2016 Edition

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Guinea-Bissau

2016 Edition · 297 data fields

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Introduction

Background

Since independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established authoritarian dictator Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. Despite setting a path to a market economy and multiparty system, VIEIRA's regime was characterized by the suppression of political opposition and the purging of political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In 1994 VIEIRA was elected president in the country's first free, multiparty election. A military mutiny and resulting civil war in 1998 eventually led to VIEIRA's ouster in May 1999. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over power to opposition leader Kumba YALA after he was elected president in transparent polling. In September 2003, after only three years in office, YALA was overthrown in a bloodless military coup, and businessman Henrique ROSA was sworn in as interim president. In 2005, former President VIEIRA was reelected, pledging to pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was assassinated in March 2009. Malam Bacai SANHA was elected in an emergency election held in June 2009, but he passed away in January 2012 from a long-term illness. A military coup in April 2012 prevented Guinea-Bissau's second-round presidential election - to determine SANHA's successor - from taking place. Following mediation by the Economic Community of Western African States, a civilian transitional government assumed power in 2012 and remained until Jose Mario VAZ won free and fair election in 2014.

Geography

Area

36,125 sq km 28,120 sq km 8,005 sq km
land: 28,120 sq km
total: 36,125 sq km
water: 8,005 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Climate

tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Coastline

350 km

Elevation

70 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed elevation in the eastern part of the country 300 m
elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation in the eastern part of the country 300 m
mean elevation: 70 m

Environment - current issues

deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands none of the selected agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geographic coordinates

12 00 N, 15 00 W

Geography - note

this small country is swampy along its western coast and low-lying inland

Irrigated land

250 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

762 km Guinea 421 km, Senegal 341 km
border countries (2): Guinea 421 km, Senegal 341 km
total: 762 km

Land use

44.8% arable land 8.2%; permanent crops 6.9%; permanent pasture 29.7% 55.2% 0% (2011 est.)
agricultural land: 44.8%
forest: 55.2%
other: 0% (2011 est.)

Location

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal

Map references

Africa

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

Natural hazards

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires

Natural resources

fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite, limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum

Terrain

mostly low-lying coastal plain with a deeply indented estuarine coastline rising to savanna in east; numerous off-shore islands including the Arquipelago Dos Bijagos consisting of 18 main islands and many small islets

People and Society

Age structure

39.28% (male 344,976/female 346,102) 20.17% (male 176,050/female 178,842) 32.53% (male 285,258/female 286,955) 4.62% (male 31,030/female 50,215) 3.4% (male 22,121/female 37,610) (2016 est.)
0-14 years: 39.28% (male 344,976/female 346,102)
15-24 years: 20.17% (male 176,050/female 178,842)
25-54 years: 32.53% (male 285,258/female 286,955)
55-64 years: 4.62% (male 31,030/female 50,215)
65 years and over: 3.4% (male 22,121/female 37,610) (2016 est.)

Birth rate

32.9 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

226,316 57% (2010 est.)
percentage: 57% (2010 est.)
total number: 226,316

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

17% (2014)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

14.2% (2010)

Death rate

14.1 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Demographic profile

Guinea-Bissau’s young and growing population is sustained by high fertility; approximately 60% of the population is under the age of 25. Its large reproductive-age population and total fertility rate of more than 4 children per woman offsets the country’s high infant and maternal mortality rates. The latter is among the world’s highest because of the prevalence of early childbearing, a lack of birth spacing, the high percentage of births outside of health care facilities, and a shortage of medicines and supplies. Guinea-Bissau’s history of political instability, a civil war, and several coups (the latest in 2012) have resulted in a fragile state with a weak economy, high unemployment, rampant corruption, widespread poverty, and thriving drug and child trafficking. With the country lacking educational infrastructure, school funding and materials, and qualified teachers, and with the cultural emphasis placed on religious education, parents frequently send boys to study in residential Koranic schools (daaras) in Senegal and The Gambia. They often are extremely deprived and are forced into street begging or agricultural work by marabouts (Muslim religious teachers), who enrich themselves at the expense of the children. Boys who leave their marabouts often end up on the streets of Dakar or other large Senegalese towns and are vulnerable to even worse abuse. Some young men lacking in education and job prospects become involved in the flourishing international drug trade. Local drug use and associated violent crime are growing.

Dependency ratios

78.4% 72.8% 5.7% 17.7% (2015 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.7%
potential support ratio: 17.7% (2015 est.)
total dependency ratio: 78.4%
youth dependency ratio: 72.8%

Drinking water source

urban: 98.8% of population rural: 60.3% of population total: 79.3% of population urban: 1.2% of population rural: 39.7% of population total: 20.7% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 39.7% of population
total: 20.7% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 1.2% of population

Education expenditures

2.4% of GDP (2013)

Ethnic groups

Fulani 28.5%, Balanta 22.5%, Mandinga 14.7%, Papel 9.1%, Manjaco 8.3%, Beafada 3.5%, Mancanha 3.1%, Bijago 2.1%, Felupe 1.7%, Mansoanca 1.4%, Balanta Mane 1%, other 1.8%, none 2.2% (2008 est.)

Health expenditures

5.6% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

3.69% (2014 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

1,900 (2014 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

42,000 (2014 est.)

Hospital bed density

1 beds/1,000 population (2009)

Infant mortality rate

87.5 deaths/1,000 live births 96.9 deaths/1,000 live births 77.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)
female: 77.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)
male: 96.9 deaths/1,000 live births
total: 87.5 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Crioulo 90.4%, Portuguese 27.1% (official), French 5.1%, English 2.9%, other 2.4% shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census (2008 est.)
note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census (2008 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

50.6 years 48.6 years 52.7 years (2016 est.)
female: 52.7 years (2016 est.)
male: 48.6 years
total population: 50.6 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 59.9% 71.8% 48.3% (2015 est.)
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
female: 48.3% (2015 est.)
male: 71.8%
total population: 59.9%

Major infectious diseases

very high bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever schistosomiasis rabies (2016)
animal contact disease: rabies (2016)
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis

Major urban areas - population

BISSAU (capital) 492,000 (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

549 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

20 years 19.5 years 20.5 years (2016 est.)
female: 20.5 years (2016 est.)
male: 19.5 years
total: 20 years

Nationality

Bissau-Guinean(s) Bissau-Guinean
adjective: Bissau-Guinean
noun: Bissau-Guinean(s)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

6.3% (2014)

Physicians density

0.1 physicians/1,000 population (2009)

Population

1,759,159 (July 2016 est.)

Population growth rate

1.88% (2016 est.)

Religions

Muslim 45.1%, Christian 22.1%, animist 14.9%, none 2%, unspecified 15.9% (2008 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 33.5% of population rural: 8.5% of population total: 20.8% of population urban: 66.5% of population rural: 91.5% of population total: 79.2% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 91.5% of population
total: 79.2% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 66.5% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

9 years NA NA (2006)
female: NA (2006)
male: NA
total: 9 years

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.99 male(s)/female 0.62 male(s)/female 0.6 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.62 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

4.16 children born/woman (2016 est.)

Urbanization

49.3% of total population (2015) 4.13% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
rate of urbanization: 4.13% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
urban population: 49.3% of total population (2015)

Government

Administrative divisions

9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama/Bijagos, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali

Capital

Bissau 11 51 N, 15 35 W UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates: 11 51 N, 15 35 W
name: Bissau
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

yes yes no 5 years
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

Constitution

promulgated 16 May 1984; amended 1991, 1993, 1996; note - constitution suspended following military coup in April 2012 and restored in 2014 (2016)

Country name

Republic of Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau Republica da Guine-Bissau Guine-Bissau Portuguese Guinea the country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel; "Bissau" distinguishes the country from neighboring Guinea
`conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau
conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau
former: Portuguese Guinea
local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau
local short form: Guine-Bissau
note: the country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel; "Bissau" distinguishes the country from neighboring Guinea

Diplomatic representation from the US

the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998 in the midst of violent conflict between forces loyal to then President VIEIRA and a military-led junta; the US Ambassador to Senegal, currently Ambassador James P. ZUMWALT, is accredited to Guinea-Bissau

Diplomatic representation in the US

none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not have official representation in Washington, DC
chief of mission: none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not have official representation in Washington, DC

Executive branch

President Jose Mario VAZ (since 17 June 2014) Prime Minister Baciro DJA (since 27 May 2016); the initial appointment of Baciro DJA in August 2015 was nullified by the Supreme Court and he resigned; Prime Minister Carlos CORREIA (since 17 September 2015) was dismissed by President VAZ on 12 May 2016 Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in two rounds if needed for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 13 April 2014 with a runoff on 18 May 2014 (next to be held in 2019); prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the National People's Assembly first round - Jose Mario VAZ (PAIGC) 41%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM (independent) 25.1%, other 33.9%; Jose Mario VAZ elected president in second round - Jose Mario VAZ 61.9%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM 38.1%
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president
chief of state: President Jose Mario VAZ (since 17 June 2014)
election results: first round - Jose Mario VAZ (PAIGC) 41%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM (independent) 25.1%, other 33.9%; Jose Mario VAZ elected president in second round - Jose Mario VAZ 61.9%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM 38.1%
elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in two rounds if needed for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 13 April 2014 with a runoff on 18 May 2014 (next to be held in 2019); prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the National People's Assembly
head of government: Prime Minister Baciro DJA (since 27 May 2016); the initial appointment of Baciro DJA in August 2015 was nullified by the Supreme Court and he resigned; Prime Minister Carlos CORREIA (since 17 September 2015) was dismissed by President VAZ on 12 May 2016

Flag description

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed star centered in the red band; yellow symbolizes the sun; green denotes hope; red represents blood shed during the struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag design was heavily influenced by the Ghanaian flag
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag design was heavily influenced by the Ghanaian flag

Government type

semi-presidential republic

Independence

24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court or Suprema Tribunal Justica (consists of 9 judges and organized into Civil, Criminal, and Social and Administrative Disputes Chambers); note - the Supreme Court has both appellate and constitutional jurisdiction judges nominated by the Higher Council of the Magistrate, a major government organ responsible for judge appointments, dismissals, and judiciary discipline; judges appointed by the president for life Appeal Court; regional (first instance) courts; military court
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Suprema Tribunal Justica (consists of 9 judges and organized into Civil, Criminal, and Social and Administrative Disputes Chambers); note - the Supreme Court has both appellate and constitutional jurisdiction
judge selection and term of office: judges nominated by the Higher Council of the Magistrate, a major government organ responsible for judge appointments, dismissals, and judiciary discipline; judges appointed by the president for life
subordinate courts: Appeal Court; regional (first instance) courts; military court

Legal system

mixed legal system of civil law which incorporated Portuguese law at independence and influenced by early French civil code and customary law

Legislative branch

unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (102 seats; members directly elected in 2 single- and 27 multi-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms) last held on 13 April 2014 (next to be held in 2018) percent of vote by party - PAIGC 48.0%, PRS 30.8%, other parties 21.2%; seats by party - PAIGC 57, PRS 41, other 4
description: unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (102 seats; members directly elected in 2 single- and 27 multi-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms)
election results: percent of vote by party - PAIGC 48.0%, PRS 30.8%, other parties 21.2%; seats by party - PAIGC 57, PRS 41, other 4
elections: last held on 13 April 2014 (next to be held in 2018)

National anthem

"Esta e a Nossa Patria Bem Amada" (This Is Our Beloved Country) Amilcar Lopes CABRAL/XIAO He adopted 1974; a delegation from then Portuguese Guinea visited China in 1963 and heard music by XIAO He; Amilcar Lopes CABRAL, the leader of Guinea-Bissau's independence movement, asked the composer to create a piece that would inspire his people to struggle for independence
lyrics/music: Amilcar Lopes CABRAL/XIAO He
name: "Esta e a Nossa Patria Bem Amada" (This Is Our Beloved Country)
note: adopted 1974; a delegation from then Portuguese Guinea visited China in 1963 and heard music by XIAO He; Amilcar Lopes CABRAL, the leader of Guinea-Bissau's independence movement, asked the composer to create a piece that would inspire his people to struggle for independence

National holiday

Independence Day, 24 September (1973)

National symbol(s)

black star; national colors: red, yellow, green, black
black star; national colors: red, yellow, green, black

Political parties and leaders

African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde or PAIGC [Domingos Simoes PEREIRA] Democratic Convergence Party or PCD [Vicente FERNANDES] New Democracy Party or PND [Mamadu Iaia DJALO] Party for Social Renewal or PRS [Alberto NAMBEIA] Republican Party for Independence and Development or PRID [Aristides GOMES] Union for Change or UM [Agnelo REGALA]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Chamber of Commerce of Agriculture, Industry, and Services

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Economy

Agriculture - products

rice, corn, beans, cassava (manioc, tapioca), cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; timber; fish

Budget

$195.1 million $229.6 million (2015 est.)
expenditures: $229.6 million (2015 est.)
revenues: $195.1 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-3.3% of GDP (2015 est.)

Central bank discount rate

4.25% (31 December 2009) 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

15% (31 December 2015 est.) 15% (31 December 2014 est.)

Current account balance

-$10 million (2015 est.) -$38 million (2014 est.)

Debt - external

$1.095 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $941.5 million (31 December 2000 est.)

Economy - overview

Guinea-Bissau is highly dependent on subsistence agriculture, cashew nut exports, and foreign assistance. Two out of three Bissau-Guineans remain below the absolute poverty line. The legal economy is based on farming and fishing, but illegal logging and trafficking in narcotics are also important economic activities. The combination of limited economic prospects, weak institutions, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe while trade in illegal logging, food, and fishing is also significant. Guinea-Bissau has substantial potential for development of mineral resources including phosphates, bauxite, and mineral sands. The country’s climate and soil make it feasible to grow a wide range of cash crops, fruit, vegetables, and tubers; however, cashews generate more than 80% of export receipts and are the main source of income for many rural communities. With renewed donor support following elections in April-May 2014 and a successful regional bond issuance, the government of Guinea-Bissau made progress paying salaries, settling domestic arrears, and gaining more control over revenues and expenditures, but was deposed by the President in August 2015. A political stalemate since then has resulted in weak governance.

Exchange rates

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 591.45 (2015 est.) 494.42 (2014 est.) 494.42 (2013 est.) 510.53 (2012 est.) 471.87 (2011 est.)

Exports

$202.9 million (2015 est.) $171.9 million (2014 est.)

Exports - commodities

fish, shrimp; cashews, peanuts, palm kernels, raw and sawn lumber

Exports - partners

India 63.5%, Nigeria 20.3%, China 5.7%, Togo 5.6% (2015)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

92.9% 11.1% 5.9% 0.1% 20.4% -30.4% (2015 est.)
exports of goods and services: 20.4%
government consumption: 11.1%
household consumption: 92.9%
imports of goods and services: -30.4% (2015 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 5.9%
investment in inventories: 0.1%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

45% 13.3% 41.7% (2015 est.)
agriculture: 45%
industry: 13.3%
services: 41.7% (2015 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$1,500 (2015 est.) $1,500 (2014 est.) $1,500 (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars
note: data are in 2015 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

4.8% (2015 est.) 2.5% (2014 est.) 0.8% (2013 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$1.057 billion (2015 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$2.68 billion (2015 est.) $2.557 billion (2014 est.) $2.494 billion (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars
note: data are in 2015 US dollars

Gross national saving

10.3% of GDP (2015 est.) 7.4% of GDP (2014 est.) 2.6% of GDP (2013 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.9% 28% (2002)
highest 10%: 28% (2002)
lowest 10%: 2.9%

Imports

$199.5 million (2015 est.) $227.5 million (2014 est.)

Imports - commodities

foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products

Imports - partners

Portugal 27.1%, Senegal 12.8%, China 6.5%, Spain 5.5%, Cuba 4.8% (2015)

Industrial production growth rate

3% (2015 est.)

Industries

agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

1.4% (2015 est.) -1.5% (2014 est.)

Labor force

731,300 (2013 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

82% 18% (2000 est.)
agriculture: 82%
industry and services: 18% (2000 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$NA

Population below poverty line

67% (2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$489.4 million (31 December 2015 est.) $452.1 million (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$206.5 million (31 December 2015 est.) $160.1 million (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$454.8 million (31 December 2015 est.) $392.5 million (31 December 2014 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

18.5% of GDP (2015 est.)

Unemployment rate

NA%

Broadcast media

1 state-owned TV station and a second station, Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP) Africa, is operated by Portuguese public broadcaster (RTP); 1 state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some community radio stations; multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code

.gw

Internet users

61,000 3.5% (July 2015 est.)
percent of population: 3.5% (July 2015 est.)
total: 61,000

Telephone system

small system including a combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, radiotelephone, and mobile cellular communications fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile cellular teledensity is roughly 70 per 100 persons country code - 245 (2015)
domestic: fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile cellular teledensity is roughly 70 per 100 persons
general assessment: small system including a combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, radiotelephone, and mobile cellular communications
international: country code - 245 (2015)

Telephones - fixed lines

5,000 less than 1 (July 2012 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (July 2012 est.)
total subscriptions: 5,000

Telephones - mobile cellular

1.238 million 72 (July 2015 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 72 (July 2015 est.)
total: 1.238 million

Transportation

Airports

8 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2013)
over 3,047 m: 1
total: 2

Airports - with unpaved runways

3 (2013)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 2
total: 6
under 914 m: 3 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

J5 (2016)

Ports and terminals

Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim
major seaport(s): Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim

Roadways

3,455 km 965 km 2,490 km (2002)
paved: 965 km
total: 3,455 km
unpaved: 2,490 km (2002)

Waterways

(rivers are partially navigable; many inlets and creeks provide shallow-water access to much of interior) (2012)

Military and Security

Military branches

People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP): Army, Navy, National Air Force (Forca Aerea Nacional); Presidential Guard (2012)
People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP): Army, Navy, National Air Force (Forca Aerea Nacional); Presidential Guard (2012)

Military expenditures

1.85% of GDP (2012) 1.81% of GDP (2011) 1.85% of GDP (2010)

Military service age and obligation

18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger, with parental consent, for voluntary service (2013)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international

in 2006, political instability within Senegal's Casamance region resulted in thousands of Senegalese refugees, cross-border raids, and arms smuggling into Guinea-Bissau

Illicit drugs

increasingly important transit country for South American cocaine en route to Europe; enabling environment for trafficker operations due to pervasive corruption; archipelago-like geography near the capital facilitates drug smuggling

Refugees and internally displaced persons

8,601 (Senegal) (2015)
refugees (country of origin): 8,601 (Senegal) (2015)

Trafficking in persons

Guinea-Bissau is a source country for children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the extent to which adults are trafficked for forced labor or forced prostitution is unclear; boys are forced into street vending in Guinea-Bissau and manual labor, agriculture, and mining in Senegal, while girls may be forced into street vending, domestic service, and, to a lesser extent, prostitution in Guinea and Senegal; some Bissau-Guinean boys at Koranic schools are forced into begging by religious teachers Tier 3 - Guinea-Bissau does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; despite enacting an anti-trafficking law and adopting a national action plan in 2011, the country failed to demonstrate any notable anti-trafficking efforts for the third consecutive year; existing laws prohibiting all forms of trafficking were not used to prosecute any trafficking offenders in 2014, and only one case of potential child labor trafficking was under investigation; authorities continued to rely entirely on NGOs and international organizations to provide victims with protective services; no trafficking prevention activities were conducted (2015)
current situation: Guinea-Bissau is a source country for children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the extent to which adults are trafficked for forced labor or forced prostitution is unclear; boys are forced into street vending in Guinea-Bissau and manual labor, agriculture, and mining in Senegal, while girls may be forced into street vending, domestic service, and, to a lesser extent, prostitution in Guinea and Senegal; some Bissau-Guinean boys at Koranic schools are forced into begging by religious teachers
tier rating: Tier 3 - Guinea-Bissau does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; despite enacting an anti-trafficking law and adopting a national action plan in 2011, the country failed to demonstrate any notable anti-trafficking efforts for the third consecutive year; existing laws prohibiting all forms of trafficking were not used to prosecute any trafficking offenders in 2014, and only one case of potential child labor trafficking was under investigation; authorities continued to rely entirely on NGOs and international organizations to provide victims with protective services; no trafficking prevention activities were conducted (2015)