DuckstersDucksters
History Biography Geography Science Games

Guinea-Bissau

Country of Guinea-Bissau Flag

Capital: Bissau

Population: 1,920,922

Brief History of Guinea-Bissau:

Portugal claimed the area that is today Guinea-Bissau in the 15th century. It was one of the first areas explored by the Portuguese. However, even though Portugal claimed the area in 1446, they did not start trading and settling the area until the 1600s. At that time, the area became a major supplier of slaves. The Cape Verde islands were used as a major slave trading center.

In the 19th century, the area was divided up between the French, British, and the Portuguese. Guinea-Bissau was the Portuguese portion.

In 1974 Guinea-Bissau gained full independence from Portugal. Since that time the country has been marred with unrest, civil wars, and military coups.



Country of Guinea-Bissau Map

The Geography of Guinea-Bissau

Total Size: 36,120 square km

Size Comparison: slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Geographical Coordinates: 12 00 N, 15 00 W

World Region or Continent: Africa

General Terrain: mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east

Geographical Low Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Geographical High Point: unnamed location in the northeast corner of the country 300 m

Climate: tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Major cities: BISSAU (capital) 302,000 (2009)

The People of Guinea-Bissau

Type of Government: republic

Languages Spoken: Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African languages

Independence: 24 September 1973 (unilaterally declared by Guinea-Bissau); 10 September 1974 (recognized by Portugal)

National Holiday: Independence Day, 24 September (1973)

Nationality: Guinean(s)

Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Muslim 45%, Christian 5%

National Symbol:

National Anthem or Song: Esta e a Nossa Patria Bem Amada (This Is Our Beloved Country)

Economy of Guinea-Bissau

Major Industries: agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Agricultural Products: rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; timber; fish

Natural Resources: fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite, limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum

Major Exports: cashew nuts, shrimp, peanuts, palm kernels, sawn lumber

Major Imports: foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products

Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central Bank of the

National GDP: $1,925,000,000




** Source for population (2012 est.) and GDP (2011 est.) is CIA World Factbook.

Back to Geography Home Page



Ducksters Footer Gif with Ducks


About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

 

This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.