Guinea Bissau

National name: Républica da Guiné-Bissau  

Government  Republic.  

Geography 
A neighbor of Senegal andGuinea in West Africa, on theAtlanticcoast.  Thecountryisalowlyingcoastalregionofswamps,rainforests,andmangrove-covered wetlands, with about 25 islands off the coast. The Bijagos archipelago extends 30 mi (48 km) out to sea.                  

Historical 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. In 1994 VIEIRA was elected president. A military mutiny and resulting civil war in 1998 eventually led to VIEIRA's ouster in May 1999. In August 2005, former President VIEIRA was re-elected president in the second round of presidential polling. Since formally assuming office in October 2005, Vieira has pledged to pursue economic development and national reconciliation. President Vieira dissolved Parliament in August 2008, precipitating the fall of the government of Prime Minister Kabi. Former prime minister Carlos Gomes Júnior succeeded Kabi. 

Facts & Figures

Name

Republic of Guinea-Bissau

Capital

Bissau

Government

Semi-presidential republic

Language

Portuguese

National Holiday

September 24

Religion

Islam 50%,  Indigenous 40% , Christianity 10%

Area

36,125 km2

Population

1,647,000

Currency

peso (XOF)