Guinea-Bissau is located in western Africa. Situated on the Atlantic coast, the predominantly low-lying country is slightly hilly farther inland. The country uses the name of its capital, Bissau, to distinguish it from Guinea, its neighbour to the east and south. Guinea-Bissau’s population is dominated by more than 20 African ethnicities, including the Balante, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country, the numerous Fulani and their many subgroups, the Diola, the Nalu, the Bijagó, the Landuma, the Papel (Pepel), and the Malinke. There is also a small Cape Verdean minority with mixed African, European, Lebanese, and Jewish origins. About two-fifths of the population is Muslim. Among Christians, who make up about one-fifth of the population, Roman Catholicism predominates. About one-sixth of the population practices traditional beliefs, which include ancestor worship, possession, and animism and are especially prevalent along the coast and in the central regions. Christianity and Islam are enriched with African traditional beliefs, which results in a unique religious syncretism. The export of commercial items such as cashews, palm products, rice, peanuts, timber, and cotton has long played an important role in the country’s economy. Cape Verde was used as a secure offshore post for the trade of goods from Africa, which included slaves, ivory, dyewoods, kola nuts, beeswax, hides, and gold, as well as goods destined for Africa, such as cheap manufactured items, firearms, cloth, and rum. From the islands of Cape Verde, the Portuguese maintained their coastal presence in Guinea-Bissau. In 1956 a group of Cape Verdeans founded the national liberation party for Guinea and Cape Verde—the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (Partido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde; PAIGC). Full independence was achieved by Guinea-Bissau on September 10, 1974; Cape Verde achieved independence the following year.
Things to Do:
Bissau Main Market. The Bissau Main Market is a must-shop tourist attraction, offering top-quality produce from organic farms and unique souvenirs and gift items goods from talented artisans.
Visit Orango National Park
Fishing in Bubaque