Bata, Equatorial Guinea

Bata is a port city in Equatorial Guinea. With a population of around 70,000 people, it is thirty percent smaller than the capital Malabo and it is the second largest city in the country. It lies on the Atlantic Ocean coast of Rio Muni. Bata was formerly capital of Equatorial Guinea and is a transport hub and port, from which ferries sail to Malabo and Douala, and fliers can land at Bata Airport. It is also known for its nightlife and market.

History and economy

Bata has one of the deepest seaports in the region, Despite this, Bata has no natural harbour and a jetty was built to facilitate offshore handling of ships' cargoes. The principal exports are timber and coffee. The international airport at Bata Airport has flights to several cities, including the capital, Malabo and to Libreville in Gabon.

After the anti-Spanish riots of 1969, the European population declined in Bata and severe economic stagnation affected Bata in the 1970s and early 1980s. The recent oil boom of the country in the late 1980s and 1990s has boosted the development of the city with more than 20 major infrastructure projects underway.

Education

The Colegio Nacional Enrique Nvó Okenve has campuses here and in Malabo.

References