and mammals is rich. Above in the mountains one can observe the change of lush vegetation to wastelands and meadows - unusual natural complexes for tropical latitudes in which Equatorial Guinea is located.

Map Continental provinces The country gives an idea of the plains on the coast, the hills in the central part, the deep-water rivers. Wealth of continental regions - minerals, evergreen equatorial forests. There are more than 150 species of trees, dominate ficus, coconut palm, iron and breadfruit. They are wrapped in vines, bright flowers grow in the undergrowth. Exotic fauna is represented by large predators, elephants, monkeys, antelopes, hippos, tropical birds.

Culture of the country

The color of Equatorial Guinea lies in linguistic diversity, the preservation of the traditions and customs of original tribes, in which elements of the culture of alien peoples are intertwined. Ancient African dialects are still heard in 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 enjoys predominantly local languages - Fang, Bubi, Ndove, Annobon, Buheba. Every year colorful festivals take place in Equatorial Guinea. None of them can do without national dances and songs that have glorified Equatorial Guinea on the African and other continents.

Main Attractions

Capital - Malabo attracts tourists as a starting point for climbing to the top of the volcano and visiting the reserve. From the city to the top of Pico Basil an asphalt road is laid. Tourists often go on day trips to the natural pearl, which is famous for Equatorial Guinea. One of the main architectural sights of the capital is the cathedral of Santa Isabel. This is the most beautiful building of the city, which became its original visiting card, is located on Independence Square. Before a high architectural structure with narrow peaked towers, there is another local landmark - a picturesque fountain.

With national traditions, folk art, works of art of Equatorial Guinea, you can meet at the museum, which is located 20 km from the small town of Ebebjin in the north-west of the mainland. The institution was created by local enthusiasts to familiarize themselves with the culture of the country as a whole. The decoration of the center of Bata, which is also located on the continent, is the building of the hotel "Panafrica". The hotel offers a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean, the coast and the beach.

Development of tourism

In Equatorial Guinea, there are rich resources for the development of tourism:

• 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 has been realized in other states of the African forest belt. Increased economic needs, development of agriculture, mining and road construction required deforestation. Reducing biodiversity, changing the natural habitat is only part of the escalating environmental problems.

Difficulties in the economy somewhat delay the development of the tourist infrastructure of a small state. Nevertheless, continental and island Equatorial Guinea is of great interest to travelers.