Business tends to be conducted in Spanish; few speak English or French.
Economy:During the 1990s, the development of the country's oil and gas reserves (which now account for about a quarter of GDP) produced spectacular economic growth (up to 20% annually) that has persisted at a steady rate. Equatorial Guinea has also confirmed deposits of gold, uranium, iron ore, tantalum and manganese.
Intervention by the IMF in the mid 1990s has led to restructuring of the public and financial sectors. A long legacy of maladministration, corruption (the country's largest companies are still largely owned by members of the ruling family) and the lack of even the most basic services has hampered development.
GDP:US$10.4 billion (2007).
Main exports:Petroleum, methanol, timber, coffee, cocoa, bananas and spices.
Main imports:Petroleum sector equipment and other equipment.
Main trading partners:Cameroon, Canada, China and Côte d'Ivoire.
Operator assistance may be required when making international calls from the country.
Mobile phone:Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to Malabo and a few other inhabited areas.
Internet:Internet is available in limited areas; coverage is variable.
Post:Service to Western Europe takes up to two weeks.
Media:The main broadcasters are state controlled. There are a few private newspapers and underground pamphlets that publish irregularly. Mild criticism of public institutions is allowed but criticism of the leadership is not tolerated and self-censorship is widespread.
• Spanish language weekly publications include Hoja Parroquial and El Sol.
• There is also the state-owned Ebano and the privately-owned La Nación and La Opinión.
• La Nación and La Opinión are private stations.
• Ebano is a state-owned station.
• Radio France Internationale is available on FM in Malabo.
• Radio Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial is a state-run station and Radio Asonga is privately owned by the son of the country's president.
