Equatorial Guinea is a small nation located on the western coast of Central Africa, bordered by Cameroon to the north, Gabon to the east and south, and the Gulf of Guinea to the west. The country consists of two parts: a mainland region and an island region. The mainland region is known as Rio Muni, and is home to the majority of the country's population. The island region consists of five islands, including Bioko, the location of the capital city of Malabo.
Equatorial Guinea has a rich and varied history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. The earliest inhabitants were the Pygmies, followed by a succession of migrating tribes, including the Bantu, Fang, and Bubi.
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in the area in the 15th century, and they established trading posts along the coast. In the 17th century, the Spanish took control of the region and established the colony of Spanish Guinea. The country remained under Spanish rule until 1968, when it gained independence.
In the 1970s, Equatorial Guinea experienced a period of economic growth, thanks in part to the discovery of oil and gas reserves. This period of prosperity was short-lived, however, as the country soon descended into a period of political unrest and economic decline. In 1979, the country's first president, Francisco Macías Nguema, was overthrown in a coup.
Since then, the country has seen a gradual improvement in its political and economic situation, although it remains one of the poorest countries in the world. In recent years, Equatorial Guinea has become increasingly open to foreign investment, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
Today, Equatorial Guinea is a constitutional republic with a population of approximately 1.2 million people. Spanish and French are the official languages, and the country's main religion is Christianity. Despite its small size and population, Equatorial Guinea has a vibrant culture and is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, including the Fang, Bubi, and Ndowe peoples.