Largest Cities in Guinea-Bissau

Facts about Guinea-Bissau

Official languages: Portuguese
Capital: Bissau
Area: 36,120 km²
Population: 1.6 million residents
Population density: 43.33 residents per km²
Currency: XOF
Internet TLD: .gw
ISO codes: GW, GNB, 624
The telephone code from Guinea-Bissau is +245

Flag of Guinea-Bissau

The flag of Guinea-Bissau was adopted in 1973 and consists of three stripes, two of which are horizontal and one is vertical. The horizontal stripes are yellow and green, while the vertical stripe in the pole part of the flag is red and additionally bears a black five-pointed star. The colors used are typical of many African nations and thus signify their mutual solidarity. Yellow recalls the sharp African sun, green the fertile soil and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence. The black star symbolizes the African continent. The flag resembles that of Ghana, the first African state to achieve independence. Guinea-Bissau followed Ghana in 1973 when it gained independence from Portuguese rule.

Guinea-Bissau is an independent nation located in Western Africa. Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese territory on the west coast of Africa, is completely impoverished. The economy, which was geared to the needs of the colonial power Portugal, was no longer viable after its withdrawal. Agriculture deteriorated even more with the War of Independence. There is no independent industry.

Biggest Cities of Guinea-Bissau by Population

Bissau is the largest city and capital of Guinea-Bissau, located on the Geba River estuary. It is the country’s administrative, economic, and cultural center. Bissau has a population of around 500,000 people and is home to an international airport. It is also a major port for trade with other African countries. The city has several markets and bazaars where a variety of goods are sold including fruit, vegetables, fish, spices, and crafts. There are also numerous restaurants serving traditional Guinean cuisine as well as international dishes.

Other major cities in Guinea-Bissau include Cacheu and Gabu. Cacheu is located in the north-western part of the country near the border with Senegal. The city has a population of around 65 000 people and serves as an important port for trade between Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. Gabu is located in eastern Guinea-Bissau near the border with Guinea Conakry. It is home to around 70 000 people and serves as an important market center for agricultural products such as rice, corn, cassava, peanuts, and cotton. The city also has several small industries producing textiles and handicrafts which are sold at local markets in Gabu as well as exported to other countries in West Africa.

Guinea-Bissau: Bissau

Bissau is the capital of the country and also serves to distinguish it from neighboring Guinea. Bissau is located on the northern bank of the broad mouth of the Geba River. Around 410,000 people live in Bissau, around a quarter of the country’s total population.

Countries neighboring Guinea-Bissau

• Guinea
• Senegal