Guinea-Bissau

The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a small West African nation on the Atlantic coast, bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east. Despite its modest size and underdeveloped infrastructure, the country boasts extraordinary cultural diversity, rich natural resources, and a resilient population. However, since gaining independence from Portugal in 1973–74, Guinea-Bissau has struggled with chronic political instability, economic fragility, and military interference in governance.

Historical Background

In precolonial times, the area that now forms Guinea-Bissau was integrated into regional empires such as the Mali Empire and later the Kaabu Kingdom, both of which flourished through trade and strong local governance. Beginning in the 16th century, Portuguese traders established settlements along the coast, participating in the transatlantic slave trade and exporting gold and ivory. Resistance from local rulers limited early colonisation, but by the 19th century, the decline of indigenous states enabled Portugal to consolidate control over the territory—then known as Portuguese Guinea.
The mid-20th century brought the rise of African independence movements. The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), founded in 1956 by Amílcar Cabral, launched a determined guerrilla struggle against Portuguese rule in 1963. After a decade of warfare, Guinea-Bissau declared independence on 24 September 1973, which Portugal formally recognised on 10 September 1974, following the Carnation Revolution in Lisbon.
The post-independence period was dominated by the PAIGC, first under Luís Cabral, then João Bernardo “Nino” Vieira, who seized power in a 1980 coup. Vieira’s long rule was characterised by authoritarianism, corruption, and repeated coup attempts. A civil war in 1998–1999 ousted him, initiating two decades of political turbulence marked by short-lived governments, assassinations, and economic stagnation.
Recent years have seen attempts at reform, though instability persists. Following a disputed 2019 election, Umaro Sissoco Embaló assumed the presidency in 2020. Coup attempts in 2022 and 2023 underscored ongoing fragility, though the government continues to seek institutional reform with support from ECOWAS, the African Union, and the European Union.

Geography and Environment

Location: Western Africa, between Guinea and Senegal, fronting the North Atlantic OceanArea: 36,125 sq km (land: 28,120 sq km; water: 8,005 sq km)Coordinates: 12°N, 15°W
Terrain: Low-lying coastal plains with mangrove swamps and estuaries; inland savanna and forests.Elevation: Highest point – Dongol Ronde (277 m)Climate: Tropical, hot, and humid with a rainy season (June–November) and a dry season (December–May).
Natural resources: Fish, timber, bauxite, phosphates, clay, granite, and potential offshore petroleum.Major islands: Bijagós Archipelago – 18 main islands and dozens of islets, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Land use (2022):

• Agricultural: 45%
• Forest: 55% (including mangroves)

Environmental concerns: Deforestation, soil erosion, and overfishing. Limited environmental oversight has led to unsustainable resource exploitation. Guinea-Bissau is a party to the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

People and Society

Population (2024): 2.13 millionPopulation growth: 2.54% per yearMedian age: 18.4 yearsUrban population: 45.5%Capital: Bissau (664,000, 2023)
Ethnic composition:

• Balanta – 30%
• Fulani (Fula) – 30%
• Manjaco – 14%
• Mandinga – 13%
• Papel – 7%
• Others – 6%

Languages:

• Official: Portuguese
• Lingua franca: Guinea-Bissau Creole (Kriol)
• Regional: Pular, Mandinga, and others

Religions (2020):

• Muslim – 46.1%
• Traditional (folk) – 30.6%
• Christian – 18.9%
• Others/none – 4.4%

Demographics and health:

• Fertility rate: 4.62 children per woman
• Life expectancy: 64.5 years
• Infant mortality: 46.4 per 1,000 live births
• Maternal mortality: 505 per 100,000
• Health expenditure: 8.2% of GDP
• Physician density: 0.25 per 1,000 people

Access to clean water and sanitation is limited, especially in rural areas (less than 50%).
Education:

• Literacy rate: 63.9% (male 77.3%, female 52.2%)
• Education expenditure: 2.7% of GDP
• Primary enrolment improving, but secondary and tertiary education remain weak.

Guinea-Bissau has a very young population (42% under 15), creating both potential for growth and pressure on limited public services.

Government and Politics

Official name: Republic of Guinea-Bissau (República da Guiné-Bissau)System: Semi-presidential republicCapital: BissauIndependence: Declared 24 September 1973; recognised 10 September 1974
Executive:

• President: Umaro Sissoco Embaló (since 27 February 2020)
• Prime Minister: Braima Camará (since 7 August 2025)The president appoints the prime minister and cabinet in consultation with parliament.

Legislature:

• People’s National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular) – 102 members, elected by proportional representation for 4-year terms.
  • 2023 election results:
    • Inclusive Alliance Platform/Terra Ranka Coalition – 54 seats
    • MADEM-G15 – 29
    • Party for Social Renewal (PRS) – 12
    • Others – 7

Judiciary:

• Supreme Court of Justice, nine judges appointed for life
• Legal system: Portuguese civil law blended with customary practices

Political instability: Since 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced numerous coups and attempted coups, often involving the People’s Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP). The most recent attempts (2022–2023) reflect ongoing tension between civilian and military authorities.
Foreign relations: Member of ECOWAS, African Union, United Nations, and Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). The government works closely with the IMF and World Bank on governance and fiscal reform.
National symbols:

• Flag: Red (struggle), yellow (sun), green (hope), black star (African unity)
• Anthem: Esta é a Nossa Pátria Bem Amada (“This Is Our Beloved Country”)
• National Day: 24 September (Independence Day)

Economy

Guinea-Bissau’s economy is agrarian and export-dependent, relying heavily on cashew nuts, which account for over 80% of export earnings. Political instability and weak institutions continue to limit investment, despite steady GDP growth.
Key indicators (2024):

• GDP (nominal): $2.12 billion
• GDP (PPP): $5.91 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $2,700
• Real GDP growth: 4.8%
• Inflation: 3.8%
• Unemployment: 2.7%
• Poverty rate: 50.5%
• Gini index: 33.4

Economic composition (2024):

• Agriculture: 36.8%
• Industry: 16.6%
• Services: 42.1%

Main exports: Cashew nuts, fish, crustaceans, coconut oil, timberMain export partners: India (66%), Côte d’Ivoire, Chile, Ghana, NetherlandsMain imports: Petroleum, rice, machinery, plastics, beveragesMain import partners: Senegal (28%), Portugal (24%), China (11%)
Remittances: ~10% of GDP, mostly from Europe and West AfricaTax revenue: 8.8% of GDP (limited administrative capacity)
Economic progress remains fragile due to poor infrastructure, reliance on agriculture, and frequent political disruptions.

Infrastructure and Energy

Electricity access (2023):

• National: 37.4%
• Urban: 61%
• Rural: 15.8%

Energy mix (2023):

• Fossil fuels: 96.5%
• Solar: 3.5%Installed capacity: ~29,000 kW – among the lowest worldwide

Rural electrification projects, supported by the World Bank, EU, and ECOWAS, are slowly expanding renewable energy use.
Transport:

• Airports: 7 (main: Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, Bissau)
• Ports: Bissau, Rio Cacheu
• Roads: Poorly maintained, often impassable during rainy season

Telecommunications:

• Mobile subscriptions: 2.76 million (126 per 100 inhabitants)
• Internet penetration: 33%
• Fixed broadband: minimal

Military and Security

Forces: People’s Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP) – Army, Navy, Air Force (~4,000 personnel)Military expenditure: 1.2% of GDP (2024)Service: Selective compulsory (18–25), voluntary from 16
The FARP remains politically influential, though security sector reforms are underway. Guinea-Bissau has been identified as a narco-transit hub for cocaine trafficking between Latin America and Europe, posing major governance and regional stability risks.

Culture and Heritage

Guinea-Bissau’s culture reflects a fusion of African, Islamic, and Portuguese influences. Distinct ethnic traditions coexist with a shared Creole identity rooted in Kriol language and music.
Music and arts: The gumbe rhythm—a blend of African drums and Portuguese guitar—is emblematic of national identity. Traditional dance, oral storytelling, and festivals play central roles in community life.
Cuisine: Rice-based dishes, fish, cassava, palm oil sauces, and tropical fruits are staples.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: Bijagós Archipelago – known for its rich marine biodiversity, matriarchal social structures, and ecological significance.