|
|
 |
|
 On the map, Guinea Bissau can be found on the west coast
of Africa and is bordered to the north by Senegal, the east and
southeast by Guinea and west southwest by the Atlantic Ocean.
The terrain is basically swampy especially at the coast and low-lying
inland areas with the exception of the regions in the Northeast.
Mountains are rare, rivers are plenty including some freshwater rivers
inland which are navigable for short distances. The Cachew, Mansoa,
Geba, Corubal, Rio Grande de Buba and Cacine are some of the most
prominent river bodies.
GEOGRAPHY: The former Portuguese
Guinea later came to be called Guinea Bissau and is located in West
Africa, flanked to the north by Senegal and to the south and east by
the Republic of Guinea. It envelops the neighbouring islands of Bijagós
and Bolama. The vegetation consists of dense forests and mangroves
amidst swampy terrain especially in the coastal areas. The inland
region is dominated by the Savannah. Guinea Bissau rises from the
coastal plains interspersed by many inlets and then onto plateau
terrain and finally into mountains on the border.
Government: Guinea Bissau gained
independence from Portugal in 1973 and is a Republic. President Kumba Yala has been the Head of State since 2000. since 2002,Head of Government is Prime Minister Mario Pires.
Language: The
official
language is Portuguese. The majority of the
population speaks Guinean Creole. Other
languages spoken are, Balante and Fulani.
Religion: Mainly Animist and
Muslim with a small minority of Roman Catholics and other Christians.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1994, 20 years after independence
from Portugal, the country's first multiparty legislative and
presidential elections were held
Area: 36,125
sq km (13,948 sq miles).
Population: 1,285,715 (official
estimate 2000).
Population Density: 35.6 per sq km.
Capital: Bissau. Population: 197,610 (1991). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
