Introduction:
Bata is a port city in the Litoral province of Equatorial Guinea.
With a 2005 estimated population of 173,046, it is the largest city in Equatorial Guinea. It lies on the Atlantic Ocean coast of Río Muni. Bata was formerly capital of Equatorial Guinea and is a transport hub and port, from which ferries sail to Malabo and Douala, while fliers can land at Bata Airport. Bata is also known for its nightlife and market.
History:
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.
Economy:
Bata has one of the deepest seaports in the region.
Despite this, Bata has no natural harbor and a jetty was built to facilitate offshore handling of ships’ cargoes. The principal exports are timber and coffee.
Transportation:
Bata Airport is located north of Bata and provides connections to Malabo and Annobon in Equatorial Guinea, as well as connections to: Douala (Cameroon), and Cotonou (Benin) and Libreville (Gabon).
There are also scheduled ferry connections from Bata to Malabo and Douala.
It is possible to reach Bata by road from neighboring countries although the condition of the roads is highly variable depending on the season. The main road connection with Gabon requires of the use of a ferry or local pirogue canoe.
Flag of Bata:
The flag claimed to be representative of Bata is not officially recognized by any vexillilogical organization.
There is no clear meaning associated with the design of the flag nor with the reported coat of arms.