Country guide - Guinea Bissau  

 
 

Introduction: Guinea-Bissau is located in West Africa and is bounded by Senegal and the Republic of Guinea. It encompasses the adjacent Bijagós Islands and the island of Bolama. Thick forest and mangrove swamp cover the area nearest the Atlantic Ocean and savannah covers the inland areas.

Official Name: Republic of Guinea-Bissau
Area: 36,125 Sq Km (13,948 Sq Miles)
Population:1,360,500
Continent: Africa
Density per square mile: 98
Capital City: Bissau

Religions: 65% follow local native tribal beliefs, 30% Muslims, 5% Christians predominantly Roman Catholic .

Language: The official language is Portuguese, although a Creole Patois is the trade and national language.
Government: Multiparty Republic

Currency: CFA Franc
GDP: $1.2 billion
GDP Per Head: $950

Natural Resources: Fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite and some unexploited deposits of petroleum.
Land Use: Arable Land 11%
Agriculture: Corn, rice, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; timber & fish.
Industry: Agriculture, construction, beverages, fishing, food processing & forestry .

Tourism: Guinea-Bissau is currently peaceful, despite the coup that took place on 14 September, but the stability of the country remains fragile. We are continuing to monitor events. Travellers should check the situation regularly and reconsider their plans if they are not satisfied that their trip will be trouble-free. Regular updates will issue as more information becomes available.

Natural Hazards:
Health Risks: Malaria, cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis, typhoid, yellow fever (a vaccination certificate is required if you're coming from an infected area).

Climate: Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate with two seasons, a wet season from June to November with August the wettest month and a dry season from December to May with April and May the hottest months. Average annual precipitation in Bissau is 77 inches while average temperature ranges are from 24 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius all year.

Time: GMT/UTC - No UTC/GMT offset
National Days: September 24

Visas: Visas are required for all travellers. They are not available at land borders but you can get them from embassies, and at the Bissau airport if you're arriving from an African country that doesn't issue them..

British Embassy Details

 

The contents above, from www.bestbackpackersinsurance.co.uk is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.