Guinea-Bissau

I

Introduction

Guinea-Bissau, republic in north-western Africa, bounded on the north by Senegal, on the east and south by Guinea, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Guinea-Bissau includes about 60 offshore islands, including the Bijagós (Bissagos) Archipelago. The country gained its independence from Portugal in 1974. The area is 36,125 sq km (13,948 sq mi). The capital of Guinea-Bissau is Bissau.

II

Land and Resources

Most of Guinea-Bissau is a low-lying, swampy coastal plain. The land rises gradually to form a plateau region in the east. The maximum elevation of about 310 m (1,017 ft) is found in the south-east. Numerous meandering rivers cross the country from west to east and form wide estuaries at the coast. Nearly all are navigable and serve as major transport arteries.

A

Climate

The climate is tropical, with a mean annual temperature of 25° C (77° F). A rainy season lasts from June to November. The average annual rainfall at Bolama is 2,184 mm (86 in).

B

Natural Resources

The vegetation consists of mangrove and rainforest on the coastal plain and a savannah woodland on the interior plateau. Tropical hardwoods are a major potential resource. Although there is no mineral production, deposits of bauxite, phosphate, zinc, and copper exist. There are also offshore oil deposits, drilling for which began in 1989.