Equatorial Guinea is mainland Africa's only Spanish-speaking nation, a small oil-rich country comprising both mainland territory and volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea. The island of Bioko, with its colonial capital Malabo, features dramatic volcanic peaks, crater lakes, and some of Africa's most important sea turtle nesting beaches. Oil wealth has transformed this once-impoverished nation, though development remains uneven. The new capital Oyala is being built from scratch in the mainland jungle. Monte Alén National Park protects lowland gorillas and forest elephants, while Bioko's Pico Basile rises through cloud forest. Spanish colonial heritage blends with African traditions in this unique and little-visited nation.