Equatorial Guinea

A country of west-central Africa including islands in the Gulf of Guinea. Originally inhabited by Pygmy peoples, it was discovered by the Portuguese in 1472. The largest island, now called Bioko, was ceded to Spain by Portugal in 1778, and the mainland territory, Río Muni, came under Spanish rule in 1885. The colony became known as Spanish Guinea, and it gained independence from Spain in 1968. Malabo is the capital and the largest city. Population: 551,000.