# Bioko

> northern island of Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q205022](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q205022)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioko)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bioko

## Summary
Bioko is the northern island of Equatorial Guinea, located in Central Africa. It serves as the location of the nation's capital, Malabo, and is home to Pico Basilé, the country's highest point. Historically known as Fernando Pó, the island has a population of 334,463 and is administratively divided into the provinces of Bioko Norte and Bioko Sur.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Northern island of Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 3.5, Longitude 8.7
- **Population**: 334,463
- **Classification**: Island
- **Aliases**: Fernando Pó, Fernando Po, Fernando Poo, Fernando Póo
- **Administrative Divisions**: Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur
- **Capital Location**: Malabo (until January 3, 2026)
- **Highest Point**: Pico Basilé
- **Historical Control**: Portuguese Empire (1472–1778), Spanish Empire (1778–1968)
- **National Independence**: October 12, 1968 (from Spain)

## FAQs
### Where is Bioko located?
Bioko is situated in the Gulf of Guinea as the northern island of the Central African nation of Equatorial Guinea.

### What is the population of Bioko?
The island has a recorded population of 334,463.

### What are the historical names for Bioko?
The island has been referred to by several aliases throughout history, including Fernando Pó, Fernando Po, Fernando Poo, and Fernando Póo.

### What provinces make up Bioko?
The island is administratively divided into two provinces: Bioko Norte and Bioko Sur.

### What is the geographical significance of Bioko?
Bioko is notable for containing Pico Basilé, the highest point in Equatorial Guinea, and for housing the national capital, Malabo, until 2026.

## Why It Matters
Bioko is politically and geographically significant as the historical and administrative center of Equatorial Guinea. Its role as the host of the capital city, Malabo, until 2026 places it at the heart of the country's government and economic activities. The island's unique colonial history, transitioning from Portuguese to Spanish rule, and its strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea contribute to its importance in the region's history and development.

## Notable For
- Being the location of Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea until January 3, 2026.
- Containing Pico Basilé, the highest point in Equatorial Guinea.
- Being historically known as Fernando Pó during the Portuguese and Spanish colonial periods.
- Being administratively divided into the provinces of Bioko Norte and Bioko Sur.
- Having a population of 334,463.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Bioko is defined as a piece of sub-continental land completely surrounded by water, classified as an island. It is located in the northern part of Equatorial Guinea within the Central African region. The island's geographic coordinates are 3.5 degrees latitude and 8.7 degrees longitude. Geographically, Bioko is characterized by its volcanic nature, featuring Pico Basilé as its highest peak, which is also the highest point in the entire country. The lowest point of the island is the Atlantic Ocean.

### Administrative Divisions
The island is politically subdivided into two distinct provinces:
- **Bioko Norte**: A province of Equatorial Guinea located on the northern part of the island.
- **Bioko Sur**: A province of Equatorial Guinea located on the southern part of the island.

### History
Bioko's history is deeply intertwined with the colonial history of Equatorial Guinea. The island was initially part of the **Portuguese Empire** from 1472 until 1778. Following this period, it came under the control of the **Spanish Empire** from 1778 until 1968. On October 12, 1968, Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain, with Bioko becoming an integral part of the new sovereign state. The island was historically known by the names Fernando Pó, Fernando Po, Fernando Poo, and Fernando Póo during these colonial eras.

### National Context
As part of Equatorial Guinea, Bioko exists within a sovereign state that has a presidential system of government. The country is known for its rich cultural diversity and strategic position along the Gulf of Guinea.

#### Government and Politics
- **Head of State**: Teodoro Obiang (since August 3, 1979).
- **Head of Government**: Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua (since August 17, 2024).
- **Capital**: Malabo (located on Bioko until January 3, 2026), after which it is scheduled to move to Ciudad de la Paz.
- **Motto**: "Unidad, Paz, Justicia" (Unity, Peace, Justice).
- **National Anthem**: "Caminemos pisando las sendas de nuestra inmensa felicidad".

#### Demographics and Language
- **National Population**: Estimated at 1,847,549 in 2023.
- **Official Languages**: Spanish, French (adopted in 1997), and Portuguese.
- **Indigenous Languages**: Fang, Bube, and Pichinglis are recognized within the country.

#### Economy
The economy of the nation, which impacts Bioko, is largely dependent on oil and gas resources.
- **GDP (Nominal)**: $12.27 billion (2021), $11.81 billion (2022).
- **Currency**: Central African CFA franc (since 1984).
- **Unemployment Rate**: 8% (2014).
- **VAT Rate**: 15%.

#### Infrastructure and Standards
- **Time Zone**: UTC+01:00.
- **Driving Side**: Right.
- **Electrical Plug Types**: Europlug, Type E.
- **Mains Voltage**: 220 V, 50 Hz.
- **Internet TLD**: .gq.
- **ISO Codes**: GQ (alpha-2), GNQ (alpha-3), 226 (numeric).
- **Emergency Numbers**: 112 (medical), 115 (fire), 113 and 114 (police).

#### Social Indicators
- **Human Development Index (HDI)**: 0.596 (2021).
- **Life Expectancy**: 57.681 years (2016).
- **Birth Rate**: 29.865 per 1,000 people (2022).
- **Death Rate**: 8.708 per 1,000 people (2022).
- **Total Fertility Rate**: 4.835 (2014, estimated).
- **Suicide Rate**: 16.4 per 100,000 people (2016, estimated).
- **Marriageable Age**: 12 years (all genders).
- **Age of Majority**: 18 years.

#### International Relations
Equatorial Guinea is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations (since 1968), African Union, Community of Portuguese Language Countries, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, African Development Bank, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Bank of Central African States, OHADA, Interpol, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, UNESCO, AFRISTAT, Gulf of Guinea Commission, Universal Postal Union, International Telecommunication Union, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), World Health Organization, Economic Community of Central African States, World Customs Organization, Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, African Continental Free Trade Area, and Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/equatorial-guinea/)
2. [Source](http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/fernandopo.htm)
3. [Source](https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS0021853700013268)
4. [Source](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987115000651)
5. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. [Source](https://inege.gq/index.php/download/46/demografia-y-poblacion/1413/resultados-preliminares-del-iv-censo-de-poblacion-2015.pdf)
10. GeoNames
11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
12. KBpedia
13. museum-digital