The flag for the Republic of Equatorial Guinea says, “UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA,” Spanish for unity, peace, and justice, though this motto is often forgotten by a corrupt government. Located between the Central African nations of Cameroon and Gabon, Equatorial Guinea is scattered with interior hills and volcanoes. The hot and humid nation is said to have the fastest growing economy in the world, and it ranks as the 3rd largest oil exporter of the Sub-Sahara. However, the continuous fluctuation of oil prices vastly affects the nation’s GDP.

Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain in 1968, and was later ruled as a dictatorship by Macias Nguema. He turned Equatorial Guinea into a nationwide labor camp, earning a reputation as one of the worst human rights abusers in Africa. Today, the nation functions as a republic, though opposition parties have little power. While oil production provides the nations wealth, subsistence farming has become vital to the economic survival of the non-elite population due to the high amount of government corruption. This corruption and mismanagement are so pervasive they have led the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to withdraw all relief funds. The nation must independently stabilize and become united, peaceful, and just.

The vast majority of the population consider themselves Roman Catholic. In fact, Equatorial Guinea has the highest population of Catholics in Africa, although many pagan practices still occur, such as animism. This syncretism results in a diluted form of Christianity and a tainted Gospel message. There has been an increased number of missionaries in the region, specifically from West and Central Africa. The government has shown acceptance of the Gospel message, and the Church has a respected reputation.