Equatorial Guinea
Capital: Malabo
Location:
Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Cameroon and Gabon (slightly smaller than Maryland)
Background:
Composed of a mainland portion and five inhabited islands, Equatorial Guinea has been ruled by ruthless leaders who have badly mismanaged the economy since independence from 190 years of Spanish rule in 1968. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996 presidential and 1999 legislative elections were widely seen as being flawed.
Ethnic Groups:
Bioko (primarily Bubi, some Fernandinos), Rio Muni (primarily Fang), Europeans less than 1,000, mostly Spanish
Language:
Spanish (official), French (official), pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, Ibo
Currency:
XAF
Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 699.21 (January 2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.70 (1999), 589.95 (1998), 583.67 (1997), 511.55 (1996); note - from 1 January 1999, the XAF is pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 XAF per euro
Climate:
Tropical; always hot, humid
Population:
486,060 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Nominally Christian and predominantly Roman Catholic, pagan practices
Medical:
Medical facilities are extremely limited. Pharmacies in Malabo and Bata are well-stocked, but in other areas many medicines are unavailable. Travelers are advised to bring with them any special medication they require. There is no trauma center in the country. In case of serious illness or accident, a medical evacuation to another country is required.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses including a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid fever and meningococcal meningitis are strongly recommended.
Further information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's International Travelers Hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747), fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Equatorial Guinea is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Nonexistent
Equatorial Guinea has no equivalent to the emergency telephone number 911. American citizens should contact the Consular Agent in Bata (see paragraph 14) or the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde if they need emergency assistance.
Equatorial Guinea's road network, both paved and unpaved, is poorly maintained and unsafe. Vehicles are poorly maintained. During the rainy season, many roads are passable only with four-wheel-drive vehicles. Livestock and pedestrians create constant road hazards, and road safety rules are routinely ignored. There are few road and traffic signs; speed limits are neither posted nor enforced.
Traffic stops, as well as police and military roadblocks are common. Traffic stops may be on any pretext, such as making an illegal turn or driving a dirty vehicle. Travelers should be prepared to accept a traffic citation, which must be paid at police headquarters. Travelers are advised not to offer money to police on the road. If stopped at a roadblock, always cooperate with local officials. Motorists should be aware that security forces frequently use roadblocks to solicit money, especially around the holidays. Roadblocks are also used to control the movements of political dissidents. Travelers should not pick up hitchhikers on the roads as police at roadblocks may infer involvement in the hitchhiker's affairs.
Local law states that vehicles involved in an accident should not be moved until the police arrive and a police report can be made. If an accident results in injury, drivers should be aware of the possibility of there developing a "village justice" mentality. If an angry crowd should form, the traveler should proceed directly to the local police headquarters or to any other safe location where she or he can receive assistance. Once safely away from danger, the traveler should contact the local police.
