Equatorial Guinea stands out on the African continent for one unusual reason—Spanish is its official language. It’s the only country in mainland Africa where Spanish is widely used in government, education, and daily life.

Where is Equatorial Guinea?

Equatorial Guinea is a small country (about the same area as Maryland, USA) on the west coast of Central Africa. It borders Cameroon to the north, Gabon to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

The country consists of two main parts: the mainland region, called Río Muni, and several islands. The largest island, Bioko, lies about 25 miles (40 km) off the coast and hosts the capital city, Malabo. Another island, Annobón, sits much farther south in the Gulf of Guinea, close to the equator.

Why is Spanish Spoken in Equatorial Guinea?

In short, Equatorial Guinea speaks Spanish because it was a Spanish colony from 1778 until independence in 1968.

Spain imposed the language through administration, education, and religion. After independence, the government kept Spanish as the official language. No other African country was colonized by Spain in the same way or for as long, which is why Equatorial Guinea is the only Spanish-speaking nation on the continent.

How Was Equatorial Guinea Colonized and How Did it Gain Independence?

Colonialism began with Portugal, which claimed Bioko and Annobón in the 15th century. In 1778, Portugal ceded these islands, along with rights to part of the African mainland, to Spain in the Treaty of El Pardo. But Spain made little effort to develop or control the territory.

From 1827 to 1843, Britain leased Fernando Po (Bioko Island) from Spain. During this time, the British established settlements, freed slaves, and introduced Krio (Creole) settlers from Sierra Leone. Spain eventually reasserted control, expelling the British in the late 1800s.

By 1900, Spain controlled the islands and a narrow strip of mainland coast. Over the next few decades, Spanish influence expanded inland through military expeditions and treaties with local leaders. In 1926, the islands and mainland were unified as Spanish Guinea. The colony remained under tight control, with limited political freedom and forced labor systems well into the 20th century.

In the 1950s, anti-colonial pressure across Africa grew. Spain upgraded Spanish Guinea’s status to a province in 1959, making its residents Spanish citizens. In 1963, Spain granted partial autonomy with a local legislature. By 1968, under mounting pressure, Spain agreed to full independence. A constitutional referendum was held, and on October 12, 1968, Equatorial Guinea became an independent nation. Francisco Macías Nguema was elected its first president.

After independence, the country retained Spanish as its official language, even though the majority of the population spoke indigenous languages at home. The choice helped maintain continuity in schools and government and set the country apart from its French-speaking neighbors.

What Languages Are Spoken Today?

Today, Equatorial Guinea has three official languages:

• Spanish – The primary language of government, education, and media.
• French – Added in 1998 to improve regional cooperation with neighboring Francophone countries.
• Portuguese – Adopted in 2010, largely for political reasons to join the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).

However, Spanish remains the dominant language in urban areas and official settings. Most people speak it as a second language, learned in school. At home, many still use local languages.

The most widely spoken native tongues include:

• Fang – The largest ethnic group, mainly on the mainland.
• Bubi – Spoken on Bioko Island.
• Annobonese Creole (Fa d’Ambô) – A Portuguese-based creole spoken on Annobón Island.
• Pidgin English – Used informally, especially on Bioko Island due to past British presence.

What is the Culture Like?

Equatorial Guinea’s culture blends African traditions with Spanish colonial influence. Catholicism is the dominant religion, introduced during Spanish rule. Church holidays and rituals remain important parts of public life. Spanish architecture, names, and Catholic schools are still visible across the country.

Music, dance, and storytelling are deeply rooted in local traditions. Fang culture includes ceremonial masks, drumming, and initiation rites. The Bubi people have their own oral histories and ancestral practices. Cultural identity remains strong despite the dominance of Spanish in public life.

Political power is tightly controlled by President Teodoro Obiang, who has ruled since 1979. The country has faced criticism for corruption and lack of democratic freedoms. Despite this, it remains one of the more stable countries in Central Africa.

What is the Economy Like?

Equatorial Guinea is one of the wealthiest countries in Africa on paper, thanks to its oil and gas reserves.

Offshore petroleum exports make up the bulk of national income. During the early 2000s, oil discoveries fueled a surge in GDP, giving the country one of the highest per-capita figures on the continent. But the wealth is unevenly distributed, and many citizens still live in poverty. A small elite controls most of the revenue, while large portions of the population live without basic infrastructure, healthcare, or education.

Corruption is rampant, and government spending is often opaque. Attempts to diversify the economy through agriculture, mining, and tourism have had limited success. As oil production declines, long-term economic stability remains uncertain.