Flag of Equatorial Guinea: What is its history and what does it represent?

Ben Crowley

Nov. 7, 2025

Flags are more than just pieces of fabric flying in the wind; they are symbols that encapsulate a nation's identity, history, and aspirations. The flag of Equatorial Guinea is no exception. With its vibrant colours, unique blue triangle, and intricate coat of arms, it tells the story of colonial legacy, independence struggles, and national unity. From its hasty creation in 1968 to modifications under dictatorship and restoration in 1979, it mirrors the nation's turbulent path.

What is the history of Equatorial Guinea?

Equatorial Guinea, located in Central Africa, consists of a mainland region called Río Muni and several islands, including Bioko (formerly Fernando Poo), Annobón, and smaller ones like Corisco and the Elobeys. Its history is marked by European colonialism. The Portuguese first arrived in the 15th century, claiming the islands, but in 1778, they ceded them to Spain through the Treaty of El Pardo. Spain formalized control, signing agreements with local rulers , events that would later influence the flag's design. Under Spanish rule, the territory was known as Spanish Guinea, and it used a colonial flag featuring Spain's red-yellow-red stripes with an emblem in the middle.

The push for independence gained momentum in the mid-20th century, amid global decolonization. Equatorial Guinea achieved independence on October 12, 1968, becoming one of Africa's youngest nations at the time. This pivotal moment birthed the national flag, but its journey was far from smooth, reflecting the political turbulence that followed.

The new flag of Equatorial Guinea

On October 8, 1968, the parliament agreed on a horizontal tricolour of green (top), white (middle), and red (bottom), with a blue isosceles triangle at the hoist side. This base design drew inspiration from pan-African colours, common in many newly independent African states, symbolizing nature, peace, and sacrifice.

However, the original flags flown during the independence celebrations in Malabo (then Santa Isabel) lacked the coat of arms due to time constraints in production. Photographs from the era show plain tricolour flags with the blue triangle, sometimes even simplified versions without the triangle, waved by crowds in plazas and government buildings. By 1969, variants emerged with the coat of arms added to the centre of the white stripe, sometimes extending into the green and red bands. This early period (1968-1973) saw inconsistencies, as mass production lagged behind the official design.

The coat of arms itself was adopted in 1968, featuring a ceiba tree on a silver shield, six yellow stars above, and the motto "Unidad, Paz, Justicia" (Unity, Peace, Justice) below. It was based on the arms of Bata, a key town in Río Muni, granted by the Spanish king.

The Equatorial Guinea flag changes under Macias Nguema

Post-independence, Equatorial Guinea fell under the authoritarian rule of Francisco Macías Nguema, who became president in 1968 and declared himself dictator in 1972. His regime, marked by repression and isolation, altered national symbols to reflect his cult of personality and beliefs. Around 1973, the flag's coat of arms was modified: the silk-cotton tree was replaced with symbols like tools, a sword, and a cockerel, representing labour and vigilance. The motto was tweaked to emphasize "Trabajo" (Work) alongside the original phrases.

This variant symbolized Nguema's push for self-reliance and control, but it was short-lived and unpopular. Nguema's rule, often called one of Africa's most brutal dictatorships, led to economic collapse and mass executions. The altered flag became an emblem of oppression rather than unity. In 1979, a coup led by his nephew, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, overthrew him. On August 21, 1979, the original flag design, including the 1968 coat of arms, was restored.

The current flag of Equatorial Guinea

Today's flag maintains the 2:3 proportion. The green stripe represents the lush jungles, agriculture, and natural resources that form the backbone of the economy. The white stands for peace, a hopeful aspiration after years of conflict and colonialism. The red commemorates the blood spilled by freedom fighters during the struggle against Spanish rule.

The blue triangle symbolises the Atlantic Ocean that connects the mainland to the islands, emphasizing geographic unity in a nation spread across water.

At the heart of the flag is the coat of arms. The ceiba tree, recalls the site where the first treaty between Spain and a local Bantu ruler was signed, marking the onset of colonial rule but also resilience. This tree is culturally significant in many African societies, seen as a bridge between earth and sky. Above it, six six-pointed yellow stars represent Río Muni (the mainland) and the five main islands: Bioko, Annobón, Corisco, Elobey Grande, and Elobey Chico. The motto below—"Unidad, Paz, Justicia" encapsulates the nation's core values, attempting to promote harmony in a diverse society of Fang, Bubi, and other ethnic groups.

The best way to learn about a place is of course by visiting it. If Equatorial Guinea is on your bucket list or your just looking for new travel destination ideas, then check out our Equatorial Guinea group tours on our website.