Malabo Profile

A Malabo city profile, capital of Equatorial Guinea, including a Malabo economic and social profile, history, daily life, attractions and video. Malabo is located on the north of the island of Bioko which was 'discovered' by the Portuguese in 1472 and home to an early settlement for them. Bioko, neighbouring islands and the mainland known as Rio Muni (after the Muni River), were ceded to the Spanish in 1778 in exchange for land in America as part of the Treaty of El Pardo between Queen Maria I of Portugal and King Charles III of Spain. The British leased the island from the Spanish and established Port Clarence (modern day Malabo) as a naval station in 1827 and continued to develop it until 1843 to combat the slave trade in the area. In 1858 the island returned to Spanish control and Malabo was renamed Santa Isabel.

In turn the Spanish developed Malabo into a major colonial city with the construction of many iconic buildings and structures, including the Presidential Palace, the Malabo Cathedral, and the National Museum and in 1959 declared it the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, retaining that status after independence in 1968. It was renamed Malabo in 1973 after the last king of the Bubi tribe, who ruled the island before the arrival of the Europeans, as part of President Nguema's drive to replace colonial names with African ones.

Since independence, the city has undergone significant development and modernization, while still preserving its rich history and cultural heritage. Its social and economic life is shaped by its diverse population, which includes indigenous Bubi people, as well as Fang, Annobonese, and Spanish communities. The city is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its vibrant music, art, and culinary scenes.

The economy of Malabo is primarily driven by the oil industry, as Equatorial Guinea is one of Africa's largest oil producers. However, agriculture and fishing also play significant roles, with cocoa, coffee, and fish being the main exports. Despite the country's wealth from oil, poverty remains a significant issue, with many Malabo residents living in informal settlements and struggling to access basic services.

Malabo offers a wealth of tourist attractions, showcasing the city's rich history, culture, and natural beauty and transportation to visit them is primarily by taxi or shared minibus, known as "collectivos". Please note, the city's infrastructure is still developing, so traffic can be a challenge during peak hours.

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<h3>Malabo Video Profile</h3>

Some of the must-visit destinations include:

Malabo Cathedral: This stunning neo-Gothic cathedral (left) was built in the early 20th century and is a prime example of Spanish colonial architecture. The cathedral's intricate stained-glass windows and soaring spires are a sight to behold.
Presidential Palace: Located in the heart of Malabo, the Presidential Palace is a grandiose building that serves as the official residence of the President of Equatorial Guinea. While not open to the public, the palace's imposing facade and well-manicured gardens make it a popular photo spot.
Pico Basile: The highest peak on the island of Bioko, Pico Basile offers breathtaking views of Malabo and the surrounding landscape. Adventurous travelers can hike to the summit, while less experienced hikers can take a guided tour to enjoy the scenery.
Malabo National Museum: Housed in a historic colonial building, the Malabo National Museum showcases the country's rich cultural heritage, with exhibits on traditional clothing, music, and art. The museum also offers insights into Equatorial Guinea's history, from its pre-colonial past to its present-day challenges.
Beaches: Malabo is blessed with several beautiful beaches, including Arena Blanca and Sipopo. These pristine stretches of sand offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Malabo City Location Today much of Malabo, with its population of 65,015 according to World Population Review, is fairly run down, with much litter and fading colonial buildings, despite having a booming oil sector with oil rigs scattered offshore, oil tankers in abundance and the flames from oil refineries along the coast lighting up the sky. However little of the revenue from this oil, which was discovered in the mid 1990s, has been reinvested in the city's infrastructure with it only having, for example, about 300 hotel beds, of which only 50 are of usable quality. Downtown Malabo is in an even worse state of decay, and, as such, carrying maps and taking photographs is largely forbidden although the police may give permission in return for a 'favour' to stop your camera being confiscated.

Despite this, the central area, (which is normally bathed in fog), around Ave de la Independencia has many decent shops, colourful markets where locals sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional clothing, hotels and restaurants with a somewhat cosmopolitan feel reflecting the oil industry workforce. For tourists who can afford the oil price inflated hotel accommodation, the cathedral and French and Spanish cultural centres are well worth a visit. You can get to Malabo via Malabo International Airport, or by ferry from Douala in Cameroon or from Bata, Equatorial Guinea's former capital on the mainland.