Equatorial Guinea
Country Flag Details
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red, with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice); green symbolizes the jungle and natural resources, blue represents the sea that connects the mainland to the islands, white stands for peace, and red recalls the fight for independence.
Background
Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. It is one of the smallest countries in Africa consisting of a mainland territory and five inhabited islands. Major oil reserves were discovered offshore in the late 1990s, but systemic corruption has hindered economic development.
Geography
Area
total : 28,051 sq km
land: 28,051 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
tropical; always hot, humid
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, timber, gold, bauxite, diamonds, tantalum, sand and gravel, clay
People and Society
Population
total: 1,795,834
Ethnic groups
Fang 78.1%, Bubi 9.4%, Ndowe 2.8%, Nanguedambo 2.7%, Bisio 0.9%, foreigner 5.3%, other 0.7%, unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.)
Languages
Spanish (official) 67.6%, other (includes Fang, Bubi, Portuguese (official), French (official), Fa d’Ambo spoken in Annobon) 32.4% (1994 est.)
Religions
Roman Catholic 88%, Protestant 5%, Muslim 2%, other 5% (animist, Baha’i, Jewish) (2015 est.)
Population growth rate
3.23% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Malabo; note – Malabo is on the island of Bioko; some months of the year, the government operates out of Bata on the mainland region.
Executive branch
chief of state: President OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo (since 3 August 1979)
head of government: Prime Minister Manuela ROKA Botey (since 1 February 2023)
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Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$28.985 billion (2023 est.)
$30.539 billion (2022 est.)
$29.585 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$15,700 (2023 est.)
$16,900 (2022 est.)
$16,800 (2021 est.)
Exports
$6.231 billion (2022 est.)
$5.851 billion (2021 est.)
$4.041 billion (2020 est.)
Exports – partners
China 27%, Netherlands 12%, Spain 10%, Italy 7%, Germany 6% (2023)
Exports – commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, alcohols, wood, scrap iron (2023)
Imports
$4.297 billion (2022 est.)
$4.351 billion (2021 est.)
$3.669 billion (2020 est.)
Imports – partners
China 20%, Spain 17%, USA 10%, Gabon 5%, UK 5% (2023)
Imports – commodities
ships, poultry, plastic products, beer, valves (2023)
Equatorial Guinea-Sanitation
Equatorial Guinea – Proportion of population served with at least basic sanitation
In 2010, the proportion of the population served with at least basic sanitation for Equatorial Guinea was 63.8 %. The proportion of the population served with at least basic sanitation in Equatorial Guinea increased from 54.8 % in 2000 to 66.3 % in 2010, an absolute change of 9 principal points (pp) between 2000 and 2022.
Equatorial Guinea – Proportion of urban population served with at least basic sanitation facilities
In 2010, the proportion of the urban population served with at least basic sanitation for Equatorial Guinea was 68.6 %. The proportion of urban population served with at least basic sanitation in Equatorial Guinea increased from 64.4 % in 2000 to 68.6% in 2010, an absolute change of 4.2 pp between 2000 and 2010.
Equatorial Guinea – Proportion of rural population served with at least basic sanitation facilities
In 2010, the proportion of rural population served with at least basic sanitation for Equatorial Guinea was 54.5 %. The proportion of rural population served with at least basic sanitation of Equatorial Guinea increased from 45.5 % in 2000 to 54.5 % in 2010 an absolute annual of 9 pp increase between 2000 and 2010.
Equatorial Guinea- Share of the population using at least basic sanitation facilities: A Global Perspective
Unsafe sanitation is a pressing issue that leads to the tragic loss of countless lives annually. Access to safe sanitation is not just a basic human necessity, but a fundamental right that everyone deserves. In 2010, only 63.8 % of the population in Equatorial Guinea had access to basic sanitation facilities, revealing a significant gap in public health infrastructure. In comparison, countries like China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam boasted access rates of 95.9%, 88.2%, 95.1%, and 99.0%, respectively. Ensuring safe sanitation goes beyond statistics; it is crucial for health, dignity, and well-being. These concerning figures highlight the urgent need for collective action to foster sustainable governance and inclusive solutions that secure safe sanitation for all individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Equatorial Guinea- Share of the rural population served with at least basic sanitation facilities
The chart below highlights a critical issue: many in the rural population of Equatorial Guinea lack access to basic sanitation. This silent crisis affects countless lives each year, emphasizing the need for safe sanitation as a fundamental human right. In 2010, only 54.5% of the rural population had basic sanitation, a stark contrast to Sri Lanka’s 94.9%, Thailand’s 98.4%, and Vietnam’s 88.4%. These figures reveal an urgent call to action. Please refer to the chart for a visual representation of these disparities. Advocating for improved sanitation infrastructure is essential, as is prioritizing the health and dignity of all individuals. Our commitment to addressing these inequities is crucial for sustainable development, ensuring every community has the sanitation they deserve. Together, we can create a future where safe sanitation is a reality for all, enhancing the quality of life for the rural population in Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea-Water Supply
Equatorial Guinea – Proportion of population served with at least basic drinking water
In 2010, the proportion of the population served with at least basic water for Equatorial Guinea was 60.4%. The proportion of the population served with at least basic water in Equatorial Guinea increased from 51.1% in 2000 to 60.4 % in 2010, an absolute change of 9.3 pp between 2000 and 2010
Equatorial Guinea – Proportion of urban population served with at least basic drinking water
In 2010, the proportion of the urban population served with at least basic water in Equatorial Guinea was 74.8 %. The proportion of urban population served with at least basic water in Equatorial Guinea increased from 64.0 % in 2000 to 74.8 % in 2017, an absolute change of 10.8 pp between 2000 and 2010.
Equatorial Guinea – Proportion of rural population served with at least basic drinking water
In 2010, the proportion of the rural population served with at least basic water for Equatorial Guinea was 32.6 %. The proportion of the rural population served with at least basic drinking water in Equatorial Guinea declined from 38.7% in 2000 to 32.6% in 2010, an absolute change of 6.1 pp between 2000 and 2010
Equatorial Guinea – Proportion of Total Population Served with at Least Basic drinking Water: A Global Perspective
As of 2010, it was reported that 60.4% of the population in Equatorial Guinea now has access to at least basic water services. This represents a remarkable leap from just 51.1% in the year 2000. Yet, this progress starkly contrasts with the 100% access enjoyed by populations in countries like South Korea and Thailand, where safe drinking water is a given. These disparities in water accessibility are more than mere statistics; they reflect the real challenges that communities face, impacting health, education, and overall quality of life. It is essential that we acknowledge these inequalities and champion sustainable solutions and infrastructure that can guarantee every individual access to this vital resource.(Refer to the chart below for a visual comparison that illustrates these disparities.)
Equatorial Guinea – Share of the rural population using at least basic drinking water facilities
As of 2022, a mere 32.6% of the rural population in Equatorial Guinea had access to at least basic sanitation services, a worrisome decline from 38.7% in the year 2000. This alarming downward trend starkly contrasts with the situation in countries like Vietnam, where access to safe drinking water is not just a luxury but a standard that is universally upheld. This glaring disparity highlights the urgent need for substantial improvements in infrastructure and resources, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their geographic location, can access the essential services they rightfully deserve. These disparities in water accessibility are not merely statistics; they represent profound challenges faced by communities, significantly impacting health, education, and the overall quality of life for countless individuals. It is imperative that we address these issues to foster a healthier and more equitable future for all.
Equatorial Guinea -Access to Electricity
Equatorial Guinea- Access to electricity (% of population)
In 2022, the proportion of the population with access to electricity in Equatorial Guinea was 67.0%. The proportion of the population with access to electricity in Equatorial Guinea increased from 64.8% in 2000 to 67.0% in 2022, an absolute change of 2.2 pp between 2000 and 2022.
Equatorial Guinea- Access to Electricity (% urban population)
In 2022, the proportion of the urban population with access to electricity in Equatorial Guinea was 89.8 %. The proportion of urban population with access to electricity in Equatorial Guinea decreased from 94.5% % in 2000 to 89.8% in 2022, an absolute decrease of 4.7 pp between 2000 and 2022.
Equatorial Guinea- Access to electricity (% rural population)
In 2022, the proportion of the rural population with access to electricity in Equatorial Guinea was 1.4%. The proportion of the rural population of Equatorial Guinea with access to electricity of Equatorial Guinea decreased from 36.2 % in 2000 to 1.4% in 2022, an absolute change of 34.8 pp between 2000 and 2022.
Equatorial Guinea- Access to Electricity (% of population): A Global Perspective.
In 2022, 67.0% of Equatorial Guinea’s population gained access to electricity, up from 64.8% in 2000. While this improvement is commendable, it still leaves the country behind many others; for example, Thailand and South Korea have achieved full access at 100%, with Vietnam and Bangladesh close behind at nearly 99%. Electricity access is essential for reducing poverty and driving economic growth. Globally, access has steadily increased, dropping from 20% in 2000 to under 10% today, particularly in low and middle-income regions. Yet, challenges persist for several Sub-Saharan African countries like Equatorial Guinea in achieving broad electricity access. For more insights, refer to the chart illustrating electrification rates across developing areas.
Equatorial Guinea – ccess to electricity (% of the rural population): A Global Perspective
Access to electricity is a vital lifeline that can change lives, alleviate poverty, and promote economic development. It is crucial to understand electricity access to assess social and economic progress. Over the past few decades, global electricity access has significantly improved, with the percentage of people without electricity dropping from 20% in 2000 to under 10% today, primarily due to advancements in low and middle-income countries. Yet, challenges persist, particularly in many Sub-Saharan African countries. For example, in rural Equatorial Guinea, just 1.4% of the population had electricity access as of 2022, down from 36.2% in 2000. In contrast, rural areas in Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and China achieved 100% access in 2022. This glaring disparity underscores the urgent need for action to ensure everyone can benefit from electricity.
Equatorial Guinea – Health Outcomes
Equatorial Guinea-Life Expectancy: A Global Perspective
Over the past seventy years, life expectancy globally has experienced a remarkable shift, with the average increasing from 47 years in 1950 to 71 years in 2021, showcasing significant advancements. However, this progress has not been equally shared, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where changes have been slower. For example, Equatorial Guinea’s life expectancy rose from 42 years in 1960 to 61 years in 2022, illustrating gradual improvement. In contrast, South Korea’s life expectancy jumped from 54 years in 1960 to an impressive 83 years in 2022, while the Maldives saw an increase from 39 years in 1960 to 81 years in 2022.
Equatorial Guinea- Mortality rates, under-5 (per 1000 live births): A Global Perspective
Since 1950, there has been a remarkable decline in global child mortality rates, driven by improvements in living conditions, advancements in healthcare, enhanced nutrition, and greater access to clean water. In affluent nations, particularly in Europe and North America, these rates have plummeted to below four percent. Meanwhile, developing countries in South America and Asia have also made significant strides, although numerous nations in Sub-Saharan Africa still face challenges. For instance, in 1990, child mortality rates in Equatorial Guinea and Bangladesh stood at 178 and 146 per 1,000 live births, respectively. By 2022, Equatorial Guinea reduced its rate to 73, while Bangladesh made commendable progress, reducing its rate to just 29, underscoring the substantial advancements achieved.
Equatorial Guinea-Maternal Mortality Rate ( per 100,000 live births): A Global Perspective
The chart below vividly depicts the annual incidence of pregnancy-related fatalities across different regions, revealing a troubling reality: a significant share of these deaths occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa. This concerning trend arises from various factors, such as high birth rates and persistent maternal mortality ratios. Notably, Bangladesh has made impressive strides, reducing maternal deaths from 441 in 2000 to 123 in 2022, highlighting the benefits of enhanced healthcare. In contrast, Equatorial Guinea saw a modest decline in maternal mortality, from 46.4 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to an estimated 27.9 in 2022, underscoring the urgent need for improved maternal health services there. For a detailed comparison, please refer to the chart below.
