Country Profile: Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is a small West African nation located along the North Atlantic coast, bordered by Guinea to the south and Senegal to the north. The country has a population of approximately 2.1 million people, with a youthful demographic where nearly half are under the age of 15. Economically, Guinea-Bissau is classified as extremely poor, heavily reliant on agriculture, especially cashew exports, while facing significant challenges such as systemic corruption and inflation. The governance of Guinea-Bissau has been marked by political instability since its independence in 1974, characterized by multiple coups and a semi-presidential republic structure.

Geography

Guinea-Bissau is situated in Western Africa, featuring a predominantly low-lying coastal plain with a tropical climate. The country is bordered by Guinea and Senegal and has a coastline of 350 km along the North Atlantic Ocean.

Total Area: 36,125 sq km
Land Borders: 762 km (Guinea: 421 km, Senegal: 341 km)
Climate: Tropical with a monsoonal rainy season (June to November) and a dry season (December to May).
Highest Point: Dongol Ronde at 277 m above sea level.
Natural Resources: Fish, timber, phosphates, unexploited deposits of petroleum.

People and Society

The population of Guinea-Bissau is estimated at 2,132,325 in 2024, with a significant youth demographic: 42.3% are aged 0-14 years. The country is ethnically diverse, with the major groups being Balanta, Fulani, Manjaco, and Mandinga.

Languages: Portuguese is the official language, with Portuguese-based Creole widely spoken.
Religions: Predominantly Muslim (46.1%) and folk religions (30.6%).
Median Age: 18.4 years (2024).
Urban Population: 45.5% of total population (2023).
Literacy Rate: 63.9% of the population (2022).

Economy

Guinea-Bissau's economy is extremely poor, relying heavily on agriculture, notably cashew nut exports. The economy has faced various challenges, including inflation and systemic banking instabilities.

Real GDP (PPP): $5.912 billion (2024).
GDP Growth Rate: Estimated at 4.8% (2024).
Unemployment Rate: 2.7% (2024).
Poverty Rate: 50.5% of the population lives below the poverty line (2021).
Major Exports: Cashews, fish, and agricultural products.

Government

Guinea-Bissau is a semi-presidential republic with a history of political instability and military influence in governance. The current president is Umaro Sissoco Embalo, elected in 2019.

Capital: Bissau.
Legislature: The People's National Assembly, unicameral, with 102 seats.
Elections: Last election was held on 6 April 2023.
Independence: Declared on 24 September 1973 from Portugal.
Constitution: Promulgated on 16 May 1984.

Military and Security

Guinea-Bissau's military is known as the People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP), which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The military has historically played a significant role in the country's politics.

Military Expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2024).
Active Personnel: Approximately 4,000 (2025).
Military Service Age: Compulsory service for ages 18-25.
Recent Military Tensions: Attempted coups in 2022 and 2023 highlight ongoing political instability.

Energy

The energy sector in Guinea-Bissau is primarily dependent on fossil fuels, with low electrification rates.

Electricity Access: 37.4% of the total population (2022).
Installed Capacity: 29,000 kW (2023).
Energy Consumption per Capita: 2.351 million Btu/person (2023).
Fossil Fuels in Energy Generation: 96.5% of total installed capacity.

Environment

Guinea-Bissau faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation and overfishing, which threaten its natural resources and biodiversity.

Land Use: Agricultural land covers 30% (2022).
Major Environmental Issues: Deforestation, soil erosion, and overgrazing.
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 31.4 billion cubic meters (2020).
International Agreements: Guinea-Bissau is a party to multiple environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement.

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure is limited, with only a few airports and a small merchant marine fleet.

Airports: 7 (2025).
Merchant Marine: Total of 20 vessels (2023).
Key Ports: Bissau and Rio Cacheu.
Civil Aircraft Registration Code: J5.

Communications

Telecommunications in Guinea-Bissau are gradually improving, particularly in mobile coverage, though fixed-line telephony remains negligible.

Mobile Subscriptions: 2.76 million (2023).
Internet Users: 33% of the population (2023).
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions: 7,000 (2023).
Broadcast Media: Includes one state-owned TV and several private radio stations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,132,325 (2024 est.)
Area	36,125 sq km
Real GDP (PPP)	$5.912 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2.7% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	36 births/1,000 population	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	64.5 years (2024 est.)
Electrification Rate	37.4% (2022 est.)
Literacy Rate	63.9% (2022 est.)
Gini Index	33.4 (2021 est.)
Urban Population	45.5% (2023)