Discover Fascinating Guinea-Bissau Facts

Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau

Background

๐ŸŒ Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has faced many challenges. ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ Over the years, the country has encountered political instability, civil wars, and several coups, with the newest coup happening in 2012. This political turmoil has created a fragile state ๐Ÿš๏ธ, leading to a weak economy ๐Ÿ’ธ, high unemployment ๐Ÿ˜Ÿ, rampant corruption ๐Ÿšจ, and widespread poverty. ๐Ÿ˜”

Year of Independence

1974

Latest Coup Year

2012

Exports - commodities

๐ŸŒด Exports of Guinea-Bissau: Did you know that Guinea-Bissau has some exciting products they export? In 2022, the country exported a variety of commodities such as:

  • Coconuts
  • Brazil nuts
  • Cashews
  • Fish
  • Fish oil
  • Palm oil
  • Dried fruits

These exports are crucial for Guinea-Bissau's economy, showcasing its rich natural resources and the great flavors of the region! ๐Ÿโœจ

Exports - partners

๐ŸŒ Exploring Guinea-Bissau's Export Partners ๐ŸŒ

In 2022, Guinea-Bissau had a diverse and interesting list of export partners! Hereโ€™s a breakdown of where all those goods went:

  • India: 92% ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ
  • Cote d'Ivoire: 2% ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฎ
  • Togo: 2% ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ฌ
  • Netherlands: 1% ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ
  • South Korea: 1% ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท

As you can see, most of Guinea-Bissau's exports headed straight to India, making it a major trade partner! Meanwhile, the other countries shared a smaller slice of the export pie. ๐Ÿฅง

Total Export Percentage to India

92%

Percentage of Exports to Cote d'Ivoire

2%

Percentage of Exports to Togo

2%

Percentage of Exports to Netherlands

1%

Percentage of Exports to South Korea

1%

Exports by Partner Countries for Guinea-Bissau (2022)

Capital

The capital of Guinea-Bissau is Bissau! ๐ŸŒ† This vibrant city serves as the heart of the country, bustling with life, culture, and history. As the political and administrative center, Bissau plays a critical role in shaping the nation's identity and future. ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ผ

Imports - commodities

๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ Guinea-Bissau imports a variety of commodities to keep its economy running smoothly. Let's dive into the exciting world of what they bring in! ๐ŸŒ

In 2022, here are some of the key imports:

  • Refined petroleum: A crucial resource for vehicles and machinery!โ›ฝ
  • Steel: Essential for construction and manufacturing!๐Ÿ—๏ธ
  • Rice: A staple food for many! ๐Ÿš
  • Flavored water: A tasty beverage option! ๐Ÿ’ง
  • Beer: A popular drink for relaxation and enjoyment! ๐Ÿป

These commodities are vital for everyday life, and they help support the local economy and culture! ๐ŸŽ‰

Key Imports in 2022

refined petroleum, steel, rice, flavored water, beer

Climate

๐ŸŒด๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ผ Welcome to the tropical climate of Guinea-Bissau! It's generally hot and humid here, making it a perfect paradise for those who love warm weather. โ˜€๏ธ The country experiences a monsoonal-type rainy season from June to November, bringing refreshing rains along with southwesterly winds. ๐ŸŒง๏ธโ„๏ธ Then comes the dry season from December to May, where the cool northeasterly harmattan winds take over, making it a pleasant time to enjoy outdoor activities! Whether you're dancing in the rain or basking in the sun, Guinea-Bissau has a unique climate that changes with the seasons! ๐ŸŽ‰

Rainy Season Duration

June to November

Dry Season Duration

December to May

Executive branch

Guinea-Bissau's executive branch is led by two key figures! ๐ŸŒŸ The chief of state is President Umaro Sissoco EMBALO, who has been in office since 27 February 2020. On the other hand, the head of government is Prime Minister Rui Duarte DE BARROS, who just recently took office on 20 December 2023! This dynamic duo is responsible for guiding the country. ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ผ

Current President since

27 February 2020

Current Prime Minister since

20 December 2023

Legislative branch

The legislative branch of Guinea-Bissau is made up of a unicameral National People's Assembly, which has 102 seats! ๐Ÿ›๏ธ This means there are 102 representatives who help make important laws for the country. Each member of the assembly plays a key role in the decision-making process. Let's dive into what this looks like! ๐Ÿ˜Š

Total Number of Seats in National People's Assembly

102

Natural resources

๐ŸŒ Natural Resources of Guinea-Bissau ๐ŸŒŠ

Guinea-Bissau is blessed with a variety of natural resources! Hereโ€™s a fun list of what this country has:

  • ๐ŸŸ Fish - A vital resource from their rich waters!
  • ๐ŸŒฒ Timber - Wood from their beautiful forests!
  • ๐Ÿบ Phosphates - Essential for fertilizers and agriculture!
  • ๐Ÿ—๏ธ Bauxite - A key material for making aluminum!
  • ๐Ÿก Clay - Useful for construction and pottery!
  • โ›ฐ๏ธ Granite - A strong rock commonly used in building!
  • ๐Ÿชจ Limestone - Great for making cement and other materials!
  • โ›ฝ Unexploited deposits of petroleum - An exciting resource that is yet to be tapped!

These resources not only contribute to the countryโ€™s economy but also play a significant role in the lives of its people. ๐Ÿž๏ธ

List of Natural Resources Count

8 types

Economic overview

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ผ Guinea-Bissau's Economy at a Glance! ๐ŸŒ

Guinea-Bissau is known for its extremely poor economy, struggling to keep up with its neighbors in West Africa. The country's labor force is ethnically diverse, which brings a rich cultural tapestry to the workplace! ๐ŸŽ‰

However, the government has been increasing its expenditures, which might help to lift the economy, but there are challenges ahead. Slight inflation has been noted, mainly due to disruptions in the food supply. ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

As a major exporter of cashews, the country relies heavily on this cash crop to boost its economy. ๐ŸŒฐ But be careful! The economy is vulnerable to oil price shocks, which can hit hard. Additionally, Guinea-Bissau faces systemic banking instabilities and corruption, creating bumps in the road to economic recovery. ๐Ÿ’”

In summary, Guinea-Bissau's economy is a mixed bag of challenges and resources, and there's potential for growth if managed wisely!

Economic Condition

Extremely poor

Labor Force Diversity

Ethnically diverse

Major Export

Cashew

Inflation Cause

Food supply disruptions

Economic Vulnerability

Oil price shocks

Challenges

Banking instabilities and corruption

Government type

In Guinea-Bissau, the government operates as a semi-presidential republic! ๐Ÿ›๏ธ That means that both a president and a prime minister share power! This type of government can often lead to a dynamic relationship between the executive branches, making for an interesting political scene. ๐ŸŒโœจ

Type of Government

Semi-Presidential Republic

Ethnic groups

In Guinea-Bissau, the ethnic makeup is quite colorful and diverse! ๐ŸŽจ Hereโ€™s a fun breakdown of the different ethnic groups and their percentages:

  • Balanta: 30%
  • Fulani: 30%
  • Manjaco: 14%
  • Mandinga: 13%
  • Papel: 7%
  • Unspecified smaller ethnic groups: 6%

As you can see, the Balanta and Fulani groups lead the way, each making up 30% of the population. ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Imagine how vibrant cultures and traditions blend in this wonderful country! ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ผ

Percentage of Balanta ethnicity

30%

Percentage of Fulani ethnicity

30%

Percentage of Manjaco ethnicity

14%

Percentage of Mandinga ethnicity

13%

Percentage of Papel ethnicity

7%

Percentage of unspecified smaller ethnic groups

6%

Ethnic Groups in Guinea-Bissau

Religions

In Guinea-Bissau, the religious landscape is quite diverse! ๐ŸŒ Hereโ€™s how the population identifies with different beliefs:

  • Muslims make up a significant portion at 46.1% ๐Ÿ•Œ
  • Folk religions are embraced by 30.6% of the population ๐ŸŒฟ
  • Christians account for 18.9% โœ๏ธ
  • Finally, you have about 4.4% of people identifying as other or unaffiliated ๐Ÿšซ

This combination showcases the rich tapestry of beliefs that coexist in the country.

Percentage of Muslims

46.1%

Percentage of Folk Religions

30.6%

Percentage of Christians

18.9%

Percentage of Other/Unaffiliated

4.4%

Religious Distribution in Guinea-Bissau

Languages

Guinea-Bissau is a vibrant country where languages tell the story of its rich culture! ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ท Here are the main languages spoken:

  • Portuguese-based Creole: This is a fun mix of Portuguese and local languages! ๐ŸŒ
  • Portuguese: This is the official language of the country. While many people speak it, they often use it as a second or third language.
  • Pular: This is a Fula language spoken by some communities. It's unique and carries a lot of history! ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
  • Mandingo: Another fascinating language that adds to the diversity of Guinea-Bissau's culture! ๐ŸŽ‰

Isnโ€™t it cool how language connects us all? ๐ŸŒ

Languages Spoken

4 unique languages

Official Language

Portuguese

Creole Language

Portuguese-based Creole

Imports - partners

๐ŸŒ Guinea-Bissau's Import Partners ๐ŸŒ

In 2022, Guinea-Bissau relied on several countries for its imports. The biggest share came from Portugal, making up 34% of its imports! Next in line was Senegal, contributing 22%. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ณ

Here's how the other partners fared:

  • China: 14% ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ
  • Netherlands: 6% ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ
  • Spain: 3% ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ

This shows how important these countries are to Guinea-Bissau's economy! It's interesting to see how trade relationships shape the flow of goods in and out of the nation. ๐Ÿ“ˆ๐Ÿ”

Largest Import Partner

Portugal (34%)

Second Largest Import Partner

Senegal (22%)

Third Largest Import Partner

China (14%)

Guinea-Bissau's Import Partners (2022)

Population

๐ŸŒ Guinea-Bissau is home to a vibrant population of 2,132,325 people! This number reflects the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and histories that make up this beautiful country. ๐Ÿฅณ

Total Population

2,132,325

Area

๐ŸŒ Guinea-Bissau's Area is quite fascinating! Here's a quick breakdown:

  • Total Area: 36,125 sq km ๐Ÿž๏ธ
  • Land Area: 28,120 sq km ๐ŸŒฟ
  • Water Area: 8,005 sq km ๐Ÿ’ง

This means that out of the entire area, a good amount is covered by land while there's also a significant portion of water bodies. Let's dive into some fun visuals to understand this better!

Total Area of Guinea-Bissau

36,125 sq km

Land Area of Guinea-Bissau

28,120 sq km

Water Area of Guinea-Bissau

8,005 sq km

Distribution of Area in Guinea-Bissau

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

๐ŸŒ Let's take a look at the Real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) for Guinea-Bissau! This shows how much the economy is growing. Here are the estimated figures over the last few years:

  • 2021: $4.694 billion
  • 2022: $4.892 billion
  • 2023: $5.099 billion

๐Ÿ“ˆ As we can see, Guinea-Bissau's GDP is on the rise! Each year, the economy is getting a little bigger, which is great news for everyone! ๐ŸŽ‰

Real GDP in 2021

$4.694 billion

Real GDP in 2022

$4.892 billion

Real GDP in 2023

$5.099 billion

Real GDP Growth in Guinea-Bissau (PPP)

Real GDP per capita

๐Ÿ’ฐ Real GDP per capita of Guinea-Bissau ๐ŸŽ‰

Guinea-Bissau's economy is showing some interesting trends! The Real GDP per capita, which gives us an idea of the average income per person in the country, has been tracked over the last few years:

  • 2021: $2,300
  • 2022: $2,300
  • 2023: $2,400

As you can see, the income per person stayed the same from 2021 to 2022 but then increased in 2023, which is a sign of hope for economic growth! ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“ˆ

Real GDP per capita Over the Years in Guinea-Bissau

Imports

๐ŸŒ Let's take a look at the imports for Guinea-Bissau over the last few years! Hereโ€™s how much the country brought in through various goods:

  • 2020: $439.386 million
  • 2021: $518.162 million
  • 2022: $577.899 million

It looks like Guinea-Bissau's imports have been steadily increasing each year! ๐Ÿ“ˆ This shows that the country is engaging more in global trade and bringing in more products for its people.

Total Imports in 2022

$577.899 million

Total Imports in 2021

$518.162 million

Total Imports in 2020

$439.386 million

Guinea-Bissau Imports Over the Years

Exports

๐ŸŒ Let's take a look at the exports of Guinea-Bissau over the past few years! ๐Ÿ“ˆ In 2022, the exports were estimated at $280.065 million. Thatโ€™s a decrease compared to $334.904 million in 2021, but an increase from $232.536 million in 2020. ๐Ÿ“Š It's like a rollercoaster ride for the economy! ๐ŸŽข

Here's a quick summary of the numbers:

  • 2020: $232.536 million
  • 2021: $334.904 million
  • 2022: $280.065 million

Which year do you think had the highest exports? That's right, 2021! โญ

Highest Exports Year

$334.904 million (2021)

Lowest Exports Year

$232.536 million (2020)

Export Decrease from 2021 to 2022

$54.839 million

Exports of Guinea-Bissau Over the Years

Population growth rate

๐ŸŒ Did you know that Guinea-Bissau's population is growing at a rate of 2.54%? This figure represents the estimated growth for the year 2024! Population growth is an important factor that can influence the country's economy, resources, and communities. Keep an eye on how this percentage changes in the coming years! ๐Ÿ“ˆ

Estimated population growth rate for Guinea-Bissau (2024)

2.54%