Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau has been characterized by political instability ever
since its freedom from Portugal in 1974. In 1980, Joao Bernardo 'Nino'
VIEIRA led a military coup and became President. Though he initiated
economic reforms and multiparty system, his reign was marked by the
ruthless repression of political opposition and the purging of political
opponents. He clung on to power despite many coup attempts during
his regime. When first democratic electrons were held In 1994 VIEIRA
became president. However he had to abdicate power due to military
uprising and subsequent civil war in 1998. In February 2000, the opposition
leader Kumba YALA came to power through fair polling. But he was ousted
from power in 2003 and businessman Henrique ROSA served as interim
president. In 2005, former President VIEIRA was again sworn in as
president promising economic recovery and national reconciliation.
Travel overview
A stunning nation in western Africa, Guinea-Bissau is the stuff of
poetry and painting. For most, its most powerful draw is the country’s
untouched scenic beauty. The country captivates outsiders with its
promise of wonderful varieties of wildlife and matchless Portuguese
colonial charm.
The languid sensuality of its islands, picturesque coastal plains
and carefree days have made the nation the Holy Grail of wonderful
travel.
The capital city of Bissau, with its colonial architecture and Museum
of African Artifacts, offers tourists a wide range of opportunities
to appreciate the country’s rich cultural and historical past.
Ilha de Orango National Park and the Cantanhez Natural Park boast
abundant wildlife.
Other incentives to venture into other corners of Guinea-Bissau are
the the Arquipelago Dos Bijagos and Bolama, the island town famous
for its striking ruins. The site of the ruins has been declared a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Bubaque is a must-see destination.
Capital: Bissau
Location: Western Africa
Climate: tropical, generally hot and humid
Total Area: 36,120 sq km
Total Population: 1,472,780
Population Growth Rate: 2.052%
Sex Ratio: 0.945 male(s)/female
Literacy: 42.4%
Ethnic Groups: Balanta, Fula, Manjaca, Mandinga, Papel
Irrigated land: 250 sq km
Languages: Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African languages
Time Zone: UTC 0
Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF)
Neighbouring countries: Guinea, Senegal
Type of govt.: republic
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Martinho N'Dafa CABI
Major Political Parties: African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau
and Cape Verde or PAIGC, Party for Social Renewal or PRS, Democratic
Social Front or FDS, Electoral Union or UE, Guinea-Bissau Civic Forum/Social
Democracy or FCGSD, Guinea-Bissau Democratic Party or PDG, Guinea-Bissau
Socialist Democratic Party or PDSG, Labor and Solidarity Party or
PST, Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD, Party for Renewal and
Progress or PRP, Progress Party or PP, Union for Change or UM, Union
of Guinean Patriots or UPG, United Platform or UP, United Popular
Alliance or APU; United Social Democratic Party or PUSD
Participation in International Organizations: ACCT, AfDB, ACP, AU,
ECOWAS, FZ, G-77, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO,
IFC, IMF, IMO, IOC, IOM, Interpol, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, ITUC, OIC,
OIF, UN, UNCTAD, OPCW, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WAEMU, UNWTO, WHO,
WIPO, WFTU, WMO, WTO
Major Agricultural Products: rice, corn, beans, cashew nuts, peanuts,
cassava, palm kernels, timber, cotton, fish
Natural Resources & Minerals: fish, phosphates, bauxite, timber,
clay, limestone, granite, petroleum
Industry & Transport: agricultural products processing, soft drinks,
beer
Airports: 28
Railways: 74,408 km
Roadways: 3,455 km
Major Trade Partners: India, Nigeria, Ecuador, Italy, Senegal, Portugal,
Cote d'Ivoire
Exports: $116 million
Imports: $176 million
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