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 676,273 GEOGRAPHY
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 Franc They are a strictly cash economy only with no ATMS, credit cards, or checks. CURRENCY
5. In Equatorial Guinea children are taught to respect their elders Schooling is mandatory between ages 6 and 14, but only 70% attend primary and even less attend secondary There are 2 schools for higher education EDUCATION
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 corn NATIONAL DISH
7. Equatorial Guinea’s flag was adopted on August 21, 1979 Green=natural resources and jungle of the country Blue=the sea White=peace Red=the fight for independence FLAG 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 Guinea 93% of the population is Christian/ Christian denomination and Catholic study is required in schools RELIGION
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 back The man also is given custody of all children born during the marriage if there is a divorce It is traditional to move in with the husband’s family after marriage MARRIAGE/DATING
10. Equatorial Guinea’s tourism industry isn’t very developed However, attractions include the Spanish architecture in Malabo, beaches, and tropical rainforests It’s estimated that it costs $218 a day to visit Travel requirements include a valid passport and yellow fever vaccination TOURISM
11. Popular exports include petroleum, timber, and cocoa Popular imports are petroleum equipment, soybean oil, wine, and various meats IMPORTS 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 won The Women’s National Team has also qualified for the 2011 World Cup Equatorial Guinea is home to the famous swimming champion Eric Moussambani Sports
13. Equatorial Guinea has 10,000 land lines in use but over 70% of the population owns a cell phone The state controls broadcast media and there is 1 state owned TV channel, radio station, and a private radio owned by the presidents oldest son Equatorial Guinea has internet access with about 12,000 users COMMUNICATION
14. Equatorial Guinea has a National Guard and a Coast Guard Participants have to be 18 years of age and serve a minimum of 2 years Women 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 77 The raining season is from April to January Equatorial Guinea suffers from occasional severe wind storms CLIMATE
