History
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to discover the island of Bioko (1471).

Portugal ceded Bioko, known as Fernando Po, to Spain in 1778. In the 1840s the Spanish colonized the mainland (Rio Muni).

Fernando Po and Rio Muni united to form the Western African Territories in 1904. Later the name was changed to Spanish Guinea.

Spanish Guinea achieved independence in 1968 as the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

Following a coup in 1979 Obiang Nguema became President of Equatorial Guinea.

Economy
Since the development of offshore oil reserves in the 1990s oil has become a major component of the country's Gross Domestic Product.

In October 2016 it was announced that Equatorial Guinea planned to double its revenue share from oil production contracts.

Other resources include natural gas, diamonds, gold, bauxite, tantalum, sand, gravel and clay.

Subsistence farming, fishing, and forestry provide a livelihood for a significant percentage of the working population. Agricultural products are coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava, yams, bananas and palm oil nuts. Livestock is reared. (2016)

Arts
Ethnic groups in Equatorial Guinea include the Fang, Bubi, Ndowe, Kombe and Bujebas, each with their own histories and culture.

Music and dance are integral to the Equatorial Guinean way of life. Traditional dancing is recognised as an important art form.

Local crafts are masks, sculpture and wood carvings.

Sport
Football is very popular in Equatorial Guinea.

Equatorial Guinea co-hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and played host again in 2015.

The coastline and islands provide opportunities for water sports.

Holidays
All holidays are celebrated. Independence Day is on 12 October (1968 - from Spain).

News
News from Equatorial Guinea is available in Newslink.

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