EQUATORIAL GUINEA - AFRICA'S NATION WITH A THRILL
Equatorial Guinea, a country not known by many travelers is one of the smallest countries of Africa located in the Central part of the continent. It comprises of two regions: a Continental Region comprising of small offshore islands like Corisco, Elobey Grande and Elobey Chico and an Insular Region containing Bioko Island and Annobon Island. Gabon and Camroon are its two neighbouring countries. Because of its closeness to the equator, the climate here is warm and humid throughout the year.
Formerly a Spanish colony, the mainland of Equatorial Guinea was originally inhabited by the pygmies. However, they now occupy only small areas in the north. Equitorial Guinea gained its independence from Spain in 1968 and has been trying since then to take the country on the path of development. Malabo is the capital and the largest city of Equatorial Guinea.
ECONOMY
Equatorial Guinea was one of world’s poorest countries prior to the discovery of large oil reserves in 1990s which brought a dramatic change to the country. It then gained the second richest in per capita income second only to Luxemberg. Cocoa production was the main source of income for many people before independence. Presently, as in 2004 Equatorial Guinea was the third largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa contributing tremendously in the increase of government revenue. Subsistence farming, forestry and fishing are the other major sources contributing to the GDP. Although the country is one of the largest producer of oil in Africa, the high rate of corruption have resulted in very little improvement in the standard of living of the people and most of them still live below the poverty line. The government also received assistance from many European countries and the World Bank to improve its economy. Tourism is also considered as one of the four priority sectors for the government to focus on for economic development.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Majority of the people are of Fang ethnic group which is the largest tribe dominating the business and political life of the country. The other majority of the people are of Bantu origin and the Bubi. In addition to this, there are many other coastal tribes and Europeans mixed with African ethnicity. Christianity is the prominent religion with 93% population consisting of Catholics as the majority. The rest 7% of the population consists of indigenous beliefs and Muslims. Spanish and French are the official languages. Most of the population living in the capital Malabo speak Spanish. However, other languages widely spoken include English, native tribal languages, Portuguese and German. Equatorial Guinea is proud to have an adult literacy rate of 87%. The blend of different ethnicities have led the people have up to four names having a mixture of Spanish and African first and last names. Equatorial Guinea has also made a name in sports like football and swimming. Eric Moussambani is the famous national swimming champion breaking many records world wide. The country has also hosted 2008 Women’s African Football Championship and won it and has been chosen to co-host the 2012 African Cup of Nations along with Gabon. Famous books like Robin Cook’s ‘Chromosome 6’, science fiction ‘The Illuminatus! Trio logy’ and Fredrick Forsyth’s novel ‘The Dogs of War’ have been inspired and written about this nation.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
The international airport in Malabo caters many flights from Europe that is, Paris, Madrid, and Amsterdam etc. two three times a week. The travellers can hence book their tickets of Air France, Iberia Airlines, KLM and Swiss Air by enquiring the details from the embassy. Tourists can also reach by road from Gabon and Cameroon where the visas are issued at the border. There are also deepest Atlantic seaports both in Malabo and Bata for major transportation of oil and gas.
The communications in the country have improved dramatically in the recent years. Presently there is only one internet service provider serving about 8000 users and one GSM mobile telephone operator Orange providing coverage in the main cities of the country. There are three state operated radio FM stations and two newspapers which form the principal means of communication. They however enjoy little independence being under the control of the President’s son.
MALABO
Malabo the capital of Equatorial Guinea is located in the north of Bioko Island. It has a pleasant climate having average temperature of 25 degree Celsius and annual rainfall of 75 inches. The tourists can explore this small but attractive town and enjoy the culture of the country. Many buildings in the city still have the Spanish colonial architecture though most of the streets names reflect an anti- colonial theme bearing names such as ‘Independence Avenue’ or ‘Patrice Lumumba Road’. Though like many other African cities, Malabo is also third world but the discovery of oil in the city has brought dramatic changes in the city hence getting the name as oil soaked capital. The visitors can enjoy the open plazas and a lively market located in the heart of the city. For safety, the tourists have to take a special permission from the police for using cameras. There is a massive colonial cathedral at Independence Palace situated in the centre of the city and a main tourist attraction. The Crescent shaped Tip of African Unity located behind the presidential palace is the largest headland of Africa. The tourists can enjoy the spectacular volcanic views, shores of nesting sea turtles and the dense rainforests full of endangered primates.
Attractions
The government of Equatorial Guinea has putting in major efforts for the development of tourism industry in the country so people can come from all round the world and experience the special places abounding the African continent. It has become a holiday paradise for its strong ecotourism and enviable natural attractions.
• The tourists can learn the culture of the Bubi- the original people of the Bioko Island by visiting the town of Moca situated in the beautiful Moca valley.
• The islands have stunning deserted beaches of black sand and are a home of rare species and endangered turtles and whales.
• Monte Alen National Park is a hidden treasure of wildlife rainforest is a home to gorillas, crocodiles and many other species attracting many tourists who want to seek adventure.
• The tourists can also bask on Arena Blanca the only white beach on Bioko Island where thousands of butterflies are found during the dry season.
• The lush green tropical rainforests with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants and many other species can be watched and observed for flora and fauna lovers.
• Other attractions include the Pico Malabo volcano famous for mountain climbing and hiking and panoramic view of Pico Basile from where Mount Camroon can be seen.
• To watch different species of monkey, one can visit the Cascades of Moca, Lake Biao and Lake Loreta which are other renowned tourist destinations.
• Tourists can enjoy shopping the local produce here and the fabric in traditional African prints along with the local crafts.
BATA
Travellers must make a trip to this lively colonial town of Equatorial Guinea, the main town in the region of Rio Muni on the mainland. It is the main port and second largest city of the country after Malabo. Bata is known for its nightlife and lively markets comprising of bars, hotels, discos and restaurants. Although the town has gone under construction with the influx of American oil money pushing it towards an urban future, the tourists can still experience the traditional life of Africa. The markets are sparkling and animated with the African dresses, fruits, vegetables and plastics.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Travellers will not find a wide range of restaurants in Equatorial Guinea as compared to other holiday destinations. The existing ones are all concentrated in Malabo and Bata and do not open everyday. Cassava is the staple diet usually served with fish or meat. Chicken cooked in peanut butter with boiled rice is another local delicacy. Yam, sweet potatoes and plantain are other famous ingredients. The African tea called Osang is popular amongst locals along with the beer and palm wine produced locally. Tourists can also enjoy the sweet smelling local sugarcane brew called ‘Malamba’. The restaurants also serve Spanish and continental cuisines.
There are some good comfortable hotels in Malabo, Luba, Ebebiyan and Bata offering a range of facilities like satellite TV, telephone, internet and tinted with high quality furniture. The hotels can be found of variable standards not being heavy on anyone’s pockets. For travellers not wishing to spend much on accommodation can stay in the cheap hotels with shared bathroom facilities. The tourists can get more detailed information by contacting the Embassy for the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Many new tourism and leisure amenities are being developed constantly.
The tourism industry is taken care of by both local and international operators giving an ease to the travellers for their convenience. The number of leisure travellers has actually quadrupled over the past eight years. So this country still has lot of unexplored potential as a tourist destination. The visitors must go and try it out.
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