Population and Demographics

The majority of the people of Equatorial Guinea are of Bantu origin. The largest tribe, the Fang, is indigenous to the mainland, but substantial migration to Bioko Island has resulted in Fang dominance over the earlier Bantu inhabitants. The Fang constitute 80% of the population and are themselves divided into 67 clans. Those in the northern part of Rio Muni speak Fang-Ntumu, while those in the south speak Fang-Okah; the two dialects are mutually unintelligible. The Bubi, who constitute 15% of the population, are indigenous to Bioko Island.

In addition, there are coastal tribes on the mainland and small islands, sometimes referred to as 'Playeros' (Beach People in Spanish), including the Ndowes, Bujebas, Balengues, and Bengas. The Fernandinos, a Creole community, live on Bioko. Together, these groups compose five% of the population. Some Europeans (largely of Spanish or Portuguese descent) also live in the nation. There is a growing number of immigrants from neighbouring Cameroon, Nigeria and Gabon.

After independence, thousands of Equatorial Guineans emigrated to Spain. Another 100,000 Equatorial Guineans went to Cameroon, Gabon and Nigeria because of the dictatorship of Francisco Macías Nguema. Some of its communities also live in Brazil, some Spanish-speaking Latin American nations, the United States, Portugal and France.