Is Rio Muni a country?

Equatorial Guinea is on the west coast of Central Africa. The country consists of a mainland territory, Río Muni, which is bordered by Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the east and south, and five small islands, Bioko, Corisco, Annobón, Elobey Chico (Small Elobey), and Elobey Grande (Great Elobey).

Who colonized Rio Muni?

Spain
Río Muni was ceded by Portugal to Spain in 1778 in the Treaty of El Pardo. The Spanish had hoped to collect slaves to work in their other overseas possessions, but their settlers died of yellow fever and the area was deserted. Cocoa and timber became major industries upon recolonization.

Who owns Bioko Island?

Spanish has been an official language since 1844 when Spain took control of the island. It is still the language of education and administration, related to the more than 100 years as a Spanish colony. 67.6% of Equatoguineans can speak Spanish, especially those living in the capital, Malabo, on Bioko.

Was Guinea ever a Spanish colony?

The Spanish colony in the Guinea region was established in 1778, by the Treaty of El Pardo between the Spanish Empire and the Kingdom of Portugal. In 1844, on restoration of Spanish sovereignty, it became known as the “Territorios Españoles del Golfo de Guinea”.

Where does the name Rio Muni come from?

Río Muni (called Mbini in Fang) is the Continental Region of Equatorial Guinea, and comprises the mainland geographical region, covering 26,017 km². The name is derived from the Muni River .

What was the main industry of Rio Muni?

Cocoa and timber became major industries upon recolonization. Río Muni became a province of Spanish Guinea along with Bioko in 1959. The main languages spoken in Rio Muni are Fang-Ntumu, which is spoken in the north and Fang-Okah, which is spoken in the south. Spanish is also spoken, although as a second language.

Why was Rio Muni ceded to the Spanish?

History. Río Muni was ceded by Portugal to Spain in 1778 in the Treaty of El Pardo. The Spanish had hoped to collect slaves to work in their other overseas possessions, but their settlers died of yellow fever and the area was deserted. Cocoa and timber became major industries upon recolonization.

When did Rio Muni become part of Equatorial Guinea?

Río Muni became a province of Spanish Guinea along with Bioko in 1959. About 883,000 people live in this area. This is about 72% of Equatorial Guinea’s population. The main languages spoken in Rio Muni are Fang-Ntumu, which is spoken in the north and Fang-Okah, which is spoken in the south. Spanish is also spoken, although as a second language.