Equatorial Guinea, officially the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, is a country located in Central Africa, with an area of 28,000 square kilometres (11,000 sq mi). It has two parts, an insular and a mainland region. The insular region consists of the islands of Bioko (formerly Fernando Po) in the Gulf of Guinea and Annobón, a small volcanic island which is the only part of the country south of the equator. Bioko Island is the northernmost part of Equatorial Guinea and is the site of the country's capital, Malabo. The mainland region, Río Muni, is bordered by Cameroon on the north and Gabon on the south and east. It is the smallest sovereign state in continental Africa in terms of land area and population.
Equatorial Guinea has a long history of human habitation. The earliest evidence of human settlement in the region dates back to the Paleolithic era, when hunter-gatherers inhabited the area. Over the centuries, the region was populated by various ethnic groups, including the Fang, the Bubi, and the Ndowe.
The Fang people were the first to establish a kingdom in the region, which they called Acurenam. This kingdom flourished from the 15th to the 19th century. During this time, the Fang people developed a powerful trading network, trading slaves, ivory, and goods with Europeans and other African kingdoms.
In the 19th century, the Spanish colonized the region and renamed it Spanish Guinea. The Spanish also introduced Christianity to the region. In 1968, the country gained independence from Spain and was renamed Equatorial Guinea.
Since independence, Equatorial Guinea has been ruled by a series of authoritarian regimes. The current president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has been in power since 1979. Under his rule, the country has experienced economic growth and improved infrastructure. However, human rights abuses remain a major issue in the country.
Despite its tumultuous history, Equatorial Guinea is a culturally rich country with a vibrant music and dance scene. The country has also become an important producer of oil and natural gas, making it one of the wealthiest countries in Africa.