What did Equatorial Guinea used to be called?
By Rachel Newton
What did Equatorial Guinea used to be called?
Formerly the colony of Spanish Guinea, its post-independence name evokes its location near both the Equator and the Gulf of Guinea.
Why is it called Equatorial Guinea?
As colonisers carved up the continent, many European nations controlled their own Guinea. At independence, French Guinea became Guinea, Spanish Guinea became Equatorial Guinea, and Portuguese Guinea became Guinea-Bissau. The region was a major source of gold, hence the name “guinea” for the British gold coin.
Why do Equatorial Guinea speak Spanish?
So, how exactly did Equatorial Guinea become the only Spanish speaking country in Africa? Well, it all happened thanks to the aforementioned 18th century treaty between Spain and Portugal. Equatorial Guinea became a territory of Spain, and therefore, its official language became Spanish.
How many languages does Equatorial Guinea speak?
Equatorial Guinea is a former colony of Spain and the only country in Africa where Spanish is the official language. The country is home to about 1.3 million people. There are three official languages in the country: Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
What type of Spanish is spoken in Equatorial Guinea?
Equatoguinean Spanish
Equatoguinean Spanish (Spanish: Español ecuatoguineano) is the variety of Spanish spoken in Equatorial Guinea. This is the only Spanish variety that holds national official status in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Does Equatorial Guinea speak Spanish?
The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is sub-Saharan Africa’s only Spanish-speaking nation, which makes it somewhat of a linguistic curiosity, and which has contributed to its political isolation from neighboring countries.
Are there Igbos in Equatorial Guinea?
Large ethnic Igbo populations are found in Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea, as well as outside Africa.
Do they speak Spanish in Africa?
Did you know Equatorial Guinea is the only Spanish speaking country in Africa? With plenty of history, this country has amazed the world thanks to its resilience and resourcefulness. Today, you’ll learn about the history of Equatorial Guinea and how it turned out to be the only Spanish speaking country in Africa.
