Equatorial Guinea

I

Introduction

Equatorial Guinea, independent republic, western Africa, consisting of a mainland section bordered on the north by Cameroon, on the east and south by Gabon, and on the west by the Gulf of Guinea; and, in the Gulf of Guinea, the islets of Corisco, Elobey Grande, and Elobey Chico, and the islands of Bioko (formerly Macías Nguema Biyogo, and previously Fernando Po), and Annobón (Pagalu from 1973-1979). Equatorial Guinea has a total area of 28,051 sq km (10,831 sq mi). The capital is Malabo on the island of Bioko. Bata is the administrative capital on the mainland.

II

Land and Resources

The terrain of mainland Equatorial Guinea is gently rolling and heavily forested; about 60 per cent of the area is drained by the River Mbini (formerly Benito). With Corisco and the Elobeys it comprises the continental (formerly Río Muni and Mbini) region, an area of 26,017 sq km (10,045 sq mi). The most mountainous parts of this region are in the south-west, where the plateaux and hill ranges rise to form part of the Cristal Mountains of Gabon.

The main island of Equatorial Guinea is Bioko (2,017 sq km/779 sq mi), which is to the north of the mainland, close to the coast of Cameroon in the Bight of Bonny section of the Gulf of Guinea. The island, primarily of volcanic origin, is mountainous and thickly wooded, with a steep, rocky coast. Its highest peak is Santa Isabel (3,008 m/9,868 ft). The island has fertile volcanic soils and several rivers; lakes are found in the mountainous areas. Together with the small island of Annobón, lying about 640 km (400 mi) to the south-west, offshore Gabon, it comprises the Insular (formerly named Bioko) region.

A

Climate

Equatorial Guinea has a tropical equatorial climate. The average annual temperature is about 25° C (77° F) and the annual rainfall is more than 2,005 mm (79 in) in most areas.

B

Environmental Concerns

About 63.5 per cent of the country's land area is still covered with forest and woodland, home to rich biodiversity. Deforestation is occurring, however, as agricultural production increases despite higher oil revenues. Water from taps is not potable. The previous explosive population growth has slowed dramatically, but pressure on natural resources continues as long as the basic indicators of development remain depressed.