a republic of W Africa, consisting of Río Muni on the mainland and the island of Bioko in the Gulf of Guinea, with four smaller islands: ceded by Portugal to Spain in 1778; gained independence in 1968. Official languages: Spanish and French. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: franc. Capital: Malabo. Pop: 1 267 689 (2017 est). Area: 28 049 sq km (10 830 sq miles)
Former name (until 1964): Spanish Guinea
Equatorial Guinea in American English
country in WC Africa, consisting of a mainland section (unofficially Río Muni) between Gabon & Cameroon, & five islands (including Bioko) in the Gulf of Guinea: formerly (until 1968) a Spanish possession: 10,831 sq mi (28,052 sq km); pop. 304,000; cap. Malabo