Trivia in Guinea-Bissau

National symbols

Flag: Features a vertical red band on the left with a black five-pointed star in the center, and two horizontal stripes of yellow (upper) and green (lower) on the right

Emblem: A circular emblem with a sea shell and black star in the center, surrounded by laurel branches. A ribbon displays the national motto 'UNIDADE LUTA PROGRESSO (Unity, Struggle, Progress)'

Trivia & facts

• The country name includes the capital city name to distinguish it from the other two Guinea nations.
• Cashew nuts account for over 70% of total export value as the main export product.
• The Bijagós Archipelago is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Mango trees lining Bissau's streets bear fruit around May, which citizens are free to harvest.
• The shell depicted on the national emblem symbolizes the connection to fishing and the sea.
• More than half the population is under 30 years old, making it very young.
• The independence war is a rare example of militarily defeating the colonial side in Africa.
• The Harmattan blowing during the dry season carries Saharan sand to the Atlantic coast.
• Guinea-Bissau Creole merges multi-ethnic vocabulary based on Portuguese.
• The country's only international airport is Osvaldo Vieira Airport in Bissau.