EQUATORIAL GUINEA

THEY CALLED IT THE WONGA COUP. In 2004, mercenaries backed by British financiers – including, reportedly, Mark Thatcher, son of the late Margaret – were convicted for attempting to overthrow the government of Equatorial Guinea.

Why the interest? Oil, of course, which makes this nation one of the wealthiest per capita in all of Africa. Not that your average Equatoguinean gets to enjoy the benefits since the country’s elite hoards most of the profits. Indeed, Forbes has estimated the personal wealth of President Obiang (in charge since the 1979 military coup) to be US$600 million, while drinking water for half of the population runs dry. Other famous Equatoguineans include “Eric the Eel” and “Paula the Crawler”, two comically slow swimmers at the 2000 Olympic Games.

Long-term dictators notwithstanding, there is plenty here to intrigue visitors including colonial architecture in the capital, Malabo (left), on Bioko Island; plus rainforests teeming with wildlife, fishing villages, and beautiful white beaches with nesting sea turtles.