What is Equatorial Guinea?
Equatorial Guinea is a small country located on the west coast of Central Africa, consisting of a mainland region and several islands. Its capital, Malabo, is situated on Bioko Island, while the country’s mainland is called Río Muni. Equatorial Guinea is known for its rich natural resources, particularly oil and gas, which have made it one of Africa’s richest countries by GDP per capita. Despite its wealth, the country faces challenges with political instability and human rights concerns.
Administrative Divisions
Equatorial Guinea is divided into 2 main regions:
- Continental Region (Río Muni)
- Insular Region, including Bioko Island and other smaller islands.
It has 7 provinces, and the capital city is Malabo on Bioko Island.
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Symbol: FCFA
- Subunit: 1 CFA Franc = 100 Centimes
- Central Bank: Bank of Central African States (BEAC)
Type of Government
Equatorial Guinea operates as a presidential republic, where the President is both the head of state and head of government. The political system is centralized, with significant power held by the President.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| President | Head of state and government, supreme leader | Oversees the country’s administration, policies, and foreign relations. |
| Prime Minister | Appointed by the President | Leads the government, manages domestic affairs and coordinates ministers. |
| Council of Ministers | Cabinet, appointed by the President | Advises the President and implements government policies. |
Legislative Branch
The legislature consists of a bicameral system:
- Chamber of Deputies (lower house)
- Senate (upper house)
Judicial Branch
Equatorial Guinea has an independent judiciary, although the system is heavily influenced by the executive branch.
International Memberships
Equatorial Guinea is a member of:
- United Nations (UN)
- African Union (AU)
- Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
- Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP)
Military Structure
Equatorial Guinea has a modest military primarily focused on internal security.
- Branches:
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 112
- Medical Emergency: 118
- Fire: 111
SWOT Analysis of Equatorial Guinea
Strengths
- Rich in natural resources, particularly oil and gas.
- High GDP per capita relative to other African countries.
- Strategic location for shipping and trade routes.
Weaknesses
- Political repression and limited democratic freedoms.
- Income inequality despite wealth from natural resources.
- High unemployment and poverty rates, especially among the youth.
Opportunities
- Diversification of the economy beyond oil, especially in agriculture and tourism.
- International partnerships for sustainable development.
- Investment in education and healthcare to improve social conditions.
Threats
- Political instability and the potential for civil unrest.
- Human rights violations drawing international criticism.
- Dependency on oil prices, which are volatile.
Additional Information
- Official Language: Spanish, French, and Portuguese
- Time Zone: Western African Time (WAT)
- National Anthem: “Caminemos” (Let’s Walk)