Country Profile: Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau is a small West African nation located between Guinea and Senegal along the North Atlantic coast. With a population of approximately 2.1 million, it is characterized by a diverse ethnic composition and a tropical climate. The country's economy is primarily agrarian, reliant on cashew exports, yet it faces challenges such as systemic banking instability and corruption. Governed as a semi-presidential republic, Guinea-Bissau has experienced significant political turmoil since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
Geography
Guinea-Bissau is situated in Western Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean to the west, with land borders totaling 762 kilometers shared with Guinea and Senegal. Its terrain is mostly low-lying coastal plains, with the highest elevation reaching 277 meters at Dongol Ronde. The country features an extensive coastline and numerous offshore islands, including the Bijagos Archipelago.
- Total Area: 36,125 sq km
- Coastline: 350 km
- Natural Resources: Fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, and granite
- Climate: Tropical, with a rainy season from June to November
- Population Distribution: One fifth resides in the capital, Bissau
People and Society
The estimated population of Guinea-Bissau is 2,132,325 as of 2024, with a youthful median age of 18.5 years. The nation is home to several ethnic groups, primarily the Balanta and Fulani, and Portuguese is the official language, with Creole widely spoken. The population exhibits a significant Muslim majority alongside folk religions and Christianity.
- Urban Population: 45.5% (2023)
- Birth Rate: 35.82 births per 1,000 population (2025)
- Life Expectancy: 64.5 years (2024)
- Literacy Rate: 63.9% (2022)
- Infant Mortality Rate: 45.1 deaths per 1,000 live births (2025)
Economy
Guinea-Bissau's economy remains one of the poorest in West Africa, heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly cashew nuts. Systemic issues such as corruption and banking instability hamper economic growth despite steady GDP growth projections. The country has a mixed economy with agriculture, industry, and services contributing to GDP.
- GDP (PPP): $5.912 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP Growth Rate: 4.8% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 2.7% (2024 est.)
- Major Exports: Cashew nuts, fish
- Poverty Rate: 50.5% of the population below the poverty line (2021 est.)
Government
Guinea-Bissau operates as a semi-presidential republic with a history of political turbulence marked by several military coups. The government is headed by an interim president and a prime minister, following the recent elections in 2025. The legislative framework is supported by a unicameral assembly.
- Capital: Bissau
- Legal System: Mixed civil law influenced by Portuguese law
- Recent Election: Held on 23 November 2025
- Political Parties: Notable ones include PAIGC, MADEM-G15, and PRS
- National Holiday: Independence Day, celebrated on 24 September
Military and Security
The People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP) consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, playing a significant role in the country's security and politics. Military spending has remained consistent despite economic challenges.
- Active Personnel: Approximately 4,000 (2025)
- Military Expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Conscription Age: 18-25 years for both genders
- Military Equipment: Primarily Soviet-era
Energy
Electricity access remains limited, with only 37.4% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The country largely relies on fossil fuels for energy generation while exploring potential in renewable sources.
- Installed Capacity: 29,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity Consumption: 79.8 million kWh (2023 est.)
- Electrification Rate (Urban): 61%
- Electrification Rate (Rural): 15.8%
Environment
Guinea-Bissau faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil erosion due to agricultural practices. The nation is part of several international environmental agreements aimed at conservation and sustainable development.
- Deforestation Issues: Significant threats due to overharvesting
- Total Water Withdrawal: 144 million cubic meters for agriculture (2022 est.)
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 366,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Natural Heritage Sites: 1 (Bijagós Archipelago)
Transportation
The country has a modest transportation infrastructure with limited airport facilities and a small merchant marine fleet.
- Airports: 7 (2025)
- Total Ports: 2 (2024)
- Merchant Marine: 20 vessels (2023)
- Civil Aircraft Registration Code: J5
Communications
Telecommunications in Guinea-Bissau are developing, with a significant portion of the population using mobile devices. Internet access remains limited but is gradually increasing.
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 2.76 million (2023 est.)
- Internet Users: 33% of the population (2023 est.)
- Fixed-Line Telephones: Minimal subscriptions
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,132,325 (2024 est.) | Total population estimate |
| Area | 36,125 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $5.912 billion | Purchasing power parity (2024 est.) |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.7% (2024 est.) | Percentage of labor force seeking employment |
| Birth Rate | 35.82 births/1,000 | Birth rate (2025 est.) |
| Life Expectancy | 64.5 years (2024) | Average life expectancy at birth |
| Literacy Rate | 63.9% (2022) | Total population literacy |
| Electrification Rate | 37.4% (2022) | Proportion of population with electricity |
| Military Expenditures | 1.2% of GDP (2024) | Military spending as a percentage of GDP |
| Forest Cover | 75% (2023 est.) | Proportion of land covered by forest |
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