Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau, situated in West Africa, covers an area of 36,125 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 2,026,778. The northern border is shared with Senegal, while the southeastern border is adjacent to Guinea. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau possesses a rich and complex history that has significantly influenced its contemporary socio-political landscape.

Guinea-Bissau was historically associated with the kingdom of Kaabu and the Mali Empire. The remnants of these kingdoms endured until the 18th century, although certain regions had been influenced by the Portuguese since the 16th century. The 19th century represented a notable era of colonization, during which the region was officially established as Portuguese Guinea. Portuguese control was tenuous and limited until the early 20th century. This period saw the initiation of pacification campaigns, which reinforced Portuguese sovereignty. The last major military success for the Portuguese occurred in 1915 with the capture of the Papel-ruled Kingdom of Bissau by Teixeira Pinto, a Portuguese military officer, alongside Abdul Injai, a Wolof mercenary.

The Bissagos Islands, situated off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, were formally placed under Portuguese control in 1936, thereby establishing dominance over the mainland and the islands. The consolidation of power was essential for the Portuguese, enabling them to sustain a strategic presence in the region.

Guinea-Bissau proclaimed its independence in 1973, which was subsequently acknowledged in 1974. To prevent ambiguity with Guinea (formerly French Guinea), the capital’s name, Bissau, was incorporated into the country’s designation. Since achieving independence, Guinea-Bissau has undergone a history characterized by political instability. Umaro Sissoco Embaló, the current president, was elected on December 29, 2019. His tenure illustrates the persistent challenges the nation encounters in attaining political stability.

Guinea-Bissau exhibits significant linguistic diversity. Portuguese serves as the official language, utilized as a first language by approximately 2% of the population and as a second language by 33%. Guinea-Bissau Creole, a Portuguese-based language, functions as the national language and is regarded as a unifying element within the nation. A 2012 study indicates that 54% of the population speaks Creole as their first language, whereas approximately 40% use it as a second language. The residual population utilizes a diverse array of indigenous African languages, illustrating the nation’s extensive cultural diversity.

Guinea-Bissau is characterized by a diverse religious landscape, encompassing adherents of Islam, Christianity, and indigenous belief systems. The religious diversity reflects the nation’s intricate cultural heritage and the coexistence of various belief systems.

Guinea-Bissau encounters substantial economic challenges. The nation’s per capita gross domestic product ranks among the lowest globally, underscoring the ongoing economic challenges faced by the country. Guinea-Bissau remains an engaged participant in numerous international organizations, such as the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Community of Portuguese Language Countries, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, and the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone. Furthermore, it was a participant in the now-defunct Latin Union.

Guinea-Bissau is geographically situated with Senegal to the north, Guinea to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The region is primarily situated between latitudes 11° and 13°N and longitudes 11° and 15°W. The country surpasses Taiwan and Belgium in size, with its highest elevation reaching 262 meters at Monte Torin. The landscape primarily consists of low coastal plains characterized by Guinean mangrove swamps, transitioning to a Guinean forest–savanna mosaic in the eastern region. The climate exhibits a monsoon-like rainy season interspersed with intervals of hot, dry harmattan winds originating from the Sahara. The Bijagos Archipelago is situated off the mainland, contributing to the geographical diversity of the country. Guinea-Bissau encompasses two distinct ecoregions: the Guinean forest–savanna mosaic and the Guinean mangroves.

The climate of Guinea-Bissau is characterized by consistently warm temperatures, with mild fluctuations averaging 26.3°C throughout the year. In Bissau, the average annual precipitation is 2,024 millimeters, predominantly concentrated in the rainy season spanning from June to September or October. Between December and April, the country undergoes a drought period marked by the presence of dry harmattan winds.