Social Beliefs And Etiquettes

Most locals live in rural areas and prefer to dress in traditional African attire. Because of the country's colonial Spanish history, its legal system is based on both traditional African tribal law and the Spanish legal system. The country's government is extremely restrictive when it comes to providing its citizens with individual rights and freedoms. Because family units are responsible for the welfare of their individual members, caring for the elderly and sick is primarily a family responsibility.

As a result, extended families tend to co-habit, with multiple generations living together to share resources and labor. Many of the beliefs and social etiquette rules that govern daily life in Equatorial Guinea are based on tribal customs and traditions (particularly those of the Fang tribe). Polygyny, the practice of a man marrying more than one wife, is common, and female residents are required to follow strict rules of behavior based on long-held beliefs about male and female roles in society.