ISD CODE: +240
Time Zone: GMT +1
Area: 28 051 sq. kms. (10 828 sq. mi.)
Capital: Malabo Towns: Bata, Mbini
Population: 400 000
Languages: Spanish (official), pidgin English, Annobon, Fang, and African dialects on Rio Muni ( the mainland)
General information: The country comprises five islands, and the area of Rio Muni on the mainland, which borders, Cameroon and Gabon, with a coast to the Atlantic Ocean, in the Gulf of Guinea.
The island of Bioko is formed of rugged mountains and three extinct volcanos, and is the location of the capital Malabo. Mangrove swamps border the mainland coast. The island of Bioko is extremely humid and wet, whilst the mainland area is only slightly drier.
Bioko, being close to the mainland has a major negative impact on fishing in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly affecting Cameroon. The island channels a cold current into the region.
Malabo is only 25 minutes by air from Douala in Cameroon.
Exports: Until recently the main exports had been timber, cocoa and coffee. Large oil reserves have now been discovered offshore, and these are under development. The crews commute from Douala in Cameroon.
Government Contacts:
Ministry of Economy and Finance: Malabo
Phone + 240 9 2043 2120
