Country Profile · No. 23

Guinea-Bissau

Capital / Admin Capital

BissauPopulation: ~2.1MIndependence: 1973 (Declared September 24, recognized by Portugal in 1974)

First President

Luís Cabral (1973–1980)Current President: Umaro Sissoco Embaló (Serving since February 2020)

Geography & Borders

Senegal, Guinea, Atlantic Ocean. Features a low-lying coastal plain and the stunning, mangrove-fringed Bijagós Archipelago.

Demographics & Language

Islam (~46%), traditional indigenous beliefs (~38%), Christianity (~16%). Official: Portuguese language. National: Upper Guinea Creole. Major groups: Balanta (~30%), Fula (~20%), Manjaca (~14%), Mandinka (~13%).

Economy & GDP

Agriculture (cashew nuts, rice), fishing, forestry.

Global Diaspora

1. Portugal (~50k), 2. Senegal (~30k), 3. France (~10k), 4. United States (~5k–8k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Massachusetts (Boston), Rhode Island, Georgia (Atlanta).

Major Conflicts

Guinean War of Independence (1963–1974, guerrilla war fought by PAIGC against Portuguese colonial forces), Guinea-Bissau Civil War (1998–1999, military conflict following army mutiny), history of recurring military coups.

3 Must-See Sites

1. Bijagós Archipelago (UNESCO Biosphere reserve comprising ~88 islands where matriarchal societies thrive alongside saltwater hippos), 2. Orango National Park (Protected wetland habitat famous for unique saltwater-bathing hippopotamuses), 3. Bissau Velho (Historic colonial capital district featuring aged Portuguese architecture and bustling local markets).

Quick Facts

Celebrated for its remarkable Bijagós Archipelago, where traditional matrilineal cultures maintain unique spiritual governance over land and sea; major global exporter of raw cashew nuts.