Country Profile: Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea is a small country located in Central Africa, bordered by the Bight of Biafra, Cameroon, and Gabon. It comprises a mainland region and five inhabited islands, with a tropical climate and volcanic islands. Home to approximately 1.8 million people, the nation grapples with economic challenges despite significant oil reserves that have historically fueled its economy. Governed by a presidential republic, Equatorial Guinea is characterized by a strong presidential control over political processes, with President OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo having been in power since 1979.

Geography

Equatorial Guinea is situated in Central Africa, bordered by the Bight of Biafra, Cameroon to the north, and Gabon to the south. The country consists of a continental territory and five inhabited islands, with its total land area measuring 28,051 sq km, slightly smaller than Maryland. The climate is predominantly tropical and humid, while the terrain includes coastal plains that rise into interior hills, with volcanic formations on the islands.

Highest elevation: Pico Basile at 3,008 meters.
Coastline length: 296 km.
Total land boundaries: 528 km.
Natural resources: Includes petroleum, natural gas, and timber.
Land use: Approximately 86.7% forested land (2022).

People and Society

Equatorial Guinea has an estimated population of 1,795,834 in 2024, with a significant urban population of 74.4%. The majority of the populace is of Fang ethnicity, followed by Bubi and other groups. The country recognizes Spanish as the official language, alongside Portuguese and French. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, followed by Protestant and Muslim communities.

Population growth rate: 3.23% (2024).
Median age: 22.1 years (2024).
Life expectancy at birth: 63.9 years (2024).
Infant mortality rate: 77.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024).
Urbanization rate: 3.62% annual change (2020-25 est.).

Economy

Equatorial Guinea's economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas, making it a growing member of the CEMAC and OPEC. Although it experienced rapid growth due to oil discovery, economic performance has been challenged by corruption and the COVID-19 pandemic. The nation seeks to diversify its economy and reduce poverty levels.

GDP (PPP): Estimated at $29.248 billion (2024).
Real GDP growth rate: 0.9% (2024).
GDP composition by sector: 51.1% services, 45.8% industry, and 3.1% agriculture (2024).
Unemployment rate: 7.9% (2024).
Exports: Estimated at $4.489 billion (2024), primarily crude petroleum and natural gas.

Government

Equatorial Guinea functions as a presidential republic, with OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo serving as president since 1979. The government operates under a mix of civil and customary law, with a constitution that allows for the president to be elected directly by popular vote. Despite some legislative structure, the political system is dominated by the ruling party.

Independence date: 12 October 1968 (from Spain).
Capital: Malabo, located on Bioko Island.
Voting age: Universal suffrage at 18 years.
Legislature: Bicameral Parliament, including a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate.
Most recent election: 20 November 2022.

Military and Security

The Equatorial Guinea Armed Forces (FAGE) encompass the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with an estimated 2,000 active personnel. The military budget is approximately 1% of GDP. The country places a strong emphasis on maritime security, especially given its significant offshore oil installations.

Military expenditures: 1% of GDP (2024).
Military service age: 18 years for selective service.
Gendarmerie: Responsible for security outside urban areas.
Active military forces: Approximately 2,000 personnel (2025).
Military modernization efforts: Recent acquisitions include vessels from Bulgaria and Israel.

Energy

Equatorial Guinea is rich in energy resources, primarily natural gas and petroleum. The country has a notable electricity access rate, although it's significantly lower in rural areas.

Electricity access: 67% of the total population (2022).
Total petroleum production: 98,000 bbl/day (2023).
Natural gas production: 6.013 billion cubic meters (2023).
Installed generating capacity: 349,000 kW (2023).
Energy consumption per capita: 54.509 million Btu/person (2023).

Environment

Environmental issues in Equatorial Guinea include deforestation, water pollution, and challenges related to biodiversity. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements, focusing on climate change and wildlife preservation.

Forested land: Approximately 86.7% (2022).
Municipal waste generated annually: 198,400 tons (2024 est.).
Carbon dioxide emissions: Estimated at 5.471 million metric tonnes (2023).
Water resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 26 billion cubic meters (2022).
Percent of water recycled: 23.9% (2022).

Transportation

Equatorial Guinea's transportation network includes several ports and a small number of civil airports. The country has a developing infrastructure for both maritime and air travel.

Airports: 7 planned by 2025.
Merchant marine fleet: Comprises 53 vessels (2023).
Total ports: 7, with most being small.
Civil aircraft registration code: 3C.
Key ports: Include Bata, Malabo, and Ceiba Terminal.

Communications

The communications sector is dominated by state control, with limited internet and mobile access. Nevertheless, penetration of mobile phones is growing.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 893,000 (2022).
Internet users: About 60% of the population (2023).
Total fixed-line subscriptions: 11,000 (2022).
Broadcast media: Limited to state-owned and a few private channels.
Broadband subscriptions: Only 2,000 (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,795,834	2024 estimate
Area	28,051 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$29.248 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	7.9%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy at Birth	63.9 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	29 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	67%	Total population (2022)
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	2024 estimate
Urban Population	74.4% of total population	2023 estimate
Installed Electricity Capacity	349,000 kW	2023 estimate