Country Profile: Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is a small West African nation located along the North Atlantic Ocean, bordered by Guinea and Senegal. The country has a population of over 2.1 million people and presents a rich cultural tapestry influenced by various ethnic groups and languages. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, particularly as a major exporter of cashews, yet it struggles with systemic challenges including political instability, corruption, and poverty. Governance is characterized by a semi-presidential republic structure, which has seen significant political upheaval since independence from Portugal in 1974.

Geography

Guinea-Bissau is situated in Western Africa, bordered by Guinea to the south and Senegal to the north. The nation covers a total area of approximately 36,125 square kilometers, with a predominantly low-lying coastal plain and numerous offshore islands, notably the Bijagos Archipelago. The climate is tropical, featuring a monsoonal rainy season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.

Total Area: 36,125 sq km
Coastline: 350 km
Highest Point: Dongol Ronde at 277 m
Natural resources: Includes fish, timber, phosphates, and unexploited petroleum deposits.

People and Society

With an estimated population of 2,132,325 in 2024, Guinea-Bissau is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Balanta and Fulani, amongst others. Portuguese is the official language, though many speak Portuguese-based Creole and local languages such as Pular and Mandingo. The country has a young populace with a median age of 18.5 years, and a high birth rate of 35.82 births per 1,000 population.

Urban Population: 45.5% (2023)
Literacy Rate: 63.9% (2022)
Life Expectancy: 64.5 years (2024)
Totally Fertility Rate: 4.59 children born/woman (2025)

Economy

The economy of Guinea-Bissau is classified as extremely poor, heavily reliant on agriculture which comprises 36.8% of the GDP. The country’s GDP in terms of purchasing power parity is approximately $5.912 billion in 2024, showing modest growth rates. Despite being a key exporter of cashews, the economy faces significant challenges such as corruption, inflation, and vulnerability to external shocks.

GDP (PPP): $5.912 billion (2024)
Real GDP Growth Rate: 4.8% (2024)
Unemployment Rate: 2.7% (2024)
Population Below Poverty Line: 50.5% (2021)

Government

Guinea-Bissau operates as a semi-presidential republic with a history marked by frequent political instability following its independence from Portugal in 1974. The country is governed by a National People's Assembly and has undergone various coup attempts and changes in leadership. The current interim president is Gen. Horta Nta Na MAN, while the interim prime minister is Ilídio Vieira TE.

Capital: Bissau
Political System: Semi-presidential republic
Last Election: 23 November 2025
Next Expected Election: 2025

Military and Security

The military, known as the People's Revolutionary Armed Force, plays a significant role in Guinea-Bissau’s governance and has historically been involved in political affairs. The military's expenditures are approximately 1.2% of the GDP, with a current estimated strength of about 4,000 active personnel. The country also faces issues related to drug trafficking and transnational crimes, which the military and police are involved in combating.

Military Expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2024)
Active Personnel: Estimated 4,000 (2025)
Mandatory Military Service: Ages 18-25 for both genders (2025)

Energy

Electricity access in Guinea-Bissau is limited, with only 37.4% of the total population having access in 2022. The country's energy production is almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels, constituting approximately 96.5% of installed capacity.

Installed Capacity: 29,000 kW (2023)
Electrification Rate: 37.4% of total population (2022)
Electricity Consumption: 79.8 million kWh (2023)

Environment

Environmental challenges in Guinea-Bissau include deforestation, soil erosion, and overfishing, largely due to agricultural land overuse. The country has signed multiple international agreements relating to biodiversity and climate change, though faces ongoing issues regarding natural resource management.

Total Renewable Water Resources: 31.4 billion cubic meters (2022)
Forest Cover: 75% (2023)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 366,000 metric tonnes (2023)

Transportation

Guinea-Bissau's transportation infrastructure includes 7 airports and a modest merchant marine fleet. The country's ports are primarily small, with the key ports located at Bissau and Rio Cacheu, providing essential links for trade.

Airports: 7 (2025)
Merchant Marine Vessels: 20 (2023)
Total Ports: 2 (2024)

Communications

Telecommunications coverage includes both fixed and mobile lines, with a notable increase in mobile subscriptions reaching 2.76 million in 2023. Internet penetration stands at approximately 33% of the population, reflecting the ongoing development in this sector.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 2.76 million (2023)
Internet Users: 33% of population (2023)
Fixed-Line Subscriptions: Less than 1 per 100 inhabitants (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,132,325 (2024 est.)
Area	36,125 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$5.912 billion (2024)
Unemployment Rate	2.7% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	35.82 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	64.5 years (2024 est.)
Electrification Rate	37.4% (2022)
Military Expenditures	1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	4.59 children/woman	(2025 est.)
Urban Population	45.5% (2023)