Equatorial Guinea

The ethnic composition of Equatorial Guinea is majority Fang, an African tribe that resides in the continental region of Equatorial Guinea. Other groups inhabit the islands, and there is little European lineage across the nation. As the Fang controls the government, many minority people groups, like the Bubi, continue to face discrimination and violence at the hands of political leaders. While each of the aforementioned ethnic groups maintains their own distinct language, French and Spanish are taught at schools around the country with Spanish being the country's official language. An astounding 80% of Equatorial Guineans are Roman Catholic, with a form of syncretism taking root in the country's unique style of prayer and worship. 75% of the population lives in urban areas, and the mainland differs from the coastal island, Bioko, in that few plantations played a role in the region's history and economic development. The present situation in Equatorial Guinea sees the nation with a lower population increase, population density, and life expectancy than comparable nations. In fact, 35% of the population is under 15 years of age. Nevertheless, Equatorial Guinea has the highest per-capita GDP in all of Africa. Education in Equatorial Guinea is free for all from the ages of 6-11, and literacy rates have steadily increased in recent years. Still, in such a developing country a fifth of the country is illiterate. A notable University in the country is the National University of Equatorial Guinea located in the nation's capital. The economic landscape is dominated by the natural gas industry, with this resource making up four-fifths of the small nation's GDP. Regardless, farming, accompanied by low standards of living, is the chief occupation. Aware that the gas will run our eventually, the government instituted the 2020 Plan in an effort to diversify the economy. Transportation infrastructure in the country is undergoing a massive upgrade. Nonetheless, Bioko is much better equipped than the mainland with quality roads lining the island. Cultural life is dependent upon the ethnic group to which one belongs. The Fang practice traditional music, witchcraft, and storytelling. Seafood, plantains, vegetables, and chocolate take center stage in Equatorial Guinean cuisine, though gastronomy varies greatly between different groups. Tourists are drawn to the nation's breathtaking beaches and dense rainforests. This biome is home to all types of species unique to the region. The area is even dotted with volcanoes, and the highest point in the country is the volcano Pico Basilé.