Equatorial Guinea is a small country in Central Africa, made up of a mainland region and several islands. It is also known formally as the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and its population is roughly 1.4 million people. For most visitors it is a destination that rewards some planning and an open mind, since it is less travelled than many of its neighbours.
The mainland and the islands
The country's two parts give a visit a particular character. The mainland region sits on the Atlantic coast of Africa, while the islands lie offshore in the Gulf of Guinea. Travelling between them is part of the experience, and the contrast between continental landscapes and island life is one of the things that stands out to people who go.
What a visit might offer
- A quieter, less crowded way of experiencing Central Africa.
- Time spent across both the mainland and the islands, which differ in feel and setting.
- A chance to meet a population of around 1.4 million and to see a country that receives relatively few international visitors.
Because the facts available here are limited, it is worth checking current information on entry requirements, travel routes and conditions before you plan a trip. A good starting point is your country's official travel advice and a recent guide written closer to the time you intend to go.
Equatorial Guinea suits travellers who want to go somewhere off the usual routes and who are comfortable with a destination that is still developing its visitor infrastructure. Approached with preparation and curiosity, it can make a distinctive addition to a journey through the region.
