Country Profile: Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau is a small nation in Western Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and neighboring Guinea and Senegal. It is characterized by a tropical climate, low-lying coastal plains, and numerous islands, with a population of approximately 2.1 million people. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, particularly cashew production, although it faces challenges such as systemic corruption and external vulnerabilities. The country has a semi-presidential governance structure, marked by a history of political instability and military involvement in politics.
Geography
Guinea-Bissau is located in Western Africa, with its coordinates at 12° N, 15° W, encompassing an area of 36,125 square kilometers, which includes both land and water. The country features a mainly low-lying coastal plain with a total coastline of 350 kilometers and some of the largest offshore islands in the Bijagos Archipelago.
- Area: 36,125 sq km
- Land boundaries: 762 km total (421 km with Guinea, 341 km with Senegal)
- Climate: Tropical with a monsoonal rainy season from June to November
People and Society
The estimated population of Guinea-Bissau is about 2.1 million, with a young demographic where 42.3% are aged 0-14. The predominant ethnic groups include the Balanta and Fulani, and Portuguese is the official language, primarily used alongside local Creole dialects. The society is diverse in faith, with the majority adhering to Islam, followed by traditional folk religions and Christianity.
- Population: 2,132,325 (2024 est.)
- Ethnic groups: Balanta 30%, Fulani 30%, Manjaco 14%
- Life expectancy: 64.5 years (2024 est.)
- Urban population: 45.5% of the total population (2023)
Economy
Guinea-Bissau's economy is classified as extremely poor, heavily reliant on agriculture, notably as a major exporter of cashews. The economy experiences inflationary pressures and systemic banking instabilities. Recent years have seen slight GDP growth, but the nation remains vulnerable to external shocks.
- GDP (PPP): $5.912 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $2,700 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 2.7% (2024 est.)
- Poverty rate: 50.5% of the population below the national poverty line (2021 est.)
Government
Guinea-Bissau operates as a semi-presidential republic with a history of political turmoil, including several coups. The most recent election occurred in November 2025, where military actions disrupted the electoral process. The country's constitution has been in place since 1984 and has undergone multiple amendments.
- Capital: Bissau
- Government type: Semi-presidential republic
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
- Independence date: September 24, 1973
Military and Security
The People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP) includes the army, navy, and air force, supported by various internal security services. Military spending is low, at 1.2% of GDP, and the armed forces have historically played a significant role in the nation's politics.
- Active military personnel: Approximately 4,000 (2025)
- Military service age: 18-25 years for compulsory service
- Military expenditure: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Energy
Only about 37.4% of Guinea-Bissau's population has access to electricity, with access significantly higher in urban areas than rural ones. The energy mix is dominated by fossil fuels, while solar energy plays a minor role.
- Electricity access: 37.4% of the population (2022 est.)
- Installed generating capacity: 29,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Energy consumption per capita: 2.351 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Environment
Guinea-Bissau faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil erosion due to overharvesting and agricultural practices. It is a party to various international environmental agreements aimed at protecting biodiversity and combating climate change.
- Deforestation issues: Overharvesting of trees
- Total water resources: 31.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 366,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Transportation
The country has limited transportation infrastructure, with seven airports and a small but functional merchant marine. The capital, Bissau, serves as the primary port.
- Airports: 7 (2025)
- Merchant marine: 20 vessels (2023)
- Total ports: 2 (2024)
Communications
The telecommunications sector features a growing number of mobile subscriptions, but fixed-line connections are virtually nonexistent. Internet penetration remains low but is gradually increasing.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 2.76 million (2023 est.)
- Internet users: 33% of the population (2023 est.)
- Fixed broadband subscriptions: 7,000 (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,132,325 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 36,125 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $5.912 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 64.5 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 35.82 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Electric access | 37.4% | 2022 estimate |
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