Equatorial Guinea statistics — population, economy, trade and telecom
As Africa’s only Spanish-speaking country and one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most oil-dependent economies, Equatorial Guinea occupies a distinctive position on the continent. In 2026, with hydrocarbon revenues continuing to decline from their mid-2000s peak and diversification efforts still in early stages, tracking the country’s core statistics offers critical insight into how a small, resource-rich state navigates structural transition. The data also matters for regional investors, development partners, and policymakers monitoring Central Africa’s economic trajectory.
Population and Demographics
Equatorial Guinea remains one of Africa’s smallest nations by population. World Bank estimates put the total population at approximately 1.6 to 1.7 million people as of 2024–2025, with modest but steady growth. The annual population growth rate is estimated at roughly 3.5 to 4 percent, reflecting relatively high fertility rates alongside immigration linked to the oil sector. Urbanisation is pronounced for a country of this size: approximately 74 to 76 percent of the population lives in urban areas, concentrated primarily in Malabo, the island capital on Bioko, and Bata, the largest city on the mainland region of Río Muni. The median age is estimated at around 20 to 22 years, underscoring a young demographic profile that places significant pressure on education, employment, and public services. The country’s two main geographic zones — the island of Bioko and the continental Río Muni region — create distinct demographic and economic dynamics that national averages can obscure.
Economic Indicators
Equatorial Guinea’s economy is heavily shaped by its hydrocarbon sector, which has been in structural decline since the mid-2010s. IMF and World Bank data suggest that GDP stood at roughly 10 to 12 billion USD in recent years, though figures fluctuate significantly with oil prices and production volumes. GDP per capita, while nominally among the higher in sub-Saharan Africa at approximately 6,000 to 7,500 USD, masks extreme inequality and does not reflect living standards for the majority of the population. GDP growth has been negative or near-zero in several recent years as oil output declines; industry reports suggest modest recovery attempts tied to gas monetisation and infrastructure spending, but sustained positive growth remains elusive. Inflation has been relatively contained within the CFA franc zone — the country is a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which is pegged to the euro — with inflation estimated at roughly 3 to 5 percent in 2024. Unemployment data is limited and unreliable from official sources, but informal estimates suggest significant underemployment, particularly among youth. Public debt-to-GDP has risen as oil revenues have fallen, with IMF assessments indicating ratios in the range of 40 to 55 percent of GDP in recent years, a notable increase from the low-debt position the country held during the oil boom.
Trade and External Accounts
Crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) dominate Equatorial Guinea’s export profile, accounting for the overwhelming majority of export revenues — industry estimates consistently place hydrocarbons at over 90 percent of total exports. Methanol is also a notable export product, processed at the Punta Europa industrial complex. Top import categories include machinery and transport equipment, food products, and manufactured consumer goods, reflecting the economy’s limited domestic production capacity. China, Spain, and the United States have historically featured among the country’s most significant trading partners, with China increasingly prominent in both import supply and infrastructure financing. The current account balance is closely tied to oil price movements and production volumes; in periods of lower prices or reduced output, the current account has moved into deficit, creating pressure on foreign reserves held within the CEMAC regional framework.
Key Sectors
The hydrocarbon industry — oil and gas extraction — remains the dominant sector, contributing the majority of government revenues and export earnings, though its share of GDP has declined as production falls from peak levels. The government has pursued gas monetisation as a medium-term strategy, with the Punta Europa LNG facility positioning Equatorial Guinea as a regional gas hub; the country has also sought to attract investment through the CEMAC gas pipeline corridor concept. Agriculture, once the backbone of the colonial economy with cocoa and coffee as primary crops, now contributes a relatively small share of GDP, though it employs a significant portion of the rural population. Timber extraction from the Río Muni rainforest is another resource-based activity, though environmental concerns and regulatory pressures have complicated its expansion. The services sector is underdeveloped relative to the country’s income level, with financial services, retail, and hospitality concentrated in Malabo and Bata. Tourism remains nascent; the government has expressed ambitions to develop eco-tourism and conference tourism, particularly around Malabo’s upgraded infrastructure, but visitor numbers remain low. Construction has been a significant sector, driven by public investment in infrastructure including the new capital project at Oyala (Ciudad de la Paz), though fiscal constraints have slowed progress.
Telecommunications and Digital
Equatorial Guinea’s telecommunications sector is small but has seen gradual expansion. ITU and industry data suggest mobile penetration rates of approximately 45 to 60 percent of the population, though active unique subscriber rates may be lower. Internet penetration remains relatively limited, with estimates ranging from roughly 30 to 45 percent of the population having some form of internet access, with significant disparity between urban and rural areas. The dominant mobile operator is GETESA (Guinea Ecuatorial de Telecomunicaciones), the state-owned incumbent, which has faced competition from regional operators. Orange has had a presence in the market. Mobile money adoption is at an early stage compared to West and East African markets, constrained by low financial inclusion levels and limited operator investment in digital financial services infrastructure. The government has articulated digital economy ambitions as part of its diversification agenda, but regulatory frameworks and infrastructure investment remain works in progress.
Sources and Methodology
This dashboard draws on publicly available data and estimates from the World Bank Open Data platform, the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook and Article IV consultation reports, the United Nations Population Division, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the African Union Commission, and the CEMAC regional secretariat. Where Equatorial Guinea’s national statistics office (INEGE) has published data, those figures inform the analysis. Given the country’s limited statistical capacity and irregular data publication, several indicators rely on modelled estimates or regional comparisons rather than direct national reporting. All figures should be treated as approximations subject to revision as more recent data becomes available. Users requiring precise figures for investment or policy decisions are advised to consult primary IMF and World Bank country reports directly.
For deeper qualitative analysis of Equatorial Guinea’s political economy, governance landscape, and sector opportunities, visit our Equatorial Guinea expert briefing. To benchmark these figures against other African nations, explore our all African country statistics hub. For broader context on continental economic trends shaping Equatorial Guinea’s outlook, see our African economy pillar.
