This is the only African country that speaks Spanish | Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶

Summary

In this video, the creator explores the unique cultural and linguistic landscape of Equatorial Guinea, the only African country where Spanish is the official language. From discussing the local dialects and Spanish accent to the nation’s colonial architecture and bizarre marketplaces selling animal parts, the video reveals the contrasts of modern life and traditional customs. The creator highlights both the country’s economic challenges and the peculiarities of its long-serving government, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s vibrant, yet complex identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Equatorial Guinea is the only African country with Spanish as its official language.
• 😀 The country's population is around 1.6 million, with more than half under the age of 18.
• 😀 Multiple languages are spoken in Equatorial Guinea, including native tribal languages, French, pidgin English, and Spanish.
• 😀 Obtaining a visa for Equatorial Guinea can be challenging, requiring extensive information like bank statements and daily itinerary.
• 😀 The infrastructure in Malabo, the capital, features paved roads and sidewalks, unlike many other African countries, but lacks a public transportation system.
• 😀 Shared cabs and vans, colloquially called 'one hundred one hundred,' are the main modes of transport due to the absence of a formal public transit system.
• 😀 Spanish spoken in Equatorial Guinea is similar to Spain's, with some regional variations such as the Bubi ethnic group's pronunciation of 'R'.
• 😀 Local greetings and expressions like 'Whazo' and 'WhatsApp' are common, showing a mix of cultural influences.
• 😀 Malabo's historic center has a colonial vibe, with markets selling unique items, including animal parts like monkey and snake heads.
• 😀 In rural areas, people speak more of the native languages, such as Fang and Bubi, and less Spanish.
• 😀 Equatorial Guinea has a significant number of foreign workers, including Cuban doctors and African migrants, but also faces a lack of professionals in sectors like law and dentistry.
• 😀 The country is led by President Teodoro Obiang, who has been in power for over 45 years, and his leadership is often seen as dictatorial. His image is prominently displayed throughout the country.
• 😀 Despite criticisms of government corruption and press freedom issues, many locals feel content with the stability and lack of internal conflict.
• 😀 Equatorial Guinea sees very few tourists annually, partly due to limited information and the challenges of recording or documenting life in the country.
• 😀 One example of questionable government spending is a luxury development of 52 mansions with heliports, left abandoned after a failed international summit.
• 😀 Equatorial Guinea has a rich blend of cultures, traditions, and natural beauty, with people generally expressing contentment despite the country's complex political and economic environment.

Q & A

What is unique about Equatorial Guinea's official language?

Equatorial Guinea is the only African country where Spanish is the official language, a result of its colonial history under Spain.

What are some unusual items sold in the markets of Equatorial Guinea?

In the markets of Equatorial Guinea, one can find the heads and bodies of animals like monkeys, hedgehogs, snakes, and opossums, which are sometimes sold for rituals or tribal customs.

How does Spanish in Equatorial Guinea differ from other Spanish-speaking regions?

Spanish in Equatorial Guinea is similar to the Spanish spoken in many parts of Spain. However, local influences are present, such as the use of colloquial words like 'whazo' and a distinct accent, particularly with the Bubi ethnic group pronouncing 'r' as 'j'.

What are some of the main cultural influences in Equatorial Guinea?

Equatorial Guinea has a rich cultural blend of Spanish influences from its colonial past, African tribal cultures (mainly Bubi and Fang), and increasing interactions with migrants from countries like Cuba, Ghana, and Cameroon.

What challenges exist in public transportation in Equatorial Guinea?

Equatorial Guinea lacks a formal public transportation system, like buses or subways. People typically use shared cabs or 'one hundred one hundred' vans, which cost 100 francs, but organized transport services are minimal.

What is the significance of the picture of the president in Equatorial Guinea?

In Equatorial Guinea, the picture of President Teodoro Obiang is prominently displayed everywhere: on streets, in businesses, and even in homes. This has led to international perceptions of a dictatorship, although many locals express satisfaction with his leadership.

How is the healthcare system in Equatorial Guinea?

Equatorial Guinea faces a shortage of local medical professionals, which has led to the recruitment of foreign doctors, including many from Cuba. There is also a lack of dentists, and even locals are considering becoming dentists to meet the demand.

What are the most common languages spoken in Equatorial Guinea?

Spanish is the official language, but many other languages are spoken, including Fang, Bubi, and a form of pidgin English called Pichi. The linguistic diversity reflects the country’s rich tribal heritage.

How do the people of Equatorial Guinea perceive their government?

While the government, led by President Obiang for over 45 years, is often seen as a dictatorship in the international press, many Equatoguineans report being content with the government’s stability and the absence of major internal conflicts.

Why is Equatorial Guinea's tourism sector underdeveloped despite its natural beauty?

The tourism sector in Equatorial Guinea is hindered by strict government control, lack of press freedom, and restrictions on filming in public spaces. Despite beautiful beaches and rich biodiversity, the country only attracts around 5,000 tourists annually.