Date of independence, or formation date: 1968
Date when current borders were established: 1968
National day: Oct 12
Vehicle country identifying code: GQ
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +1
International telephone dialling code: +240
Internet country identifying code: .gq

Comprising five islands and the territory of Río Muni on the west coast of Africa, Equatorial Guinea lies just north of the equator. Mangrove swamps border the mainland coast. The republic gained its independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. Multipartyism was accepted in 1991, but the fairness of subsequent general elections has been questioned.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004