In 1827 the British founded a naval base there and in the late 19th century cocoa plantations were constructed.

Equatorial Guinea came out in support of General Franco in the Spanish civil war.

This is one of Africa's smallest nations, which was once part of the Spanish colonies; included in the country are islands named Bioko, Pagalu and the mainland enclave of Mbini.

Independence was granted in 1968 whilst the country was under the presidency of Macias Nguema, it had a very short period of free democracy, Spanish relations deteriorated when it was discovered that the country had no foreign currency reserves.

Nguema accused Spanish businessmen of neo-colonialism in their attempts to renegotiate timber contracts and encouraged his supporters to intimidate the 7000 Spanish citizens living in the area. Nguema and a Spanish ambassador had a stormy meeting and he told the ambassador to leave. Spain retaliated by mobilising its army stationed in Equatorial Guinea. Nguema reacted by declaring a state of emergency which resulted in a 10 year, brutal dictatorship. Purges began of Nguema's enemies, politicians were replaced by members of Nguema's family.

In 1975 schools were closed putting a end to formal education.

Spain broke off diplomatic relations in 1977.

All churches were forced to close in 1978.

In 1979 Nguema's regime was overthrown by a coup, only one third of the Guinean population was left.

During his regime Nguema was forced to bring in expatriate labour from Nigeria. Due to poor conditions and low wages riots and strikes began, these were brutally ended by the army and police which led to Nigerian demands for the annexation of the country. The Nigerian politicians repatriated the Nigerian people from Guinea.

Colonel Teodoro Nguema took control; he demanded the release of all political prisoners and the lifting of restrictions on the church. Relations with western countries resumed; people were called back from exile.

1984 a carefully controlled election was held. The country joined the CFA franc zone opening up more trade opportunities and set out a policy to aim for multi-party democracy.