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The Republic of Equatorial Guinea, one of sub-Saharan Africa's largest oil producers, gained independence in October 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest on the African continent. Although constitutionally a democracy since 1991, the country's past two presidential elections have been seen as flawed, and the country's leader, who exerts almost total control over the political system and has discouraged political opposition, has been condemned by human rights organisations for abuses. The official languages spoken are Spanish and French.
Leader: President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo Capital city: Malabo
Economic profile
Monetary unit: CFA franc (Communaute Financiere Africaine) GDP per capita: $16 630 (2008) (IMF) GDP composition by sector: Agriculture: 2,7% (2008) (CIA) Industry: 92,6% (2008) (CIA) Services: 4,6% (2008) (CIA) GDP growth rate: 11,2% (2008) (IMF) Budget: Government revenue, excluding grants: 46,0% of GDP (2007) (IMF) Government expenditure: 23,6% of GDP (2007) (IMF) Consumer price inflation: 7,5% (2008) (CIA) Industries: Petroleum, fishing, sawmilling, and natural gas Exports of goods and services: 93,0% of GDP (2007) (IMF) Imports of goods and services: 52,4% of GDP (2007) (IMF) Export commodities: Petroleum, methanol, timber, and cocoa Import commodities: Petroleum sector equipment, and other equipment Trade balance: 59,2% of GDP (2007) (IMF) Reserves: 7,5 months of imports (2007) (IMF) Total investment: 30% of GDP (2008) (CIA) Market capitalisation of listed companies: Figures not available
Social profile
Population: 63,34-million (2009) (CIA) Population growth: 2,7% (2009) (CIA) Life expectancy at birth: 61,6 years (2009) (CIA) Adult literacy: 87% (2000) (World Bank) School enrolment primary: 114,1% (2005) (World Bank) School enrolment secondary: 30,9% (2000) (World Bank) School enrolment tertiary: 2,6% (2000) (World Bank) Unemployment: Figures not available Number of people living with HIV/Aids: 11 000 (200) (UNAids estimate)
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