Guinea-Bissau, officially known as the ‘Republic of Bissau’, is a country located in the western part of Africa. The name Bissau was later added to the name ‘Guinea’ to prevent it from being confused with or mistaken for the ‘Republic of Guinea’. It is surrounded by beautiful archipelagos, stunning islands, varied and glorious wildlife and marine life. Hippos, monkeys, chimps and buffaloes thrive in protected reserves and hundreds of bird species call its vast mangroves and wetlands home. Here are some interesting facts about Guinea Bissau.\
1. Guinea Bissau’s long coastline was once a part of slave coast. The Portuguese, who colonized the countries, were the first ones to facilitate slavery. Later, the British, French, and Dutch did their fair share as well.
2. From being a slave coast, the country has now become a narco coast. It has been declared by UN as the first narcotic state in Africa. It has become a transit point for cocaine from Colombia to Europe and heroine from South East Asia to the United States.
3. Did you know that Guinea-Bissau and the Islands of Cape Verde until 1980 were a single country? It was a coup which successfully separated the countries into two separate nations.
4. Guinea-Bissau’s GDP per capita is one of the lowest in the world. Its Human Development Index is also one of the lowest on earth. It ranks 178 out of 188 in the U.N.’s human development index
5. Guinea-Bissau’s flag draws its inspiration from the flag of the Republic of Ghana. It was the struggle of the Ghanaians for freedom that inspired the people of Guinea-Bissau to put up a fight for their very own. The fight for the independence of Guinea-Bissau was greatly supported (morally and materially) by Nkrumah, Ghana’s president during that time – another reason for the country to pay tribute with their flag.
6. Only one president managed to complete one-year term in Guinea Bissau and that was Jose Maria Vaz. The former Mayor of Bissau won the presidential election of 2014. He successfully remained as president until the end of his term on June 24, 2019.
7. Guinea-Bissau produces plenty of cashew nuts which makes it the sixth largest producer in the world. This is its chief foreign exchange earner. Apart from cashew nuts, Guinea-Bissau also exports peanuts, frozen seafood, fish, palm kernels, and timber.
Visa:
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Author’s Recommendations:
Bijagos Archipelago: Comprising over 80 islands, only 20 of which are inhabited, these semi-tropical islands are home to two national parks, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve and the most important sea turtle nesting site in Africa. With a bit of negotiation, you can hire a boat and explore the islands yourself or maybe even camp in a deserted island!
Saltinho Waterfall: The Saltinho Waterfall is one of the most alluring waterfalls in Guinea-Bissau. Located under the bridge, along the main road from Southern Guinea-Bissau, it also has a famous hotel called the “Pousada do Saltinho” which overlooks the falls.
Orango National Park: This park, formed by several islands, is located in the west of Bubaque within 93 km from Bissau City. The main islands on which the IIhas de Orango National Park is located include Orango, Canoga, Imbone, Meneque, and Orangozinho.This famed park covers an area of 27, 000 hectares of land with forest, mangroves, coastal wooded savannah, channels and shallow seas.
