Equatorial Guinea

Abstract

HISTORY. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea became independent on 12 Oct. 1968 after having been a Spanish colony (Territorios Espanoles del Golfo de Guinea) until 1959. From 1959 to 1963 the territory was made into two Spanish provinces with a status comparable to the metropolitan provinces. From 1964 to 1968 this Equatorial Region became an autonomous entity still retaining the status of two Spanish provinces, but with a certain amount of internal self-government. Serious political disturbances in Rio Muni occurred in March-April 1969. This led to the partial withdrawal of the Spanish community. Agreements for co-operation in education and economic development were signed with Spain in 1971, 1972 and 1979. While under the first President (1968–79) the republic depended heavily on the Soviet bloc including Cuba and the People’s Republic of China, Spanish economic, technical and social co-operation has become essential since the overthrow of his régime in Aug. 1979.