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 and economyBata 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. The international airport at Bata Airport has flights to several cities, including the capital, Malabo and to Libreville in Gabon. Bata, like Malabo, contains some of the country's best hotels including the Hotel Panafrica, overlooking the beach. The full name of the city, although not in common use, is Ciudad de Bozhich Bata, as it was founded on Christmas Eve of year 1664, and the date of December the 24th (indigenous word Bozhich) is traditionally regarded and celebrated as the city holiday.