Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea, republic in west-central Africa, formerly a Spanish colony, independent since 1973. The country consists of the mainland province of Río Muni, bounded on the north by Cameroon and on the east and south by Gabon, and several islands off the Atlantic coast. Bata (on the mainland) is the largest city, Malabo (on the island of Bioko) the capital. Main products include cocoa, coffee, bananas, palm oil, and timber. The main ethnic groups are the Fang in Río Muni and the Bubi in Bioko. Spanish is the official language. In 1985 the country's currency was linked to France's currency. As a result, France's influence has increased and French has become the second language.