Demographics of Equatorial Guinea - Languages

Languages

Spanish, French, Portuguese are the official languages and spoken as second languages, most spoken is Spanish—89% of the people (52% are first-language speakers, mostly pure-blooded Spanish and mulattoes, 37% second-language speakers, mostly Bantus). Most also still speak Bantu languages, which are also spoken by pure-blooded Spaniards as second languages. Annobonese speak a Portuguese Creole, named Annobonese, as their first language. Asians and other Europeans speak their own languages. Foreign Africans speak their native languages and their nation’s official languages— English for Nigerians, Cameroonians, and Liberians; French for Cameroonians and Gabonese; and Portuguese for Angolans and Mozambicans. The latter was made an official language since July 13, 2007. Most educated persons speak English, the most important foreign language to learn. The Roman Catholic Church has greatly influenced both religion and education.

Equatoguineans tend to have both a Spanish first name and an African first and last name. When written, the Spanish and African first names are followed by the father's first name (which becomes the principal surname) and the mother's first name. Thus people may have up to four names, with a different surname for each generation.