Guinea-Bissau

1446 – First Portuguese explorers arrive in the region

1778 – Portuguese establish trading posts along the coast

1956 (Thursday, February 23) – Formation of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) under Amílcar Cabral

1973 (Friday, March 24) – Amílcar Cabral, leader of PAIGC, is assassinated in Conakry, Guinea

1974 (Monday, September 24) – Guinea-Bissau’s independence from Portugal is declared following a coup in Lisbon

1975 (Friday, September 24) – Guinea-Bissau becomes an independent republic

1980 (Saturday, November 14) – Military coup removes President Luís Cabral and installs João Bernardo Vieira as president

1998 (Saturday, June 6) – Civil war breaks out between government forces and the military, leading to a power vacuum

2000 (Monday, May 29) – Military coup ousts President João Bernardo Vieira

2009 (Monday, March 2) – President João Bernardo Vieira is assassinated during a military coup

2012 (Wednesday, April 12) – Military coup ousts President Malam Bacai Sanhá

2014 (Sunday, April 13) – Presidential elections held, José Mário Vaz elected president

2015 (Friday, May 22) – Tropical Storm causes severe flooding and significant damage in coastal areas

2016 (Wednesday, August 24) – Hurricane Alex strikes, affecting agriculture and infrastructure

2020 (Tuesday, January 14) – Flooding in coastal regions caused by heavy rains during the wet season

2022 (Saturday, May 7) – Flash floods in the capital city, Bissau, caused by intense rainfall

2023 (Monday, February 13) – Severe flooding caused by tropical storm, displacing thousands and causing property damage

Continent: Africa (West Africa)
Location: Located in West Africa, bordered by Senegal to the north, Guinea to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
Capital: Bissau
Language: Portuguese (official), Guinea-Bissau Creole, various indigenous languages (e.g., Balanta, Fula, Manjaco)
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
Population: ~2 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0)

Borders: Senegal, Guinea
Landscape: Coastal plain, mangrove swamps, savannas, forested areas
Major Rivers: Geba River, Cacheu River, Río Corubal
Major Mountains: None
Deserts: None
Lakes: None
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Bafatá Plateau – 262 m (860 ft)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean – 0 m (sea level)
Climate: Tropical climate with a distinct rainy season from June to October and a dry season from November to May. Coastal areas are affected by monsoon winds, while the interior experiences more stable, dry conditions.
Geological Features: Guinea-Bissau is characterized by its coastal plains and river systems, with many mangrove swamps along the coast. The terrain is primarily lowland, with a few higher regions in the interior. The country is not known for volcanic or significant seismic activity.

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Balanta, Fula, Mandinga, Manjaco, Biafada, and other ethnic groups.
Religion: Islam (~50%), Christianity (~25%), Indigenous religions (~25%)
Urban Population: ~60% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Guinea-Bissau has a diverse ethnic composition, with Islam being the dominant religion, particularly in the northern and central regions. Christianity is prominent in the southern and urban areas, and indigenous animist beliefs remain strong in rural parts.

Famous For: Traditional music, dance, and art, including griot storytelling and drumming
Cuisine: Jollof rice, Caldo de Peixe (fish stew), Bissau salad, Coconut-based dishes, Pounded yam
Arts: Rich oral traditions, music (particularly griot), and dance
Sports: Football (soccer), handball, basketball
Music: Guinea-Bissau has a vibrant musical scene with genres like griot music, soukous, and kizomba. Traditional music is an important part of the culture, with drumming and storytelling central to ceremonies.

Economy Type: Mixed, low-income economy
GDP: Approx. $2 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (cashew nuts, rice, groundnuts), fishing, forestry, small-scale mining
Key Exports: Cashew nuts, fish, palm oil, timber
Unemployment Rate: ~5.3% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: The economy of Guinea-Bissau is largely based on agriculture, with the production of cashews being a significant export. The coastal region focuses on fishing, while the interior relies more on subsistence farming.

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Umaro Sissoco Embaló (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Nuno Gomes Nabiam (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral National People’s Assembly
Constitution: Constitution of 1984 (revised in 2019)

Bissau: Capital city with colonial-era architecture and bustling markets
Bijagos Archipelago: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its beautiful islands and rich wildlife
Orango Islands: Home to diverse wildlife and pristine beaches
Cacheu River: Known for birdwatching and serene river tours
Canchungo: Popular for its cultural festivals and local traditions
Varela Beach: Pristine beach along the Atlantic coast, ideal for relaxation