Overview
Guinea-Bissau, officially known as the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, is a small country located on the western coast of Africa. It covers an area of approximately 36,125 square kilometres (13,948 square miles) and has an estimated population of around 2,080,000 people. The nation is bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the southeast, with the Atlantic Ocean forming its western coastline.
Geography
Situated in West Africa, Guinea-Bissau features a low-lying coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Its geography includes the Bijagós Archipelago, a group of islands off its coast in the Atlantic. The country's relatively compact size and coastal position have shaped much of its history, economy, and culture.
- Bordered by Senegal to the north
- Bordered by Guinea to the southeast
- Coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the west
- Includes the Bijagós Archipelago
Name and Identity
The country's name, Guinea-Bissau, combines "Guinea"—a term historically used to describe the West African coastal region—with "Bissau," the name of its capital city. This naming convention helps distinguish it from its neighbor, the Republic of Guinea, as both nations share the regional "Guinea" designation.
Population
Guinea-Bissau has an estimated population of about 2,080,000 people. Like many nations in West Africa, the country is home to a diverse population, with various ethnic groups contributing to its cultural fabric.
Regional Context
As a West African nation, Guinea-Bissau shares many regional characteristics with its neighbors, including historical ties to trade routes along the Atlantic coast and cultural connections across the broader West African region. Its position between Senegal and Guinea places it within a part of the continent known for rich cultural diversity and a complex colonial history.