Bissau, Capital city on Atlantic coast, Guinea-Bissau
Bissau is a capital city in the Bissau Autonomous Sector of Guinea-Bissau, spreading across flat terrain at the Geba River estuary where residential neighborhoods and administrative buildings line wide avenues. Palm trees border many streets, while small canals run through the city center and the proximity to the Atlantic remains noticeable.
In the 17th century Portuguese traders established a trading base here, which later became the administrative seat of the colony. After independence in 1974 the city developed into the political and economic center of the new state.
Its name comes from the Papel people who traditionally inhabited the coastal areas. Today visitors encounter women traders in colorful clothing selling fresh fruit and smoked fish in open-air squares.
The center is best explored on foot in the morning when temperatures are more comfortable and markets are just opening. Visitors walking around should wear sturdy shoes, as many paths remain unpaved and can become muddy after rainfall.
By sea the city is reached through the wide river, allowing larger vessels to dock directly at the port. Many public buildings still carry Portuguese tile decorations on their facades that glow in the afternoon sun.
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