Equatorial Guinea Colonial Records

Portuguese Control (1472-1778)
The Portuguese were credited with being the first Europeans in Equatorial Guinea, discovering the island of Bioko in 1472. In 1778 the Treaty of El Pardo was signed, ceding lands to Spain.

Spanish Colony and Province (1778-1968)
In 1778 the Treaty of El Pardo was signed between the Portuguese and Spaniards. The island of Bioko, adjoining islets, and commercial rights were given to Spain. From 1778-1810, affairs of the territory of Equatorial Guinea were conducted by the vice-royalty of Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From 1926-1959, Equatorial Guinea was known as the colony of Spanish Guinea, and in 1959 became a province. Partial decolonization was done from 1960-1968. Equatorial Guinea became an independent republic in 1968.

French Colonization (19th Century)
Because of the Spaniards' lack of colonization in the Bight of Biafra, the French moved into this area. The Treaty of Paris from 1900 resolved claims between the Spaniards and French.

British Influence (1827-1842)
From 1827-1842, Great Britain combated the slave trade with a base in Bioko.

German Influence
Along with the Spanish and Portuguese, Germans owned large plantations in Equatorial Guinea.