Equatorial Guinea Flag

Flags of the World > Equatorial Guinea Flag

Brief History. This western African country includes both mainland territory and a number of islands. The Portuguese explorer Fernando Po came to the islands in 1473 and the area remained under Portuguese control until 1778, when it was relinquished to Spain. The region was accorded the status of a Spanish province in 1959 and at this point, investment from the mother country made Equatorial Guinea's population one of the most prosperous and well-educated in Africa. Granted autonomy in 1963, independence followed in 1968. The country's first president banned opposition parties two years later and in 1972, made himself president for life. Country has great perspective due to recent oil discoveries.