# Bata

> most populous city in Equatorial Guinea

**Wikidata**: [Q320792](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q320792)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bata,_Equatorial_Guinea)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bata

## Summary
Bata is the most populous city in Equatorial Guinea, located in the Litoral Province on the country's Atlantic coast. It serves as a major urban and economic hub in Central Africa, with a population exceeding 290,000 as of 2015. Founded in 1851, Bata is notable for its role as the capital of Litoral Province and its strategic position in the nation's development.

## Key Facts
- Bata is the most populous city in Equatorial Guinea, with a population of 290,000 as of 2015.
- It is located in the Litoral Province and serves as its capital.
- Founded in 1851, Bata is one of the oldest urban centers in Equatorial Guinea.
- The city covers an area of 2,500 square kilometers.
- Bata's official languages include Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
- The local government is headed by Francisco García Gaetjens, who took office in 2024.
- Bata is in the West Africa Timezone (UTC+01:00).
- The city is home to the Estadio de Bata, a key sports facility.
- Bata has a low elevation of approximately 5 meters above sea level.
- The city is linked to the administrative region of Río Muni.
- Bata is distinct from the similarly named city of Báta in Hungary.

## FAQs

### What is Bata known for?
Bata is known as the most populous city in Equatorial Guinea and serves as a major economic and administrative center. It is also the capital of Litoral Province and home to significant infrastructure such as the Estadio de Bata.

### What is the population of Bata?
As of 2015, Bata had a population of 290,000. In 2012, the population was recorded at 250,770.

### What are the official languages of Bata?
The official languages of Bata, reflecting Equatorial Guinea's multilingual policy, are Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

### When was Bata founded?
Bata was established in 1851.

### Who governs Bata currently?
Francisco García Gaetjens has been the head of government in Bata since 2024.

### What is the geography of Bata?
Bata is located in Litoral Province, with coordinates 1.865° N and 9.77° E. It sits just 5 meters above sea level and spans 2,500 square kilometers.

### What distinguishes Bata from other cities?
Bata is notable for its role as a coastal urban center in Equatorial Guinea, its historical significance, and its status as the most populous city in the country. It also has a unique administrative and geographic position.

### What is the time zone and dialing code for Bata?
Bata operates in the UTC+01:00 time zone and uses the local dialing code 08.

## Why It Matters
Bata is significant as the economic and administrative heart of Litoral Province in Equatorial Guinea. As the country's most populous city, it plays a central role in national commerce, governance, and cultural life. Its strategic coastal location enhances its importance in regional trade and transportation. Bata also hosts key infrastructure like the Estadio de Bata, contributing to its national prominence.

## Notable For
- Being the most populous city in Equatorial Guinea
- Serving as the capital of Litoral Province
- Hosting the Estadio de Bata, a major sports venue
- Its historical founding in 1851
- A diverse linguistic environment with Spanish, Portuguese, and French as official languages
- Low-lying geography (5 meters above sea level) and large area (2,500 km²)
- Being a central node in Equatorial Guinea’s urban and political structure

## Body

### History
Bata was founded in 1851 and has since grown to become the most populous city in Equatorial Guinea. It has evolved into a central hub for trade, governance, and culture in the country. The city's history is deeply tied to its coastal location, which has historically made it a point of entry for trade and communication.

### Geography and Demographics
Bata is located in the Litoral Province of Equatorial Guinea, with coordinates 1.865° N and 9.77° E. The city covers an area of 2,500 square kilometers and sits just 5 meters above sea level. As of 2015, the city's population was recorded at 290,000, making it the most populous in the country.

### Governance and Administration
Bata is the capital of Litoral Province and is governed by Francisco García Gaetjens, who assumed office in 2024. The city operates in the UTC+01:00 time zone and uses the local dialing code 08. The administrative structure is updated periodically, with the latest version documented in 2024.

### Language and Culture
The official languages of Bata are Spanish, Portuguese, and French, reflecting Equatorial Guinea's colonial and post-colonial history. The city's cultural identity is shaped by this multilingual environment, which supports diverse communities and facilitates international communication.

### Infrastructure and Landmarks
Bata is home to the Estadio de Bata, a key sports facility. The city also features the coat of arms of Litoral Province, symbolizing its regional importance. Aerial views and detailed maps of the city are available through OpenStreetMap and Wikimedia Commons.

### International Recognition and Data Identifiers
Bata is recognized by multiple international databases and systems:
- UN/LOCODE: GQBSG
- GeoNames ID: 2310046
- OpenWeatherMap City ID: 2310046
- MusicBrainz Area ID: 0f7fd2ff-8be5-4f0d-acca-3737ab8d5ec9
- iNaturalist Place ID: 99655

### Digital and Cultural Presence
Bata is documented in multiple languages on Wikipedia, including English, Spanish, French, and others. It is also featured in encyclopedias like the Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana and the Great Russian Encyclopedia. The city's digital presence includes entries on platforms like Google Play and BBC Things.

### Notable People and Categories
Bata is associated with a category for notable individuals from the city, including People from Bata, Equatorial Guinea. It is also linked to various cultural and historical categories that reflect its societal impact.

### Related Entities and Duplicates
Bata is often confused with Báta, a different location in Hungary. However, the two are distinct, and this distinction is maintained in databases like Wikidata.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.pdge-guineaecuatorial.com/resolucion-que-actualiza-la-estructura-directiva-del-consejo-de-la-localidad-urbana-num-5-del-distrito-de-bata/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. MusicBrainz
5. GeoNames
6. BBC Things
7. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
8. museum-digital