Equatorial Guinea: Human Rights, Equatorial Guinea, And Oil

The Bush administration maintains reasonably friendly relations with the African nation of Equatorial Guinea despite the extreme human rights violations perpetrated by the government against its own people. The country sells nearly two thirds of its oil to the United States and, though a small nation, produces more crude per capita than Saudi Arabia. One might expect there to be plenty of money for everyone by way of revitalizing the economy and building up infrastructure. But most Equatoguineans are malnourished, typically with no running water or electricity. Malaria and yellow fever are rampant. The average life expectancy is 54.