Country Profile: Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau is a small nation located in Western Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and neighboring countries Guinea and Senegal. It covers an area of approximately 36,125 square kilometers and has a population estimated at 2.1 million people in 2024. The nation has a semi-presidential republic governance structure and has faced significant political challenges since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. Economically, Guinea-Bissau is characterized by a largely agrarian economy, heavily reliant on cashew exports and subject to systemic instability and external shocks.
Geography
Guinea-Bissau is situated in Western Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, Guinea, and Senegal. The country's total area is about 36,125 square kilometers, with a low-lying coastal plain and numerous islands, including the Arquipelago Dos Bijagos. The climate is tropical, featuring a monsoonal rainy season and a dry season, which affects the natural hazards like brush fires and harmattan haze.
- 350 km of coastline
- 762 km of land boundaries with Guinea and Senegal
- 29.9% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
- 75% forest cover (2023 est.)
- 12 nm territorial sea claims
People and Society
The population of Guinea-Bissau is approximately 2,132,325, with a youthful demographic where about 42.3% are aged 0-14 years. The nation is ethnically diverse, comprising various groups primarily the Balanta and Fulani. Portuguese is the official language, with Portuguese-based Creole widely spoken. The country has a significant Muslim population, along with adherents of folk religions and Christianity.
- 63.9% literacy rate (2022 est.)
- 35.82 birth rate per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
- 64.5 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
- 45.5% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
- 505 deaths/100,000 live births maternal mortality ratio (2023 est.)
Economy
Guinea-Bissau's economy is classified as extremely poor, with a GDP estimated at $5.912 billion in 2024. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly cashew exports, and is vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodities prices. Despite systemic banking instabilities, there has been a slight increase in GDP growth rates, yet the country suffers from high unemployment rates.
- 2.7% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
- 36.8% of GDP from agriculture (2024 est.)
- 4.8% GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
- $2,700 GDP per capita (2024 est.)
- $284.5 million in exports (2023 est.)
Government
Guinea-Bissau is a semi-presidential republic with a complex political history marked by coups and transitional governments. The latest election was held in November 2025, amid turmoil that disrupted the electoral process. The government is structured with an executive branch headed by the President, a unicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary.
- Population voting age: 18 years (universal suffrage)
- 102 seats in the People's National Assembly
- 9.8% women representation in the legislature
- Independent since September 24, 1973
- Last presidential election: November 23, 2025
Military and Security
The People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP) are the national military, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Defense expenditures are relatively low at 1.2% of GDP, and the military often plays a significant role in the country's political dynamics. There are ongoing reforms aimed at improving security and governance.
- Estimated 4,000 active military personnel (2025)
- Compulsory military service for ages 18-25
- Soviet-era weapons primarily in use (2025)
- Ministry of Internal Administration oversees internal security forces
- 1.2% military expenditure of GDP (2024 est.)
Energy
Energy access in Guinea-Bissau remains limited, with only 37.4% of the population having electricity as of 2022. The majority of the country's energy generation capacity comes from fossil fuels, with a growing interest in solar power.
- 29,000 kW installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
- 79.8 million kWh electricity consumption (2023 est.)
- 15.8% rural electricity access (2022 est.)
- 96.5% energy from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
Environment
Guinea-Bissau faces environmental challenges including deforestation, soil erosion, and overfishing, largely driven by agricultural expansion and unsustainable practices. The country is a participant in several international environmental agreements aimed at protecting its rich biodiversity.
- 75% of land is forested (2023 est.)
- 289,500 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
- 366,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
- 10.1% of municipal waste recycled (2022 est.)
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure in Guinea-Bissau includes a modest number of airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The country has limited port facilities, with Bissau being the key port for maritime commerce.
- 7 airports (2025)
- 2 total ports (2024)
- 20 merchant marine vessels (2023)
Communications
Telecommunications in Guinea-Bissau have seen growth, particularly in mobile cellular subscriptions, though fixed-line services are virtually non-existent. Internet access remains limited, with around 33% of the population using it.
- 2.76 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
- 33% of the population are internet users (2023 est.)
- 0 fixed line subscriptions (2022 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,132,325 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 36,125 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $5.912 billion | 2024 estimate (PPP) |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 35.82 births/1,000 people | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 64.5 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 63.9% | 2022 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 37.4% | Total population with access (2022 est.) |
| Military Expenditure | 1.2% | of GDP (2024 estimate) |
| Urban Population | 45.5% | 2023 estimate |
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