Guinea-Bissau is an amazing country on the west coast of Africa that attracts attention with its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage and diverse tribes. However, one of the most interesting aspects of this country is its population. The population of Guinea-Bissau constitutes one of the most homogeneous groups in Africa, and this gives it its unique character.
According to the latest statistics for 2021, Guinea-Bissau’s population exceeds 1.9 million, making the country one of the least populated in the region. The majority of the population is Bissau-Guinean, who are similar to other ethnic groups in the region and speak Portuguese. Despite its small size, Guinea-Bissau’s population is multinational, with many ethnic groups that maintain their own traditions, languages and customs.
It is interesting to note that the population of Guinea-Bissau lives mainly in rural areas, where they engage in agriculture, fishing and mining. Most Guineans live in small towns and villages, with only a small portion of the population living in the capital, Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau is home to approximately 2.3 million people. This figure makes it one of the smallest countries in the region.
The largest portion of Guinea-Bissau’s population lives in rural areas engaged in agriculture. The majority of the population is engaged in agriculture, where they grow rice, peanuts, cassava and other vegetables and fruits.
The majority of the population of Guinea-Bissau professes Islam. About 45% of the population is Muslim. The rest of the population professes Christianity and traditional beliefs.
Guinea-Bissau has a very high infant mortality rate and low life expectancy. A completely broken healthcare system and low level of medical care are the main health problems in the country.
Tourism is developing slowly in Guinea-Bissau, but there are places to visit in the country. For example, Bolama is one of the beautiful islands of Guinea-Bissau, where you can enjoy snow-white beaches and crystal clear waters.
- Area: approximately 36,125 square kilometers.
- Official languages: Portuguese.
- Currency: CFA franc (XOF).
- Geographical location: western Africa, south of Senegal and Mauritania, north of Guinea.
Interesting Facts
2. Guinea-Bissau has a population of about 1.9 million, making it one of the smallest populated states in Africa.
3. The majority of the population of Guinea-Bissau is made up of the Bissau ethnic group, but there are also other ethnic groups such as the Fula and the Mandinga.
4. Guinea-Bissau has a variety of languages, but the official language is Portuguese.
5. Guinea-Bissau I
Nature and climate
Guinea-Bissau has high biodiversity and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. It is home to species such as the elephant, hippopotamus, gray and red macaques, as well as various species of birds, reptiles and insects.
The climate in Guinea-Bissau is tropical, with high humidity and temperature throughout the year. The average temperature is around 24-28 degrees Celsius. The seasons are divided into the rainy season (May-October) and the dry season (November-April). Rainfall is particularly heavy in May and June, leading to flooding in some areas of the country.
Culture and traditions
Guinea-Bissau is rich in diverse culture and unique traditions that reflect the many ethnic groups that inhabit the country. The influences of the colonial past and neighboring countries have also had their influence on Guinea-Bissau’s cultural heritage.
One of the most famous traditions in the country is music and dance performances. Guinea-Bissau is famous for its music, which is considered one of the most dynamic and exciting on the continent. The use of traditional African instruments such as the djembe and kora, combined with modern sounds, creates a unique atmosphere and engages everyone in attendance.
In addition, Guinea-Bissau is famous for its handicrafts. Local people skillfully create jewelry, ceramics and textiles using traditional methods and materials. These unique products are the country’s national treasure and attract tourists from all over the world.
Guinea-Bissau also has a number of religions, including Islam, Catholicism and traditional African beliefs. This creates diversity in the cultural practices and festivals celebrated in the country. One of the most popular celebrations is the Masquerade Festival , which takes place over several days and offers shows with dance, music and colorful costumes.
Thus, the culture and traditions of Guinea-Bissau not only serve as a source of pride for local residents, but also attract tourists who want to get acquainted with the unique cultural heritage of this African country.
Basic facts about the culture and traditions of Guinea-Bissau |
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Music and dance are an important part of the country’s culture |
Crafts such as jewelry and textile making are an important aspect of culture |
Diversity of religions creates diversity in celebrations and cultural practices |
The Masquerade Festival is one of the most famous events |
Statistics 2021
According to the latest data, at the beginning of 2021, the population of Guinea-Bissau was approximately 2 million people.
The average life expectancy in the country is about 53 years for men and 57 years for women.
About 45% of Guinea-Bissau’s population lives in cities, while the rest live in rural areas. The percentage of the urban population is gradually increasing every year.
In recent years, the country has faced high birth rates and low death rates. In 2020, the birth rate was about 35 per 1,000 people and the death rate was about 9 per 1,000 people.
Education in Guinea-Bissau is still a challenge for many in the country. About 44% of the adult population has no formal education.
Guinea-Bissau also faces high levels of urbanization and a lack of infrastructure. Water, electricity and access to healthcare are challenges faced by many residents.
However, Guinea-Bissau is a young country with enormous potential. There are still opportunities to improve education, infrastructure and economic development, and the country is focusing its efforts on achieving these goals in the near future.
Population and population growth
In 2021, the official population estimate for Guinea-Bissau is approximately 1.92 million. This makes the country one of the smallest in West Africa.
Guinea-Bissau’s population has grown gradually over recent decades, but the rate of growth is declining. According to expert forecasts, by 2050 the population could reach approximately 3 million people.
One of the reasons for the slow population growth is the high mortality rate, especially among children. This is due to insufficient access to medical services and the low level of healthcare in the country.
A large part of Guinea-Bissau’s population is young. More than 60% of the population is under 25 years of age. This points to the need to create jobs and provide educational opportunities for youth to secure their future and reduce social tensions in the country.
Year | Population (millions) | Population growth rate (%) |
---|---|---|
1990 | 1.09 | 3.20 |
2000 | 1.30 | 2.20 |
2010 | 1.58 | 2.10 |
2021 | 1.92 | 1.80 |
Statistics show that population growth rates are inconsistent and have been slowly declining in recent years. This indicates the need to take measures to stimulate population growth and improve the living conditions of citizens.
Standard of living and economy
The standard of living in Guinea-Bissau is one of the lowest in the world. The majority of the population lives in poverty and faces enormous difficulties in basic areas of life such as health, education and access to clean drinking water.
Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in West Africa and spends a significant portion of its budget on repaying external debt. The country’s economy depends on agriculture, especially the cultivation of peanuts and cassava. However, the production of agricultural products is often limited by a lack of funds and modern production methods.
Guinea-Bissau is also one of the major cashew producers in the world. Cashew exports bring significant revenue to the country, but the decline in world prices for the nut has significantly reduced economic activity in this area.
Corruption is also a serious problem in Guinea-Bissau and has a negative impact on the country’s economy. Lack of transparency and ineffective government institutions lead to reduced investment and limited business development.
Limited access to credit, low productivity and lack of infrastructure also have a significant impact on the economy of Guinea-Bissau. The country needs international assistance and investment to support its development and improve the living standards of its people.