Equatorial Guinea - a tiny state, the smallest in Africa.The people of the country until 1968 fought against Spanish rule.After the proclamation of independence and democracy, the country embarked on the path of economic development.Found on the shelf of large oil reserves and growing tourism are reminiscent of the rise Arab Emirates.Only the climate is more humid, there are pristine jungle neizbalovannogo population of the benefits of civilization.Tender Atlantic coast, preserved folk traditions like a magnet to Guinea of modern travelers, who are in search of exotic adventures.
Guinea on the map of the world and the African continent
former Spanish colony - The Republic of Equatorial Guinea - young developing states in Africa.On the small scale of the political map of the world the country is a small rectangle on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea and a number of islands.The country is situated just north of the equator and extends from 0,54 ° to 2,19 ° N.
territory of Equatorial Guinea consists of a mainland - Rio Muni, which is located between Cameroon on the north, Gabon on the south and east.On the west coast bordering the Gulf of Biafra.The state owns 5 volcanic islands, the largest of which - Bioko, Annobon, Corisco.Mainland Area - 26 thousand. Km2 island territory occupies 2 thousand. Km2.
National symbols
Independence Day on October 12 in the Republic of everywhere you can see the national flag of Equatorial Guinea.His bright flag consists of three equal-width horizontal stripes of green, white and red colors.Near the edge of the Spear is a blue triangle.At the center of the flag - the national emblem in the form of a silver shield.The personification of the unity of the population are six gold six-pointed stars on it.Each of them - this is one of five mainland and island provinces.Under the shield of carved motto - "Unity, peace and justice."In the central part there is an image of green cotton tree - bombaksa, which is rich Equatorial Guinea (photo).
colors of the flag have a deep symbolic significance:
- blue triangle represents the waters of the Atlantic Ocean washes the shores of the country;
- green bar represents the main wealth of flora and prosperous activity of the population - agriculture;
- white color is a symbol of peace, which was established after independence;
- blood shed for freedom fighters of Equatorial Guinea, symbolizes the lower red stripe.
Currency Equatorial Guinea
Many collectors are in search of coins old and new model released in Equatorial Guinea.History of the monetary unit of the country - an exciting novel for the coin collector.The appeal is the CFA franc (1 franc = 100 cents).Coins minted light copper-nickel and aluminum-bronze alloy (golden color).
Modern coins Equatorial Guinea are similar to analogous currencies Monetary Union of Central African States (Communaute Financiere Africaine, CFA).Association originated in the period when the six States parties were colonies of France.Equatorial Guinea's accession to the Union in 1986 was marked by a change of their own monetary unit - ekvele - in the CFA franc.On the coins common to the Union in the 1976-1996 years of sample letters are deposited countries.In Equatorial Guinea, in 1985, we issued the coins, differing from a single sample labeled in Spanish and the full name of the country on the obverse.The following year, 1986, minted only one kind of coin - 50 francs, then stopped their production.
capital of Equatorial Guinea
administrative center of the country and the port of Malabo on Bioko Island is located near the crater of an extinct volcano (3011 m).Previously, both the city and the majestic peak called Santa Isabel.Now the mountain peak is mentioned in guidebooks on the country as the Pico Basile or mountain Malabo.The island - a picturesque lagoon, former craters, now covered with evergreen jungles, volcanic lake.Malabo population is over 160 thousand. Man.The city looks well-kept, its inhabitants are friendly to the guests.
The administrative center of the country's international airport, built comfortable hotels.The city is literally buried in the tropical greenery.Airport Malabo connected weekly flights with the world's capitals.In Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon can be reached by land.National airline operates daily flights between Malabo and Bata.To move around the mainland and island territory can take advantage of the taxi.To get to the island, you need to wait for the ferry or rent a canoe.
other towns
Bata - Equatorial Guinea's economic capital - a clean city with broad avenues.Tourists have chosen it as a starting point for trips to the countryside and the islands.
Mbini - a small town 50 kilometers south of Bata, in the bay of Rio Benito.It empties into the Bay of the main river of Equatorial Guinea - Mbini (formerly known as Benito).One of the main beach resorts in the country.
Ebebiyín - a city located in the north-east of the mainland government.The first major town on the road from Cameroon.
Luba - the administrative center of the southern province.Bioko, the port city.
In the cities of New Guinea a prosperous market stores, many bars and restaurants, where guests are invited to taste national dishes, local beverages.
Climate Climatic conditions in Equatorial Guinea fully meet the ideas of the humid tropics of Africa.During the year, dominated by warm weather and the temperature of 25 C °, the thermometer rarely rises above 32 C °.Typical seasons of temperate latitudes in the equatorial belt are mild.Basically, the bill goes to the seasons: wet and dry.On the island of Bioko rains from July to January.The same precipitation regime in the capital - Malabo.
Equatorial Guinea mainland - a two rainy periods: April-May and October-December.The lowest rainfall in May and September and in December and January.Highlands is different from the flat part of the country's more than wet and cool weather, but less than 18 C ° is rare.The best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is a dry season - November to April.
Nature
mainland coastline is slightly indented.It extends low-lying plain and inland plateau goes up to 900 m. The island of Bioko is trehtysyachnik Equatorial Guinea - Pico Basile - mountain formed three merged cones of volcanoes.Located at the foot of the belt of tropical forests, which are filled with the hubbub of hundreds of species of birds.Rich world of reptiles and mammals.Higher up in the mountains you can watch the changing of lush vegetation on the heath and meadows - unusual natural systems for tropical latitudes, which is Equatorial Guinea.
Map mainland provinces country gives an idea of the plains of the coast, the hills in the central part, full-flowing rivers.Wealth continental regions - minerals, evergreen equatorial forests.It occurs more than 150 species of trees, dominated by Ficus, coconut, breadfruit and iron.Their entwined vines grow in the undergrowth bright colors.Exotic fauna is represented by large predators, elephants, monkeys, antelopes, hippos, tropical birds.
Culture country
coloring Equatorial Guinea is linguistic diversity, preserving the traditions and customs of the original tribes, which are woven into the cultural elements of alien peoples.Ancient African dialect is still heard in the forest villages, and shamans engaged in magical rituals, like many centuries ago.Residents of cities communicate among themselves in Spanish, Portuguese and French.Rural population uses mainly local languages - Fang, Bubi, Akhundov, and Annobon, buhebu.In Equatorial Guinea, colorful festivals are held annually.None of them does not do without national dances and songs made famous by Equatorial Guinea of Africa and other continents.
Main attractions
Capital - Malabo attracts tourists as a starting point for the ascent to the summit of the volcano and visiting the reserve.From the city to the top of Pico Basile laid asphalt road.Tourists often go on day trips to the natural pearl, which is famous for Equatorial Guinea.One of the major architectural landmarks of the capital - the cathedral Catholic Cathedral of Santa Isabel.This is the most beautiful building in the city, it has become a kind of calling card, located at the Independence Square.Before high architectural structure with narrow gabled towers is another local landmark - a picturesque fountain.
with national traditions, folk art, works of art, Equatorial Guinea can be found in the museum, which is located 20 kilometers from the small town Ebebiyín in the northwest of the mainland.The hospital was founded by local enthusiasts to study the culture of the country as a whole.The decoration of the city center of Bath, which is also located on the continent, is the building of the hotel «Panafrica».From the hotel offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, the coast and the beach.
Tourism development
In Equatorial Guinea has rich resources for tourism development:
- beaches on the coast with fine white sand;
- large tracts of tropical forests;
- volcanic peaks, caves;
- waterfalls, rivers and lakes;
- ethnic traditions of African tribes, black magic shaman;
- festivals and ceremonies with live singing and dancing;
- colorful markets;
- national cuisine.
nature of the country threatened by the same danger which recognized in other states of the forest belt of Africa.Increased economic needs, the development of agriculture, mining and road construction required deforestation.Loss of biodiversity, changes in natural habitat - is only part of the aggravated environmental problems.
Difficulties in the economy somewhat delay the development of tourist infrastructure of a small state.Nevertheless, the island and the mainland of Equatorial Guinea is of great interest to travelers.
