Now we take a look at Equatorial Guinea, a unique nation made up of a mainland territory and several islands scattered in the Atlantic Ocean. There are around 1.7 million people living here. Interestingly, the capital, Malabo, is located on Bioko Island rather than on the mainland. The official languages are Spanish, French, and Portuguese, making it a true linguistic crossroads.

Equatorial Guinea covers about 28,050 square kilometers (10,830 square miles). To imagine its size, the country is roughly the same size as the state of Maryland in the U.S., or about the same size as Armenia.

The most popular sport is Football, and the national team, known as the “Nzalang Nacional,” is followed with great passion. Their national animal is the Western Lowland Gorilla, a majestic resident of the country’s dense, misty rainforests.

The flag consists of three horizontal stripes of green, white, and red with a blue triangle at the hoist and the national coat of arms in the center, where the green represents the natural resources and jungles, the white symbolizes peace, the red stands for the struggle for independence, and the blue triangle represents the sea.

The food is a flavorful blend of indigenous African traditions and Spanish influence. You must try Succotash, a hearty stew, or Peanut Cream Soup served with boiled plantains or silver fish. Because of its location, fresh grilled fish seasoned with local spices is a staple you’ll find all along the coast.

Equatorial Guinea is home to Pico Basile, a towering volcano on Bioko Island that offers views all the way to neighboring Cameroon on a clear day. The country’s mainland, Río Muni, is almost entirely covered in ancient tropical rainforests where you can find rare wildlife like forest elephants and chimpanzees. A very modern part of the country is the city of Djibloho (also known as Ciudad de la Paz), a brand-new city built deep in the jungle intended to become the future capital. It is also one of the largest oil producers in Sub-Saharan Africa, which has transformed its landscape and economy in recent decades.

From the Spanish colonial architecture of Malabo to the untouched wilderness of Monte Alen National Park, Equatorial Guinea is a land of hidden gems and vibrant culture. ¡Gracias! That means “Thank you!”