Composed of a mainland portion and five inhabited islands, Equatorial Guinea, which gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule, has been ruled by President OBIANG NGUEM MBASOGO since he seized power in a coup in 1979. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996 presidential and 1999 legislative elections were widely seen as being flawed.

PEOPLE
The majority of the Equatoguinean people are of Bantu origin. The largest tribe, the Fang, is indigenous to the mainland, but substantial migration to Bioko Island has resulted in Fang dominance over the earlier Bantu inhabitants.

HISTORY
The first inhabitants of the region that is now Equatorial Guinea are believed to have been Pygmies, of whom only isolated pockets remain in northern Rio Muni. Bantu migrations between the 17th and 19th centuries brought the coastal tribes and later the Fang.

ECONOMY
Oil and gas exports have increased substantially and will drive the economy for years to come. Real GDP growth reached 23% in 1999, 18% in 2000, 66% in 2001 and 24% in 2002. Per capita income doubled from about $1,000 in 1998 to $2,000 in 2000 and $4,900 today. The energy export sector is responsible for this rapid growth.

U.S.-EQUATORIAL GUINEA RELATIONS
The Equatoguinean government favorably views the U.S. government and American companies. The United States is the largest-single foreign investor in Equatorial Guinea, which is the fourth-largest destination in Sub-Saharan Africa for American Investment. U.S. companies have the largest and most visible foreign presence in the country.

Full country name: Republic of Equatorial Guinea
Area: 28,050 sq km
Population: 500,000
People: On Bioko, Bubi with some Fernandinos, Fang; in Rio Muni, primarily Fang
Language: Spanish; Castilian, French, Fang,
Religion: Roman Catholic (85%), traditional African (15%)
Government: Republic
Head of State: President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Head of Government: Prime Minister Cαndido Muatetema Rivas
GDP: US$660 million
GDP per capita: US$1,500
Inflation: 7%
Major Industries: Petroleum, fishing, timber, natural gas, cocoa
Major Trading Partners: USA, Japan, Spain, China, Nigeria, Cameroon, France