Equatorial Guinea is a small country located in Central Africa between Cameroon and Gabon. It has a population of around 676,273 and its capital and largest city is Malabo. Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain in 1968 and is currently a republic whose president is Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been in power since 1979. The country uses the CFA franc as its currency and has a developing tourism industry focused on its beaches, rainforests, and Spanish colonial architecture in Malabo.

1. Equatorial Guinea By Marissa Green

2. Equatorial Guinea is located in western Africa between Cameroon and Gabon.It’s capital is Malabo.Equatorial Guinea is slightly smaller than Maryland with a population of 676,273GEOGRAPHY

3. Equatorial Guinea is a republic.They gained independence from Spain on October 12, 1968. The president is Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. The presidents serve 7 year terms with no term limits. GOVERNMENT

4. The currency in Equatorial Guinea is CFA FrancThey are a strictly cash economy only with no ATMS, credit cards, or checks. CURRENCY

5. In Equatorial Guinea children are taught to respect their eldersSchooling is mandatory between ages 6 and 14, but only 70% attend primary and even less attend secondaryThere are 2 schools for higher educationEDUCATION

6. The national dish of Equatorial Guinea is called ‘succotash’Succotash is a dish consisting of lima beans and tomatoes stewed in butter and simmered in cornNATIONAL DISH

7. Equatorial Guinea’s flag was adopted on August 21, 1979Green=natural resources and jungle of the countryBlue=the seaWhite=peaceRed=the fight for independenceFLAG HISTORY

8. Equatorial doesn’t have a state religion, but a 1992 law established an official preference for the Catholic Church and the Reform Church of Equatorial Guinea93% of the population is Christian/ Christian denomination and Catholic study is required in schoolsRELIGION

9. Traditionally the husband gives the wife’s family a dowry upon marriage If the marriage ends, the husband is entitled to take the dowry backThe man also is given custody of all children born during the marriage if there is a divorceIt is traditional to move in with the husband’s family after marriageMARRIAGE/DATING

10. Equatorial Guinea’s tourism industry isn’t very developedHowever, attractions include the Spanish architecture in Malabo, beaches, and tropical rainforests It’s estimated that it costs $218 a day to visitTravel requirements include a valid passport and yellow fever vaccination TOURISM

11. Popular exports include petroleum, timber, and cocoaPopular imports are petroleum equipment, soybean oil, wine, and various meatsIMPORTS AND EXPORTS

12. Equatorial Guinea was chosen to host the 2012 African Cup of Nations and previously hosted the 2008 Women’s African Football Championship, which they wonThe Women’s National Team has also qualified for the 2011 World CupEquatorial Guinea is home to the famous swimming champion Eric MoussambaniSports

13. Equatorial Guinea has 10,000 land lines in use but over 70% of the population owns a cell phoneThe state controls broadcast media and there is 1 state owned TV channel, radio station, and a private radio owned by the presidents oldest sonEquatorial Guinea has internet access with about 12,000 users COMMUNICATION

14. Equatorial Guinea has a National Guard and a Coast GuardParticipants have to be 18 years of age and serve a minimum of 2 yearsWomen can only hold administrative positions MILITARY

15. Equatorial Guinea has a tropical climate and is hot and humid year round. The average temperature in Malabo is 77The raining season is from April to JanuaryEquatorial Guinea suffers from occasional severe wind stormsCLIMATE

16. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ek.htmlhttp://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Equatorial-Guinea.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Equatorial_Guineahttp://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/7221.htmhttp://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wihttp://www.afribiz.info/content/equatorial-guinea-key-agricultural-importsResources