Guinea-Bissau

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region –West Africa
• Currency symbol of Guinea-Bissau –Franco CFA (XOF)
• Capital City –Bissau
• Official languages –The official language of Algeria is Portuguese, spoken by 11% of population, French is also learned in schools as Guinea is surrounded by French-speaking countries.
• Population –1,874,000 (2018)
• Country dialling code  –  (+245)
• Official website – Guinea-Bissau
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Beer, soft drinks, food processing
• Google Maps link –Guinea-Bissau
• Where is it? –Guinea-Bissau is a country located in West Africa. It is the 8th least extensive country in continental Africa. It is bordered by Senegal to north, and Guinea to south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west.

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Guinea-Bissau In Pictures

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Guinea-Bissau History

• How did the country get its first name? – It was previously known as Kaabu. 
• How did the country get its current name? – In the 19th century, it was colonized as Portuguese Guinea. Upon independence, declared in 1973 and recognized in 1974, the name of its capital Bissau was added to country’s name to prevent any confusion with Guinea(formerly French Guinea)
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – The land has been occupied for thousands of years by various groups including the Mali and Mande empires. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in the early 1440s. 
• Who were the first Inhabitants? – The earliest known inhabitants include the Mali empire and the Fulani. 
• When it was first recognized as a country? –The Republic of Guinea-Bissau gained full independence September 10, 1974, however the country celebrates the date they unilaterally declared, 24 September 1973. 
• Who was the first leader of the country? –Luís de Almeida Cabral, Guinea-Bissau’s politician (born on April11, 1931 and died on May 30, 2009) was the first president of independent Guinea-Bissau.

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Five Significant Events

1. 1951 Event War of independence: Guinea-Bissau declared as province of Portugal. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13579838)

2. 1980 Event Military intervention: Louis Cabral ousted in military coup led by Joao Bernardo Vieira. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/3998113?seq=1)

3. 2000 Event Domestic tensions: Kumba Yala elected president. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13579838)

4. 2005 Event Vieira Returns: Joao Bernardo Vieira, former president toppled in 1999 rebellion, returns from exile in Portugal. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13579838)

5. 2011 Event Instability: Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior says the authorities have foiled a coup attempt against President Malam Bacai Sanha, mounted while the he was receiving medical treatment. Navy chief Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchuto is accused of masterminding the coup and arrested. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13579838)

Five Places to Visit in Guinea-Bissau

1. Orango Island: Galumphing hippos drift in and out of the brackish lagoons of Organo Island. Wildlife lovers flock to this small land mass in the Atlantic to see the rare salt-water creatures in their natural habitat. (https://www.orangohotel.com/en/orango-national-park/)

2. Bissagos Island: It has the largest aquarium on earth, mostly covered with mangroves, its coasts provide fish with food and shelter. (https://escales.ponant.com/en/bissagos-islands-wildlife/)

3. Bubaque: Bubaque is one of the Bijagós Islands in Guinea-Bissau, and is also the name of its main town. The island is known for its wildlife and is heavenly forested. (https://www.expedia.com/Bubaque.dx669)

4. Bolama: Bolama is the main town of Bolama Island and the capital of the Bolama Region. Though once the capital of Portuguese Guinea, it has a population of just 4,819 and much of its colonial era architecture is in a state of severe decay. (https://www.britannica.com/place/Bolama-Guinea-Bissau)

5. Cacheu: Cacheu is a town in north-western Guinea-Bissau, lying on the Cacheu River. Notable buildings in Cacheu include the Portuguese-built 16th century fort. (https://www.britannica.com/place/Cacheu-Guinea-Bissau)

References: 

• https://www.britannica.com/place/Guinea-Bissau
• https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-visit-guinea-bissau/
• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13579838
• https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/guinea_bissau.htm
• https://journals.openedition.org/cea/155?lang=en