Equatorial Guinea: The rich, the poor and the reserves of oil

Equatorial Guinea has suddenly been brought into the world's spotlight as a result of a supposed coup attempt there by a group of former members of the South African special forces. The picture that is emerging is not a pretty sight. This country is a caricature of Africa, a microcosm of all that is bad about the continent. Because of the discoveries of bigger and bigger oil reserves every year in its waters, Equatorial Guinea has one of the highest economic growth rates in the world - nearly 17% in 2002 and over 14% in 2003. Yet 65% of the people still live in extreme poverty and the oil wealth is concentrated in the hands of no more than 5% of the population.