EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Prehistoric volcanic eruptions both on the western edges of the African continent and offshore resulted in the formation of numerous islands. What is now known as Bioko Island was discovered in 1492 by the Portuguese explorer and navigator, Fernando Poo. It was at intervals occupied by Portugal, England, Holland, and Spain until 1778, when the land was more permanently controlled by Spain. In 1827, a British naval base was established on the island. Late in the 1800’s, cocoa plantations were begun.

Presently, Equatorial Guinea’s local products include cocoa, coffee, rice, yams, tapioca, bananas, palm oil nuts, livestock, and timber. The country occupies a total area of 10,831 square miles (28,051 square km) slightly larger than Belgium. The population as of July 2000 was estimated at 474,214, and this is expected to grow to about 1.2 million during the coming 50 years.