Guinea-Bissau, officially the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west. It covers 36,125 km² (nearly 14,000 sq mi) with an estimated population of 1,600,000.
Guinea-Bissau was once part of the kingdom of Gabu, as well as part of the Mali Empire. Parts of this kingdom persisted until the 18th century, while a few others were part of the Portuguese Empire since the 16th century. It then became the Portuguese colony of Portuguese Guinea in the 19th century. Upon independence, declared in 1973 and recognized in 1974, the name of its capital, Bissau, was added to the country’s name to prevent confusion with the bordering Republic of Guinea. Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability since gaining independence and no elected president has successfully served a full five-year term.
Guinea-Bissau Flag
Guinea-Bissau Country Information
Capital
and largest city Bissau
11°52′N 15°36′W
Official languages Portuguese
Recognised regional languages Crioulo
Ethnic groups
30% Balanta
20% Fula
14% Manjaca
13% Mandinga
7% Papel
>1% others
Demonym Bissau-Guinean (148th)
– 2002 census 1,345,479
– Density 44.1/km2 (154th)
115.5/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2011 estimate
– Total $1.925 billion
– Per capita $1,144
GDP (nominal) 2011 estimate
– Total $969 million
– Per capita $575
Gini (1993) 47 (medium)
HDI (2010) Increase 0.289 (low / 164th)
Currency West African CFA franc (XOF)
Time zone GMT (UTC+0)
Drives on the right
Calling code +245
ISO 3166 code GW
Internet TLD .gw