Guinea Bissau

(Guinea-Bissau (Republic of Guinea-Bissau, República da Guiné-Bissau))

General Information:

• Location: Western Africa
• Capital: Bissau
• Languages: Portuguese, Crioulo (Creole), French
• Population: 1,624,945
• Total Area: 36,125 sq km
• Currency: CFA Franc
• Curious Alcohol Fact: You will find it interesting that a beverage called warga (green tea) is far more popular than alcoholic drinks, especially in the rural areas.
• Annual Average Liquor Consumption Per Capita: 3.65 liters
• Most Popular Drinks: Warga (green tea)

Guinea-Bissau Travel Video

Video Courtesy: Mheshimiwa73

The tiny West African nation of Guinea-Bissau (different from its neighboring Republic of Guinea) is surrounded by Guinea and Senegal, and there is an Atlantic coastline on the western side. Guinea-Bissau is one of the few countries colonized by Portugal and it became an independent nation in 1973. Off the Atlantic Coast, there is an archipelago (group of islands) called the Bissagos. Formerly called Portuguese Guinea, the capital of Guinea-Bissau is Bissau, and this helps in differentiating it from its larger neighbor Guinea (Guinea Conakry). Located in the tropics, there is abundant rainfall, especially along the coastal towns. The struggle for independence did not come easy unlike Nigeria where it was received on a platter of gold.

The Country

The tiny West African nation of Guinea-Bissau (different from its neighboring Republic of Guinea) is surrounded by Guinea and Senegal, and there is an Atlantic coastline on the western side. Guinea-Bissau is one of the few countries colonized by Portugal and it became an independent nation in 1973. Off the Atlantic Coast, there is an archipelago (group of islands) called the Bissagos. Formerly called Portuguese Guinea, the capital of Guinea-Bissau is Bissau, and this helps in differentiating it from its larger neighbor Guinea (Guinea Conakry). Located in the tropics, there is abundant rainfall, especially along the coastal towns. The struggle for independence did not come easy unlike Nigeria where it was received on a platter of gold.

The People

As it is the case with many other countries on the continent, there are many ethnic groups and tribes in Guinea-Bissau. There are dozens of groups and some of these include the following: Fulani, Balanta, Mandiako, Malinke (Mandinka), Manjaco, Pepel and the Bram. There is also a significant population of mestizos (who have Portuguese and Africans as ancestors). A vast majority of the Bissau-Guineans (that is what citizens are called) I met were into agriculture, and I discovered that the same thing is replicated in various parts of the country. Peanuts and cashew nuts are major crops that are cultivated and prepared for exports and local consumption.

The Foods of Guinea-Bissau

Like in the neighboring country of Guinea, many Bissau-Guineans enjoy the meal of jollof rice, and is usually served with fried fish, beef or chicken. Fish features very prominently in the diet, especially in the coastal settlements where fishing is a major economic activity and many dishes are made from vegetables. Spices are used freely and it is most likely that your jollof rice will contain chili pepper and curry powder. Melegueta seeds are also quite popular amongst the rural folks for spicing up their meals. In the capital city of Bissau and other urban centers, there are bars and eateries selling French and Portuguese meals.

Drinking in Guinea-Bissau

When it comes to drinking, you will observe that many citizens of this nation are in love with a drink called warga. It is actually a kind of green tea and it has a sweet and aromatic taste. In other parts of the country, especially the rural areas, you will be served calabash upon calabash of fresh palm wine. For those interested in taking wines from France or Portugal, the place to be is the capital city of Bissau.

Music in Guinea-Bissau

Like in Guinea and other West African nations, the music of Guinea-Bissau is rich and exotic. The best thing you can do to enjoy these beats is to pay a visit to one of the villages when there is a festival or other celebrations. I tried my hands on the traditional guitar and did not do badly at all.

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Special thanks to our contributors:
Daniel Krasnopolsky (Woodmere, NY, USA)
Adebayo Ahmed Adebola (Ilorin, Nigeria).