Guinea-Bissau

The territory between Senegal and Guinea covers 36,125 square kilometers of coastal landscape with extensive mangrove forests along river estuaries and numerous offshore islands. The geographic position on the Atlantic shapes a humid tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons. Flat coastal plains transition inland to low plateaus. Vegetation ranges from dense mangrove zones to savanna areas in the east.

Portuguese traders established trading posts along the coast from the 15th century onwards. The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde initiated armed resistance against colonial rule in 1963. After a decade of conflict, unilateral independence was declared in 1973, gaining international recognition following Portugal's Carnation Revolution in 1974. Political instability marked subsequent decades with several military coups.

The nation shapes a society of over 20 ethnic communities whose traditional organizational forms and religious practices structure daily life. Local markets serve as central meeting points for trade and social exchange. Musical and dance forms, especially gumbe, reflect the population's cultural diversity and historical experiences. Family ties and collective decision-making remain important social foundations.

Bissau serves as the main gateway with an international airport and port facilities. The dry season from November through May offers more favorable travel conditions than the wet period. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. The local currency CFA franc is widely used. Basic infrastructure exists primarily in urban centers, while rural areas have limited service facilities. French language skills facilitate communication alongside widely spoken Creole.

The Bijagos Archipelago's 88 islands host matrilineal societies where women traditionally hold significant decision-making authority over land and resource management. Island inhabitants practice distinct initiation rites and maintain animist beliefs that differ from mainland traditions. Some islands remain difficult to access for outsiders, preserving cultural continuity across generations.

Inception: 1974

Capital city: Bissau

Part of: West Africa, Portuguese-speaking African countries

Shares border with: Guinea, Senegal

Website: https://gov.gw

GPS coordinates: 11.81522,-15.23510

Latest update: November 30, 2025 19:04