Overview of Guinea-Bissau

Profile

Guinea-Bissau is a tropical nation comprising deltaic terrain and the Bijagós Archipelago, featuring rich mangrove forests and diverse wildlife. It became a Portuguese colony from the 16th century and functioned as a transshipment point for slave trade. After independence in the 1970s, the country experienced repeated coups and civil wars, with its economy dependent on agriculture and cashew nut exports. A multi-ethnic, multilingual society, Portuguese serves as the official language while Creole is widely used.

Official name: Republic of Guinea-Bissau
Common name: Guinea-Bissau
Numeric code: 624
Alpha-3 code: GNB
Alpha-2 code: GW
Population: Approximately 2.2 million (2024)
Population density: Approximately 60 people/km²
Primary languages: Portuguese, Guinea-Bissau Creole
Major religions: Islam, Traditional religions, Christianity
National anthem: Esta é a Nossa Pátria Bem Amada
Calling code: +245
Internet TLD: .gw

History

After gaining independence from Portuguese rule, political instability continued with multiple coups experienced over the years.

Portuguese explorers arrived in 1446 and the region served as a slave trade hub until the 19th century. PAIGC began its independence struggle in the 1950s. Independence was declared in 1973 and internationally recognized the following year. Since the military coup of 1980 that established military rule, political instability has persisted including the 1998 civil war and political upheavals in 2003 and 2012. Civilian rule was restored in 2014, and the country currently aims for institutional stability and economic development.

Geography & climate

Low-lying alluvial plains and complex estuarine deltas extend throughout, with mangrove wetlands developing along the Atlantic coast. The interior consists of gentle savanna hills.

Tropical savanna climate (Aw)

Area: Africa / 36125 km²
Capital: Bissau
Largest city: Bissau
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Senegal, Guinea

Natural resources

Fishery resources, Forest timber, Phosphate rock, Bauxite, Titanium sand, Agricultural land, Cashew nuts, Palm oil, Solar energy, Fresh water, Gravel, Clay, Manganese

Politics

Government: Republic (Semi-presidential system)

Economy

Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)

GDP (nominal): 19 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 64 hundred million USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Portuguese, Guinea-Bissau Creole

Time zone: West Africa Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Balanta, Fulani, Mandinka, Manjaco, Papel, Bijagó, Nalu, Creole

Life expectancy

Approximately 61 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 55%

National sports

Soccer, Wrestling (traditional martial arts), Basketball, Futsal, Athletics