Bioko

Quick Facts: Who was Bioko?

Subject:

Bioko

Known for:

Northern island of Equatorial Guinea, historically known as Fernando Pó.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Bioko (; Spanish: [biˈoko] ; Bube: Ëtulá a Ëri; historically known as Fernando Pó, European Portuguese pronunciation: [fɨɾˈnɐ̃.dʊ ˈpɔ]) is an island of Equatorial Guinea. It is located 32 km (20 mi) south of the coast of Cameroon, and 160 km (99 mi) northwest of the northernmost part of mainland Equatorial Guinea. Malabo, on the north coast of the island, is the former capital city of Equatorial Guinea.

Career & Major Achievements

Bioko's population was 335,048 at the 2015 census and it covers an area of 2,017 km2 (779 sq mi), making it the fourth largest island in Africa (after Madagascar, Socotra and Tenerife). The island is part of the Cameroon line of volcanoes and is located off the Cameroon coast, in the Bight of Biafra portion of the Gulf of Guinea. Its geology is volcanic; its highest peak is Pico Basile at 3,012 m (9,882 ft).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Bioko's native name is Ëtulá a Ëri in the Bube language. For nearly 500 years, the island was known as Fernando Pó (Portuguese: Fernando Pó; Spanish: Fernando Poo), named for Portuguese navigator Fernão do Pó. Between 1973 and 1979, the island was named Macías Nguema Biyogo after the then-president of Equatorial Guinea.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1973: 1973 Milestone — Between 1973 and 1979, the island was named Macías Nguema Biyogo after the then-president of Equatorial Guinea.
2. 2015: 2015 Milestone — Bioko's population was 335,048 at the 2015 census and it covers an area of 2,017 km2 (779 sq mi), making it the fourth largest island in Africa (after Madagascar, Socotra and Tenerife).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Bioko

True or False: “True or false: Bioko was known as Fernando Pó for nearly 500 years before adopting its current name.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The island was indeed known by the Portuguese name Fernando Pó for a long period, which predates the adoption of the name Bioko in 1979.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bioko