Equatorial Guinea

This tropical country, slightly north of the equator, is made up of a continental area, nearly the size of Maryland, and five volcanic islands. Although they were initially discovered by a Portuguese explorer in the fifteenth century, the territory was later made over to Spain, who leased it to Britain. Spain was the ruling power for nearly two hundred years, and after a period of giving the country more autonomy, they granted Equatorial Guinea complete independence in 1968.

Sadly deceived in their first president, the country suffered from genocide, the violent squelching of political opposition, the disintegration of its institutions, and the loss of its intellectuals during the first ten years of its freedom. The second president and current incumbent rose to power by a coup in 1979. With this leader, the country has attained stability and even great profit by the exportation of oil in the past couple decades.

Although the African languages of Fang and Bubi are spoken by their respective tribes, Spanish is the official language spoken by the nearly nine hundred thousand citizens. Spain left more than its language in this former colony: it also left its religion. Catholic priests and missionaries were among the early foreign inhabitants, and nationals were at times greatly indebted to their protection and care. These strong ties have bound many to Catholicism through the centuries, making Catholicism the country’s predominate religion even today. A high literacy rate and great respect for the Bible are promising aspects, but like the Ethiopian eunuch, most need someone to guide them.

Missionaries in Equatorial Guinea:

Missionaries in Africa (listed with BIMI account numbers)