GEOGRAPHY
The Republic of Equatorial
Guinea is located in west central Africa. Bioko Island lies about
40 kilometers (25 mi.) from Cameroon. Annobon Island lies about
595 kilometers (370 mi.) southwest of Bioko Island. The larger
continental region of Rio Muni lies between Cameroon and Gabon
on the mainland; it includes the islands of Corisco, Elobey Grande,
Elobey Chico, and adjacent islets.
Bioko Island, called Fernando
Po until the 1970s, is the largest island in the Gulf of Guinea--2,017
square kilometers (780 sq. mi.). It is shaped like a boot, with
two large volcanic formations separated by a valley that bisects
the island at its narrowest point. The 195-kilometer (120-mi.)
coastline is steep and rugged in the south but lower and more
accessible in the north, with excellent harbors at Malabo and
Luba, and several scenic beaches between those towns.
On the continent, Rio Muni
covers 26,003 square kilometers (10,040 sq. mi.). The coastal
plain gives way to a succession of valleys separated by low hills
and spurs of the Crystal Mountains. The Rio Benito (Mbini) which
it divides Rio Muni in half, is unnavigable except for a 20-kilometer
stretch at its estuary. Temperatures and humidity in Rio Muni
are generally lower than on Bioko Island.
Annobon Island, named for
its discovery on New Year's Day 1472, is a small volcanic island
covering 18 square kilometers (7 sq. mi.). The coastline is abrupt
except in the north; the principal volcanic cone contains a small
lake. Most of the estimated 1,900 inhabitants are fisherman specializing
in traditional, smallscale tuna fishing and whaling. The climate
is tropical--heavy rainfall, high humidity, and frequent seasonal
changes with violent windstorms.
Official
Name: Republic of Equatorial Guinea
Location: Western Africa, bordering the Bay of Biafra.
Bordering nations--Cameroon, Gabon.
Area: 28,050 sq. km; slightly smaller than Maryland.
Cities: Capital--Malabo. Other cities--Bata (also capital
of Littoral province on the mainland).
Terrain: Varies. Bioko Island is volcanic, with three major
peaks of 9,876 feet, 7,416 feet and 6,885 feet. Behind the coastal
plain, the mainland provinces are hilly at a level of approximately
2,000 feet, with some 4,000 foot peaks. Annobon Island is volcanic.
Climate: Tropical; always hot, humid. Bata on the mainland
is somewhat drier and cooler.
