Capital: Bissau

Population (Estimated July 2012): 1,628,603

Area: 36,125 km² or 13,948 mi²

Currency: CFA Franc (CFAF)

Official Language: Portuguese

Political Information: Semi Presidential Republic

Official Religion: No Official Religion
(approximately 50% of the population are Muslim, 40% have indigenous beliefs and 10% are Christian)

Highest Mountain: Unnamed Location at 300m or 984ft

GDP Official Exchange Rate (OER is more precise at gauging a countries economic power)

(Estimated 2011): $1 billion (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (OER) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): (US$) or (GBP)

GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP is good for gauging living conditions and use of resources but not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States) 

 (Estimated 2011): $1.938 billion (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (PPP) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): $1,100 (US$) or (GBP)

Time Zone (GMT/UTC): GMT

Wildlife:

Counties/Provinces/States: 9 regions (regioes, singular – regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali; note – Bolama may have been renamed Bolama/Bijagos

Leaders: Acting President Raimundo Pereira with acting Prime Minister Adiato Djaló Nandigna.

Additional: Gained Independence from Portugal on the 10^th of September 1974.

Sources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau, officially known as the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, is a small West African country located on the Atlantic coast. It is bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east, with a coastline that stretches for 350 kilometres. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1973 and has since struggled with political instability and economic challenges. The capital city is Bissau, which is also the largest city in the country. The official language is Portuguese, and the majority of the population practices Islam and indigenous beliefs. Guinea-Bissau is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and natural beauty, making it a unique and intriguing destination for travellers and researchers alike.

Guinea-Bissau has a complex history that has shaped its current identity and challenges. The country’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, with cashew nuts being the primary export. However, political instability, corruption, and drug trafficking have hindered economic development and stability. Despite these challenges, Guinea-Bissau has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and art playing a significant role in the lives of its people. The country’s diverse wildlife and natural resources also offer potential opportunities for sustainable development and conservation efforts. As Guinea-Bissau continues to navigate its path towards stability and prosperity, it faces both challenges and opportunities that will shape its future.

Geography and Climate of Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is a small country with a diverse geography that includes coastal plains, mangrove swamps, and low-lying plateaus. The country’s terrain is largely flat, with the highest point being just 300 meters above sea level. The Bijagos Archipelago, a group of islands off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, adds to the country’s natural beauty and biodiversity. The country’s rivers, including the Geba and Corubal rivers, are important for transportation and agriculture. The coastal region is characterized by mangrove forests, which provide important habitats for a variety of wildlife.

The climate of Guinea-Bissau is tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season typically lasts from June to October, bringing heavy rainfall and high humidity. The dry season, from November to May, is characterized by hot temperatures and dry winds from the Sahara Desert. The country is also prone to tropical cyclones, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture. The diverse geography and climate of Guinea-Bissau play a significant role in shaping the country’s ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods of its people.

History and Culture of Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The region was once part of the powerful Mali Empire and later became a Portuguese colony in the 15th century. The legacy of Portuguese colonialism has had a lasting impact on the country’s culture, language, and social structures. Guinea-Bissau gained independence in 1973 after a long struggle against Portuguese rule, followed by years of political instability and civil war.

The culture of Guinea-Bissau is diverse and vibrant, with influences from indigenous traditions, Portuguese colonialism, and Islamic heritage. Traditional music and dance play a significant role in the lives of the people, with styles such as gumbe and kussunde being popular forms of expression. The country’s diverse ethnic groups each have their own unique traditions and customs, contributing to the rich tapestry of Guinea-Bissau’s cultural heritage. Despite the challenges of political instability and economic hardship, the people of Guinea-Bissau have maintained a strong sense of identity and resilience, which is reflected in their cultural traditions and community spirit.

Economy and Industry in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, with cashew nuts being the primary export crop. Other important agricultural products include rice, peanuts, palm oil, and timber. Fishing is also a significant industry, with the country’s coastal waters teeming with a variety of fish species. However, the economy faces significant challenges due to political instability, corruption, and drug trafficking. These issues have hindered economic development and foreign investment, leading to high levels of poverty and unemployment.

The industrial sector in Guinea-Bissau is underdeveloped, with limited infrastructure and access to modern technology. The country has the potential for growth in industries such as tourism, renewable energy, and natural resource extraction. However, these opportunities are hindered by political instability and lack of investment in infrastructure and education. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for sustainable development in Guinea-Bissau, particularly in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, and eco-tourism. With the right policies and investment, Guinea-Bissau has the potential to improve its economy and provide better livelihoods for its people.

Politics and Government in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau has faced significant political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1973. The country has experienced multiple coups, civil wars, and periods of military rule, leading to a lack of effective governance and development. The political landscape is characterized by corruption, weak institutions, and a lack of accountability, which have hindered progress towards stability and prosperity.

The government of Guinea-Bissau is a semi-presidential republic with a multi-party system. The president is the head of state and government, while the prime minister is responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the country. However, political infighting and lack of cooperation between different branches of government have led to frequent changes in leadership and policy direction. The international community has been involved in efforts to support democratic governance and stability in Guinea-Bissau through diplomatic initiatives and development assistance. Despite these efforts, the country continues to face challenges in building effective governance structures that can address the needs of its people.

Wildlife and Natural Resources in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is home to a diverse range of wildlife and natural resources that are important for both ecological conservation and economic development. The country’s coastal waters are rich in marine life, including fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees. The Bijagos Archipelago is an important nesting site for sea turtles and a variety of bird species. The mangrove forests along the coast provide important habitats for numerous species of birds, fish, and other wildlife.

In addition to its wildlife, Guinea-Bissau has significant natural resources such as bauxite, phosphates, granite, clay, and limestone. These resources have the potential for sustainable extraction and exportation to support economic development. However, there are challenges related to illegal mining activities, deforestation, overfishing, and pollution that threaten the country’s natural resources. Conservation efforts are important for protecting Guinea-Bissau’s biodiversity and ensuring sustainable use of its natural resources for future generations.

Challenges and Opportunities for Guinea-Bissau’s Future

Guinea-Bissau faces numerous challenges as it seeks to build a stable and prosperous future for its people. Political instability, corruption, weak governance structures, poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education are among the key challenges that hinder progress in the country. Additionally, environmental degradation, climate change impacts, illegal fishing activities, drug trafficking, and transnational crime pose significant threats to Guinea-Bissau’s stability and development.

Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for Guinea-Bissau to overcome its obstacles and build a brighter future. The country has potential for sustainable development in industries such as agriculture, fisheries, eco-tourism, renewable energy, and natural resource extraction. International cooperation and support for democratic governance can also help Guinea-Bissau address its political challenges and build effective institutions that serve the needs of its people.

In conclusion, Guinea-Bissau is a country with a rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and natural beauty, but also significant challenges that hinder its development. With the right policies, investment in infrastructure and education, environmental conservation efforts, and international cooperation for democratic governance support; Guinea-Bissau can overcome its obstacles and build a brighter future for its people.

FAQs

What is the official name of Guinea-Bissau?

The official name of the country is the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

What is the capital city of Guinea-Bissau?

The capital city of Guinea-Bissau is Bissau.

What is the population of Guinea-Bissau?

As of 2021, the estimated population of Guinea-Bissau is around 2 million people.

What is the official language of Guinea-Bissau?

The official language of Guinea-Bissau is Portuguese.

What is the currency used in Guinea-Bissau?

The currency used in Guinea-Bissau is the West African CFA franc.

What is the main religion in Guinea-Bissau?

The main religion in Guinea-Bissau is Islam, followed by Christianity and traditional indigenous beliefs.

What is the climate like in Guinea-Bissau?

Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.

What are the major industries in Guinea-Bissau?

The major industries in Guinea-Bissau include agriculture, fishing, and cashew nut production.

What is the political status of Guinea-Bissau?

Guinea-Bissau is a republic with a multi-party political system and a president as the head of state and government.