Guinea-Bissau

West Africa

Guinea-Bissau is a country in West Africa, home to 2.2 million people, with an area of 36,125 km². Its capital is Bissau.

Capital: Bissau
Population: 2.2 million
Area: 36,125 km²
Region: West Africa
Density: 60.9 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Guinea-Bissau · West Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Guinea-Bissau is known for

Guinea-Bissau is best known for Bijagos Archipelago, Orango National Park and Cacheu Historic Centre.

Guinea-Bissau is a small country located in West Africa, bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east. The country is known for its beautiful coastline, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, including numerous bird species.

Guinea-Bissau at a glance

Language: Portuguese is the official language, with numerous indigenous languages also spoken
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Guinea-Bissau, with significant Christian and animist minorities
National dish: Jollof rice (a spicy rice dish with meat and vegetables)
Climate: Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate, with a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April
Main industries: Agriculture (including cashews, rice, and peanuts), fishing, and forestry
GDP: $1.4 billion USD (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Guinea-Bissau is considered one of the least developed countries in the world, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 175 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Guinea-Bissau

Some of the main tourist attractions in Guinea-Bissau include:

Bijagos Archipelago a group of islands off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, known for their unspoiled beaches, traditional villages, and unique culture.
Orango National Park a protected area located on the Orango Island, featuring mangrove forests, saltwater crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Cacheu Historic Centre a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the ruins of a 16th-century Portuguese fort and other historic buildings.
Bissau Velho the historic center of Bissau, featuring traditional colonial architecture and a lively market.
Arquipélago dos Bijagós Biosphere Reserve a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve featuring unique ecosystems, including mangrove forests, savannas, and wetlands.
Varela Beach a beautiful beach located in the northern part of Guinea-Bissau, popular for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Pefine Island a small island located in the Bijagos Archipelago, known for its scenic beauty and traditional culture.
João Vieira and Poilão Marine National Park a protected marine area featuring pristine coral reefs, sea turtles, and numerous fish species.
Fortaleza de Amura a 17th-century fort located in the town of Bolama, featuring traditional Portuguese colonial architecture.
Cufada Lagoon Natural Park a protected area featuring a large lagoon and diverse ecosystems, including mangrove forests, savannas, and wetlands.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Guinea-Bissau has to offer. The country's unique culture, history, and natural beauty make it a fascinating and rewarding destination for adventurous travelers.

Guinea-Bissau on video

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Guinea-Bissau compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of West Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Mauritania	5.1 million	1,030,700 km²	Nouakchott
The Gambia	2.8 million	11,295 km²	Banjul
Guinea-Bissau	2.2 million	36,125 km²	Bissau
Cape Verde	525,000	4,033 km²	Praia