Islam in Equatorial Guinea is a minority religion, but it has a small and growing presence.
Quick Facts:
- Population of Equatorial Guinea: Around 1.6 million
- Main Religion: Christianity (mostly Roman Catholic)
- Muslim Population: Less than 5% (estimated to be a few thousand)
History of Islam in Equatorial Guinea:
Islam is not indigenous to Equatorial Guinea. Muslim presence grew gradually in the 20th and 21st centuries, mainly due to immigration from West African countries like:
- Nigeria
- Mali
- Senegal
- Cameroon
Many Muslims came as traders, laborers, or seeking economic opportunities.
Muslim Communities:
Most Muslims in Equatorial Guinea are Sunni. Many are immigrants, not native to the country. Mosques exist in major cities such as:
- Malabo (the capital)
- Bata (the largest city)
Legal and Social Status:
- Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution.
- Muslims are free to worship, build mosques, and practice their faith.
- Friday prayers are generally respected, especially in urban areas with sizable Muslim populations.
- The country recognizes Islamic holidays unofficially in communities where Muslims are present, but national holidays are mostly Christian.
Growth and Challenges:
The Muslim population is slowly growing, mainly due to continued immigration. Some challenges include:
- Lack of Islamic schools (madrasas)
- Limited representation in government or media
- Occasional bureaucratic hurdles in registering Islamic organizations
Equatorial Guinea
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .gq
Country Code: +240