Guinea-Bissau

In brief

Guinea-Bissau is a country in West Africa. Its capital is Bissau. With 2.2 million inhabitants in 2025, it ranks 145th in the world by population, out of the 195 countries recognised by the UN. Its area is 36,125 km². It shares land borders with Guinea and Senegal.

GDP per capita stands at $1,124 (2025), 173rd in the world. Life expectancy at birth is 64.3 years (2024). 47% of the population lives in cities.

History of Guinea-Bissau

Once part of the Kaabu kingdom, the coast hosted Portuguese trading posts such as Cacheu from the 16th century. Portuguese Guinea fought a liberation war from 1963 to 1974 led by Amílcar Cabral, who was assassinated in 1973. Independence, declared on 24 September 1973, was recognised by Portugal in 1974. The country has since seen many coups.

Geography of Guinea-Bissau

A low, wet country, Guinea-Bissau is cut by estuaries and mangroves. Offshore, the Bijagós archipelago, made up of dozens of islands, is a biosphere reserve. Cashew nuts are its main export.

Map of Guinea-Bissau

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Flag of Guinea-Bissau

The flag of Guinea-Bissau is red, green and yellow. Its official proportions are 1:2 (height to width).

• Yellow33%
• Green33%
• Red32%
• Black2%

Share of the flag’s surface taken by each colour.

What the flag stands for

A vertical red band bearing a black star, beside yellow and green bands: the colours of the independence party, the PAIGC. The black star represents Africa.

Sources: Wikipedia, articles “Guinea-Bissau” and “Flag of Guinea-Bissau”.

See also: flags with a star.

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Fact file

Economy and society