World · permanent entity record · PU
Guinea-Bissau
Thirty-second orientation
Guinea-Bissau at a glance
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Bissau-Guinean(s); adjective: Bissau-Guinean
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Government
- semi-presidential republic
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Languages
- Portuguese-based Creole, Portuguese (official; largely used as a second or third language), Pular (a Fula language), Mandingo
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history
Guinea-Bissau through time
Admitted to the United Nations
Guinea-Bissau became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04
Source history · changed fields only
Changes since the final CIA profile
| Field | Maintained Almanac value | Final CIA profile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,249,515World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025 | total: 2,132,325 (2024 est.) male: 1,042,910 female: 1,089,415CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-06 |
A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.
World Development Indicators · latest available observation
People, economy, and access
Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.
- Gross domestic product
- $2.5 billion
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Gross domestic product per person
- $1,124
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Life expectancy at birth
- 64.3 years
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Urban population
- 46.7%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Access to electricity
- 43.7%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- People using the internet
- 29.8%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.
Maintained profile
- Capital
- Bissau
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
- Area
- 36,125 sq km
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
- Population
- 2,249,515
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Currency
- Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
- Languages
- Portuguese-based Creole, Portuguese (official; largely used as a second or third language), Pular (a Fula language), Mandingo
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Bissau-Guinean(s); adjective: Bissau-Guinean
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
- Continent
- Africa
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Africa.”
- Coastline
- 350 km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Climate
- tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Religions
- Muslim 46.1%, folk religions 30.6%, Christian 18.9%, other or unaffiliated 4.4% (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Flag colors
- yellow, green, red, black
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
- National symbol
- black star
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Highest point
- Dongol Ronde · 909 ft (277 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Lowest point
- Atlantic Ocean · 0 ft (0 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- NATO membership
- Not a member
- NATO, What is NATO? · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
- BRICS membership
- Not a member
- BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data
Final CIA World Factbook profile
This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.
CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b
Introduction1 fields
- Background
- For much of its history, Guinea-Bissau was under the control of the Mali Empire and the Kaabu Kingdom. In the 16th century, Portugal began establishing trading posts along Guinea-Bissau’s shoreline. Initially, the Portuguese were restricted to the coastline and islands. However, the slave and gold trades were lucrative to local African leaders, and the Portuguese were slowly able to expand their power and influence inland. Starting in the 18th century, the Mali Empire and Kingdom of Kaabu slowly disintegrated into smaller local entities. By the 19th century, Portugal had fully incorporated Guinea-Bissau into its empire. Since gaining independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established General Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. VIEIRA's regime suppressed political opposition and purged political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him, but a military mutiny and civil war in 1999 led to VIEIRA's ouster. In 2000, a transitional government turned over power to opposition leader Kumba YALA. In 2003, a bloodless military coup overthrew YALA and installed businessman Henrique ROSA as interim president. In 2005, VIEIRA was reelected, pledging to pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was assassinated in 2009. Malam Bacai SANHA was then elected president, but he passed away in 2012 from a long-term illness. A military coup blocked the second round of the election to replace him, but after mediation from the Economic Community of Western African States, a civilian transitional government assumed power. In 2014, Jose Mario VAZ was elected president in a free and fair election, and in 2019, he became the first president in Guinea-Bissau’s history to complete a full term. Umaro Sissoco EMBALO was elected president in 2019, but he did not take office until 2020 because of a prolonged challenge to the election results.
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Geography18 fields
- Location
- Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area
- total : 36,125 sq km land: 28,120 sq km water: 8,005 sq km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area - comparative
- slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land boundaries
- total: 762 km border countries (2): Guinea 421 km; Senegal 341 km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maritime claims
- territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Terrain
- mostly low-lying coastal plain with a deeply indented estuarine coastline rising to savanna in east; numerous off-shore islands including the Arquipelago Dos Bijagos consisting of 18 main islands and many small islets
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Elevation
- highest point: Dongol Ronde 277 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 70 m
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural resources
- fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite, limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 29.9% (2023 est.) arable land: 14.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 8.9% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 6.9% (2023 est.) forest: 75% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- approximately one fifth of the population lives in the capital city of Bissau along the Atlantic coast; the remainder is distributed among the eight mainly rural regions, as shown in this population distribution map
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural hazards
- hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Geography - note
- this small country is swampy along its western coast and is low-lying inland
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
People and Society33 fields
- Population
- total: 2,132,325 (2024 est.) male: 1,042,910 female: 1,089,415
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Nationality
- noun: Bissau-Guinean(s) adjective: Bissau-Guinean
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ethnic groups
- Balanta 30%, Fulani 30%, Manjaco 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%, unspecified smaller ethnic groups 6% (2015 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Languages
- Portuguese-based Creole, Portuguese (official; largely used as a second or third language), Pular (a Fula language), Mandingo
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Religions
- Muslim 46.1%, folk religions 30.6%, Christian 18.9%, other or unaffiliated 4.4% (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Age structure
- 0-14 years: 42.3% (male 453,513/female 448,514) 15-64 years: 54.6% (male 561,868/female 602,280) 65 years and over: 3.1% (2024 est.) (male 27,529/female 38,621)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Dependency ratios
- total dependency ratio: 83.2 (2024 est.) youth dependency ratio: 77.5 (2024 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 5.7 (2024 est.) potential support ratio: 17.6 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Median age
- total: 18.5 years (2025 est.) male: 17.8 years female: 18.9 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Birth rate
- 35.82 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Death rate
- 6.99 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Net migration rate
- -3.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- approximately one fifth of the population lives in the capital city of Bissau along the Atlantic coast; the remainder is distributed among the eight mainly rural regions, as shown in this population distribution map
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 45.5% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major urban areas - population
- 664,000 BISSAU (capital) (2023)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sex ratio
- at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maternal mortality ratio
- 505 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Infant mortality rate
- total: 45.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 52 deaths/1,000 live births female: 40.6 deaths/1,000 live births
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Life expectancy at birth
- total population: 64.5 years (2024 est.) male: 62.2 years female: 66.8 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total fertility rate
- 4.59 children born/woman (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Drinking water source
- urban: 73.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 52.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 61.8% of population (2022 est.) urban: 26.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 47.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 38.2% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Health expenditure
- 8.2% of GDP (2021) 5.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Physician density
- 0.25 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sanitation facility access
- urban: 72.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 23.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 45.6% of population (2022 est.) urban: 27.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 76.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 54.4% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Alcohol consumption per capita
- total: 3.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.98 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.54 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 1.28 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Tobacco use
- total: 6.7% (2025 est.) male: 13.2% (2025 est.) female: 0.5% (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Children under the age of 5 years underweight
- 18.8% (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Currently married women (ages 15-49)
- 59% (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Child marriage
- women married by age 15: 8.1% (2019) women married by age 18: 25.7% (2019) men married by age 18: 2.2% (2019)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Literacy
- total population: 63.9% (2022 est.) male: 77.3% (2022 est.) female: 52.2% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Environment10 fields
- Environmental issues
- deforestation (overharvesting of trees for timber and agricultural purposes); soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International environmental agreements
- party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 29.9% (2023 est.) arable land: 14.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 8.9% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 6.9% (2023 est.) forest: 75% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 45.5% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Carbon dioxide emissions
- 366,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 1 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 366,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Particulate matter emissions
- 42.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Waste and recycling
- municipal solid waste generated annually: 289,500 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.1% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total water withdrawal
- municipal: 34.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 11.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 144 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total renewable water resources
- 31.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Government23 fields
- Country name
- conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau local short form: Guine-Bissau former: Portuguese Guinea etymology: the country is partly named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea; the name itself is derived from the Tuareg word aginaw, meaning "black people;" Bissau, the name of the capital city, distinguishes the country from neighboring Guinea and is derived from the local Bijuga people
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Capital
- name: Bissau geographic coordinates: 11 51 N, 15 35 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name is derived from the local Bijuga people and is used to distinguish the country from neighboring Guinea
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Administrative divisions
- 9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama/Bijagos, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legal system
- mixed system of civil law, which incorporated Portuguese law at independence; influenced by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), African Francophone Public Law, and customary law
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Constitution
- history: promulgated 16 May 1984 amendment process: proposed by the National People’s Assembly if supported by at least one third of its members, by the Council of State (a presidential consultant body), or by the government; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on the republican and secular form of government and national sovereignty cannot be amended
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International law organization participation
- accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Citizenship
- citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Executive branch
- chief of state: Interim President Gen. Horta Nta Na MAN (since 27 November 2025) head of government: Interim Prime Minister Ilídio Vieira TE (since 28 November 2025) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for up to 2 consecutive 5-year terms; prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the National People's Assembly most recent election date: 23 November 2025 election results: 2025: Umaro Sissoco EMBALO (Madem G15) and Fernando DIAS da Costa (PRS) both claimed victory in first round; a coup prevented the release of election results after ballots were destroyed 2019: Umaro Sissoco EMBALO elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Domingos Simoes PEREIRA (PAIGC) 40.1%, Umaro Sissoco EMBALO (Madem G15) 27.7%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM (APU-PDGB) 13.2%, Jose Mario VAZ (independent) 12.4%, other 6.6%; percent of vote in second round - Umaro Sissoco EMBALO 53.6%, Domingos Simoes PEREIRA 46.5% (2019) expected date of next election: 2025 note: elections were held on 23 November 2025; a military coup on 26 November suspended the election process, arrested the sitting president, swore in a transitional president, and appointed a cabinet for one year
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legislative branch
- legislature name: People's National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 102 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 11/23/2025 parties elected and seats per party: Inclusive Alliance Platform/Terra Coalition (54); Movement for Democratic Alternation (MADEM G.15) (29); Party for Social Renewal (PRS) (12); Bissau-Guinean Workers’ Party (6); Other (1) percentage of women in chamber: 9.8% expected date of next election: November 2029
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Judicial branch
- highest court(s): Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica (consists of 9 judges and organized into Civil, Criminal, and Social and Administrative Disputes Chambers) judge selection and term of office: judges nominated by the Higher Council of the Magistrate, a major government organ responsible for judge appointments, dismissals, and judiciary discipline; judges appointed by the president for life subordinate courts: Appeals Court; regional (first instance) courts; military court note: the Supreme Court has both appellate and constitutional jurisdiction
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Political parties
- African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cabo Verde or PAIGC Democratic Convergence Party or PCD Movement for Democratic Alternation Group of 15 or MADEM-G15 National People’s Assembly – Democratic Party of Guinea Bissau or APU-PDGB New Democracy Party or PND Party for Social Renewal or PRS Republican Party for Independence and Development or PRID Union for Change or UM
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation in the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador Maria Da Conceição NOBRE CABRAL (since 18 September 2024) chancery: 918 16th Street, NW (Mezzanine Suite) Washington DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 872-4222 FAX: [1] (202) 872-4226
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation from the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador Michael RAYNOR (since 20 April 2022) mailing address: 2080 Bissau Place, Washington DC 20521-2080 email address and website: dakarACS@state.gov https://gw.usmission.gov/
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International organization participation
- ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Independence
- 24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National holiday
- Independence Day, 24 September (1973)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Flag
- description: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green, with a vertical red band on the left side; a five-pointed black star is centered in the red band meaning: yellow stands for the sun, green for hope, red for blood shed during the struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement; the Ghanaian flag heavily influenced the design
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National anthem(s)
- title: "Esta e a Nossa Patria Bem Amada" (This is Our Beloved Country) lyrics/music: Amilcar Lopes CABRAL/XIAO He history: adopted 1974; a delegation from Portuguese Guinea visited China in 1963 and heard music by XIAO He; Amilcar Lopes CABRAL, the leader of Guinea-Bissau's independence movement, asked the composer to create a piece that would inspire his people to fight for independence
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National heritage
- total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô (n)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Economy30 fields
- Economic overview
- extremely poor West African economy; ethnically diverse labor force; increasing government expenditures; slight inflation due to food supply disruptions; major cashew exporter; systemic banking instabilities and corruption; vulnerable to oil price shocks
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
- $5.912 billion (2024 est.) $5.64 billion (2023 est.) $5.399 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP growth rate
- 4.8% (2024 est.) 4.5% (2023 est.) 5.6% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP per capita
- $2,700 (2024 est.) $2,600 (2023 est.) $2,600 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP (official exchange rate)
- $2.12 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Inflation rate (consumer prices)
- 3.8% (2024 est.) 7.1% (2023 est.) 9.4% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by sector of origin
- agriculture: 36.8% (2024 est.) industry: 16.6% (2024 est.) services: 42.1% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by end use
- household consumption: 77% (2024 est.) government consumption: 17.8% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.8% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: -1.9% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 12.5% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -28.2% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Agricultural products
- rice, groundnuts, cashews, root vegetables, oil palm fruit, plantains, cassava, coconuts, vegetables, sweet potatoes (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industries
- agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industrial production growth rate
- 8% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Labor force
- 845,300 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Unemployment rate
- 2.7% (2024 est.) 2.7% (2023 est.) 2.7% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
- total: 2.8% (2024 est.) male: 3.4% (2024 est.) female: 2% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population below poverty line
- 50.5% (2021 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
- 33.4 (2021 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Household income or consumption by percentage share
- lowest 10%: 3.4% (2021 est.) highest 10%: 26.1% (2021 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Remittances
- 9.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 10.3% of GDP (2022 est.) 11% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Budget
- revenues: $269.794 million (2023 est.) expenditures: $450.953 million (2023 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Taxes and other revenues
- 8.8% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Current account balance
- -$160.169 million (2023 est.) -$146.64 million (2022 est.) -$14.128 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports
- $284.5 million (2023 est.) $280.065 million (2022 est.) $334.904 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - partners
- India 66%, Chile 9%, Cote d'Ivoire 5%, Ghana 4%, Netherlands 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - commodities
- coconuts/brazil nuts/cashews, fish, fish oil, processed crustaceans, malt extract (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports
- $592.095 million (2023 est.) $577.899 million (2022 est.) $518.162 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - partners
- Senegal 28%, Portugal 24%, China 11%, Gambia, The 10%, Pakistan 4% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - commodities
- refined petroleum, iron bars, rice, plastics, flavored water (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Debt - external
- $896.812 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exchange rates
- Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 606.345 (2024 est.) 606.57 (2023 est.) 623.76 (2022 est.) 554.531 (2021 est.) 575.586 (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Energy6 fields
- Electricity access
- electrification - total population: 37.4% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 61% electrification - rural areas: 15.8%
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity
- installed generating capacity: 29,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 79.8 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6 million kWh (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity generation sources
- fossil fuels: 96.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 3.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Petroleum
- refined petroleum consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Energy consumption per capita
- 2.351 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Communications6 fields
- Telephones - fixed lines
- total subscriptions: 0 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Telephones - mobile cellular
- total subscriptions: 2.76 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 126 (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadcast media
- 1 state-owned TV station, Televisao da Guine-Bissau (TGB) and a second station, Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP) Africa, operated by Portuguese public broadcaster (RTP); 1 state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some community radio stations; multiple international broadcasters are available (2019)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Internet users
- percent of population: 33% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadband - fixed subscriptions
- total: 7,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transportation4 fields
- Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
- J5
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Merchant marine
- total: 20 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 3, general cargo 12, other 5
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ports
- total ports: 2 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 0 very small: 2 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Bissau, Rio Cacheu
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Military and Security6 fields
- Military and security forces
- People's Revolutionary Armed Force (Forcas Armadas Revolucionarias do Povo or FARP): Army, Navy, Air Force Ministry of Internal Administration: National Guard (a gendarmerie force), Public Order Police, Border Police, Rapid Intervention Police, Maritime Police (2025) note: the Public Order Police is responsible for maintaining law and order, while the Judicial Police, under the Ministry of Justice, has primary responsibility for investigating drug trafficking, terrorism, and other transnational crimes
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military expenditures
- 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military and security service personnel strengths
- estimated 4,000 active FARP (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
- the FARP is outfitted mostly with Soviet-era weapons and equipment (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military service age and obligation
- 18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military service for men and women (Air Force service is voluntary) (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military - note
- the Armed Forces (FARP) are focused on external security, but also has some internal security duties; the FARP and the paramilitary National Guard have been influential in the country’s politics since independence and have attempted several coups; since the 2000s, the FARP has undergone various attempts at defense and security sector reforms under the auspices of the African Union, the EU, the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), and the UN (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transnational Issues1 fields
- Refugees and internally displaced persons
- refugees: 54 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
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