Guinea Bissau flora and fauna. Guinea-Bissau - a land of pristine natural beauty

The boundary between water and land is very unstable: it changes depending on the rise and fall of water in rivers, tidal fluctuations of the sea (the height of the tidal wave reaches 4 m). It’s not for nothing that this coastline is called an “amphibious region.” As you move away from the ocean, the land surface rises and the relief becomes slightly hilly; in the east, crystalline rocks come to the surface, and there are hills composed of sandstones. The country's climate is equatorial monsoon with average monthly temperatures of 24–28 °C and total precipitation (falling mainly from June to October) from 1400 mm per year in the continental part to 2500 mm in the oceanic part of the country. Characteristic feature The vegetation of Guinea-Bissau is the widespread distribution along the coast of extensive mangroves - low thickets of evergreen trees, adapted to life in a semi-submerged state in the tidal zone. Farther from the ocean, mangroves give way to freshwater swamp forests and then to hardland forests. Natural forests have survived only in river valleys, and in the interfluves they have been replaced by tall grass savannas, which occupy large areas and in the interior of the country. The fauna is also greatly depleted by humans. Only in some places you can find hippos, buffalos, leopards, and antelopes, although monkeys are quite numerous. The country's rivers and coastal seas are rich in fish.

The population of Guinea-Bissau is 1,815,698 people (2016). More than a third are representatives of the Balante people and related Mandjak, Pepel, Mankanya, Bolu and others, who are primarily engaged in agriculture and profess traditional African religions. Another extensive ethnic group- Fulbe nomadic herders profess Islam. The most densely populated coastal areas are where the main cities are located - Bissau (80 thousand people), Bolama, Cacheu, Bafata, Farin.

Story

Colonization of what is now Guinea-Bissau began in 1446, as part of Portuguese colonial expansion, but it was not until 1886 that borders were finally established Portuguese possessions However, the colonial administration established real control over the interior only by 1920. In 1879, Guinea-Bissau was established as a separate colony.

Since the early 60s, in Guinea-Bissau, as in other large Portuguese colonies in Africa, such as Angola and Mozambique, a rebel war against the colonial regime began under the leadership of the PAIGC party, ideologically close to the MPLA and FRELIMO.

Military operations generally proceeded with the advantage of the rebels, and on September 24, 1973, the creation of the independent Republic of Guinea-Bissau was proclaimed in the territory under the control of PAIGC, which by that time amounted to 50 to 70 percent of the territory of the colony. In 1974, after a revolution took place in Portugal, the new government recognized the independence of Guinea-Bissau on September 10, 1974.

After the country gained independence, a one-party system was established. political system and command-planned economic. Guinea-Bissau maintained a generally pro-Soviet orientation in foreign policy, provided airfields for transit Cuban troops to Angola, although she refused the offer Soviet side on the creation of a naval base in the estuary of the Zheba River. After 1986, liberalization of the economy began; in 1989, new constitution, which allowed the creation of alternative ruling parties. In the 1990 elections, PAIGC won an overwhelming victory, but the 1990s were marked by increasing instability. In June 1998, a military coup attempt was made, and clashes began between rebels and government forces. The government managed to stay in power largely due to the presence of troops from Guinea-Bissau neighboring countries- Republic of Guinea and Senegal. In the early years of the 21st century, the country gradually returned to a system of parliamentary democracy.

Geography

Difficult coastline Guinea-Bissau is heavily dissected by river estuaries. The Bijagos Islands, located off the Atlantic coast of the country, were formed when the ancient delta of the Zheba River was flooded. The spurs of the Fouta Djallon plateau, up to 262 m high, extend into the southeast of the country. From east to west, a flat alluvial-marine lowland (swampy in places) extends, gradually descending, because it is located in the area of ​​the latest subsidence on the continental margin of Africa . Mineral resources include deposits of bauxite, phosphorite, gold, and on the shelf - oil and gas.

The climate is subequatorial monsoon with humid summers and dry winters. Average temperature air ≈ +26°С throughout the year. Annual precipitation decreases from 3000 mm on the coast to 1200 mm in the west, where droughts and dust storms are frequent.

The dense river network is represented by high-water rivers (Zheba, Kasheu, Korubal, Balana), navigable over a considerable length.

Along the coast, mangrove forests grow on mangrove swamp soils, giving way to deciduous evergreen forests. And behind them, in the interior regions of the country along river valleys, there are gallery forests on alluvial soils, and in place of cleared forests there are tall grass savannas on red ferralite soils. Indigenous forests occupy 37% of Guinea-Bissau's territory, declining by 1% annually. Of the animals, birds are the best preserved, and mammals mostly exterminated by humans (monkeys, hippos, otters, manatees are found).

Economy

Guinea-Bissau is one of the five poorest countries in the world.

There are deposits of phosphates, bauxite, and oil, but they are not exploited.

The economy is based on agriculture and fishing. In recent years, the cultivation of cashew nuts has been increasing (Guinea-Bissau has become the sixth largest cashew nut producer in the world). The main food crop is rice. Corn and tapioca are also grown.

Export goods - cashews, fish and shrimp, peanuts, timber.

More than 75% of exports go to India (in 2006).

The colorful Republic of Guinea-Bissau is located in North-West Africa. The total area is 36,125 square kilometers. WITH north side The borders are with Senegal, in the east and south - with Guinea. Western part washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The republic includes about 60 islands.

Capital

The capital is Bissau, founded by the Portuguese in 1687.

Population

The total population of the country is approximately 1,959,161. There are several ethnic groups: Balante - 35%, Fulani - 30% of total number, Mandjak 15%, Mandinka - 20%.

Language

The official language is Guinean Portuguese, however, about half of the country's population speaks Guinean Creole fluently. French is used to communicate with foreigners.

Religion

The country is home to more than 65% pagans, 30% Muslims, and about 5% Christians.

Regions and resorts

• Bissau
• Bafata
• Biombo
• Bolama
• Cacheu
• Kinara
• Tombali

Time difference

Kaliningrad: + 2 hours

Moscow: + 3 hours

Samara: + 4 hours

Ekaterinburg: + 5 hours

Omsk: + 6 hours

Krasnoyarsk: + 7 hours

Irkutsk: + 8 hours

Yakutsk: + 9 hours

Vladivostok: + 10 hours

Magadan: + 11 hours

Kamchatka: + 12 hours

Climate

The country has a tropical, monsoon climate. The average air temperature is + 25 degrees Celsius. The dry season begins in December and lasts until mid-May.

Visa

To enter the territory of Guinea-Bissau for citizens Russian Federation visa required. You can get it at the border by presenting a certain package of documents: a passport, a visa, a receipt for payment of the fee, a return ticket, a certificate of receipt of the yellow fever vaccination, and a questionnaire.

Customs

It is allowed to import and export currency in any volume. You can import and export personal items without paying a duty. The list of prohibited items is standard; you cannot transport drugs, weapons, pornography. Allowed to export antiques, various items and items from ivory and crocodile skin, however, please note that in this case you will face strict controls at the border. In addition, you must have a special permit to export these items; you can obtain it in stores at the time of purchasing the goods.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Guinea-Bissau.

By plane

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Russia, so you will have to make a transfer in one of the African or European cities. For example, you can get first to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Lisbon, and from there to Bissau.

By water transport

Ships operate between Dakar and Guinea-Bissau.

By bus

You can get to Guinea-Bissau by bus through Senegal, but you will be required to have a visa when crossing the border.

Excursions

Bissau is the capital of the state and the only museum in the country is located here.

Bolama is amazing place is a mixture natural beauty and ancient ruins.

The Bijagos archipelago consists of 17 islands. Here you will find a natural mixture, you can walk through the jungle, savannah, and immediately find yourself on the beach, surrounded by mango trees.

Archipel de Bolama is a picturesque national park.

Transport

In large cities and resorts, particularly in the capital, bus service is well developed. In addition, you can travel between the islands by ferries, pirogues, and yachts provide more comfortable conditions.

Taxi

In addition, you can use a taxi service and get to the desired location. Traffic flows strictly according to the meter, payment is made at the end. You can call the car from any public place or directly from the hotel.

Car rental

You can only rent a car in the capital, but you will have to pay a considerable amount of money for this pleasure. The quality of roads even in large cities leaves much to be desired.

Communication and Internet

GPRS roaming from Russian operators is not available in the country. There are several Internet cafes in the capital where you can use the Internet without any problems.

Cellular connection

Upon arrival, you can purchase a SIM card from the local operator Spacetel Guinee-Bissau SA, or use Thuraya satellite communications.

How to avoid problems

Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest African countries. Therefore, you can easily become a victim of scammers here. Standard safety rules should be followed during recreation. You cannot go for a walk in the dark. It is best to store valuable items, including money and documents, in a hotel safe.

Money

The official currency is the CFA Franc. The most optimal rate is offered by state banks. They are open on weekdays from 08:30 am to 16:00 local time, on Saturday - from 08:30 to 13:00.

Major cities

There is only one large city in the country - the capital Bissau.

Shopping

While vacationing in this small, exotic country, you can buy interesting souvenirs for friends and family. Popular items include various wood products, clothing, local fabrics, as well as traditional masks and jewelry and, of course, cashew nuts.

There are several interesting shops, and there is also a market, here you can purchase all these goods at affordable prices.

Kitchen

On local cuisine European traditions had a significant influence. Mostly national dishes are prepared from fish, lamb and game. In addition, spices and seasonings are used in large quantities. In local restaurants you can order cold cuts, which include buffalo meat, fried lamb, lobster, fish, and game seasoned with curry sauce. Among drinks, local beer is in great demand.

Attractions

The capital is Bissau - there are several interesting sights on its territory.

• African Artifacts Museum
• Bolama Babak
• Bijagos Archipelago
• Flupe Cannibal Tribes
• Nature reserves of Guinea-Bissau

Holidays

The name of the country translated from the Berber language means “Guinea” - “black”, Bissau is the capital of the state.

On one of annual holidays, you can see an unusual sight - the dance of women from the Balanta tribe. Everything would be fine if each of them did not have a basket on her head in which her husband or lover was sitting.

The pride of the country is its national parks.

In addition to numerous animals, Guinea-Bissau is home to the Tsetse fly.

The official name of the state is Republic of Guinea-Bissau. It is a former Portuguese colony that became independent state in 1974

Currently, Guinea-Bissau is one of the 10 poorest countries in the world.

In addition to the mainland, the territory of Guinea-Bissau includes the island of Bolama and the Bijagos archipelago. The country borders Senegal and Guinea, and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the west.

State symbols

Flag– is a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 1:2. The shaft has a wide vertical red stripe; the rest of the cloth has yellow and green stripes of equal size. In the middle of the red stripe there is a black 5-pointed star as a symbol of the African continent and its black people, freedom and peace. Red color is a symbol of labor and blood shed for freedom. Yellow is a symbol of the desire for decent wages and agricultural harvests, as well as hope for a happy future. The flag was approved on September 24, 1973.

Coat of arms– in the center there is a black star, which is part of traditional Pan-African symbolism (“ Black star Africa"). Seashell at the base it unites two symmetrical olive branches. The sea shell is a symbol of the country's location on the West Coast of Africa. Below on a white ribbon is the national motto Portuguese: “Unity, Struggle, Progress.” The coat of arms was adopted in 1973.

State structure

Form of government- presidential republic.
Head of State- President.

Incumbent since 2014 Jose Mario Vaz
Head of Government- Prime Minister.
Capital and largest city- Bissau.
Official language– Portuguese. Portuguese-based creoles and indigenous languages ​​are widespread.
Territory– 36,120 km².
Administrative division– 8 continental districts and 1 island on the Bijagos archipelago. The capital of the country is allocated to the independent district of Bissau (the smallest in area, but the largest in population). The island district of Bolama is sparsely populated.

Population– 1,647,000 people. Low life expectancy (48 years). Ethnic composition: Balante 30%, Fulani 20%, Mandyak 14%, Mandinka 13%, Papel 7%, other African tribes. Less than 1% are white and mulatto. Urban population 30 %.
Religion– Muslims 50%, aboriginal beliefs 40%, Christians 10%.
Currency– CFA franc.
Economy– poorly developed. Based on agriculture and fishing. Cashew nut cultivation has increased in recent years. The main food crop is rice. Corn, beans and tapioca are grown. Industry: food processing and brewing. Export: cashew nuts, shrimp, peanuts, forest. Import: food, industrial goods, petroleum products. There are deposits of phosphates, bauxite, and oil, but they are not exploited.

Education– literacy of the adult population is 42%. Basic education 6 years (grades 1-6). Secondary education:
- first cycle 3 years (grades 7-9);
- second cycle 3 years (grades 10-12).
Graduates of the first cycle of secondary education receive a Certificate of Completion of 9 classes. Students of the second cycle of secondary education (grades 11-12), after completing each year of study, receive a corresponding certificate with learning results, and upon completion of the program, a Certificate of Completion of Secondary Education, which gives access to higher education.
There are 2 state universities in the country with faculties of economics, sociology, modern languages, journalism, education, law, medicine, veterinary medicine, engineering, and agronomy. Admission is carried out on the basis of training results in high school.
Sport– The most popular type is football. The country took part in four Summer Olympics and took part in freestyle wrestling and athletics competitions. Representatives of Guinea-Bissau did not take part in the Winter Olympic Games. Guinea-Bissau athletes have never won an Olympic medal.
Armed forces– regular army, navy, air force.

Nature

Climate subequatorial monsoon with wet summers and dry winters.
The main part of the country is flat lowland.
A dense network of rivers, mostly high-water and navigable for a considerable length: Zheba, Kasheu, Korubal, Balana. Along the coast there are mangrove forests on mangrove swamp soils, which give way to deciduous evergreen forests. In the interior of the country along river valleys there are gallery scaffolding(forests located in narrow strips along rivers flowing among treeless spaces in arid areas), and in place of cleared forests there are tall grass savannas.

Gallery forest

Indigenous forests cover 37% of Guinea-Bissau's territory, but they are declining by 1% each year.
Fauna: many birds, mammals are mostly exterminated by humans. But there are monkeys, hippos, otters, manatees(large massive aquatic animals with a streamlined body shape).

Tourism

What can attract tourists to such poor country What is Guinea-Bissau like? It turns out that there is something here that can attract travelers. In any country you can find something interesting and unique. Thus, in Guinea-Bissau, many travelers are attracted by safari (excursions to wildlife, on which animals are photographed).

Safari photo hunting
Tourists hunt in open areas as well as in forests and jungles. They are also interested in the traditional life of various ethnic groups.

The Bijagos archipelago and the city of Bolama are the main tourist spots in the country.

Old market in Bafata
The Bijagos Islands were one of the centers of coastal trade in West Africa and had a large fleet, which helped them repel a Portuguese attack in 1535. Only in 1936 were the islands completely conquered by the Portuguese and included in the colony of Portuguese Guinea. Currently they are part of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

Bolama is one of the islands of the archipelago

Culture

The original culture of the peoples of Guinea-Bissau is manifested in plastic art (wooden sculpture, colorful painting of adobe walls of huts, etc.), in music and dance (the Fulani and Malinka are especially prominent in this regard), in oral literary creativity. The Fulani also have written literature (the writing was developed on the basis of the Arabic alphabet).

The Portuguese did not support the development of folk art, they even contributed to its degradation - they reduced the country’s art exclusively to market demand for various kinds souvenirs. And only the museum created in Bissau preserved the valuable collection of African art products. The museum, along with its library, is one of the main cultural attractions of the capital.

It was only after gaining independence that they began to worry about creating a national cadre of specialists.

Sights of Guinea-Bissau

Bissau

Capital of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. The city was founded by the Portuguese in 1687 as a fortified slave trading center. It had a well-defended harbor, accessible to all types of ships of the time. Since 1942, Bissau has been the administrative center of Portuguese Guinea.
The most interesting places in the city are the sandy beaches, the city port, and the Catholic mission of the 17th century. and the Presidential Palace.

Orango Islands National Park

Green turtle

The park is part of the Bijagos Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. Was founded in December 2000. Includes 5 main islands and other smaller islands - a total of 1,582 km² earth's surface. The largest islands are low-lying, dominated by forests and savannah. Population approximately 2500 people. Green turtles nest on the islands.

National Marine Park "Joao Vieira - Poilao Islands"

The marine park is also part of the Bijagos Archipelago Biosphere Reserve.
The park was founded in August 2000. Its total area is 495 km². The park includes 4 main islands and small islets. This is also important place for nesting of sea turtles. Here is the center of sea fishing.

Story

Before the colonization of the territory of modern Guinea-Bissau, tribes lived here Negroid race. It is known that in the Middle Ages they mastered agriculture, growing millet and legumes. They had a primitive communal system.

Colonization period

A Portuguese expedition led by Nuno Tristan (Portuguese navigator and slave trader) landed here in 1446. At the same time, this land was named Guinea. Nuno Trishtan and some of the members of this expedition were killed local residents. And then for 20 years the Portuguese did not land on the coast, until in 1466 the King of Portugal granted his subjects, who were exploring the nearby Cape Verde Islands (now the state of Cape Verde), the right to explore Guinea.

Later, French, English and Dutch corsairs founded their bases on this coast. In the 17th century there were several European settlements on the coast of Guinea. The most significant of them were Farin, Cacheu, Bissau. The purchased slaves were sent to the sugar and tobacco plantations of Brazil.
The Aborigines constantly tried to take over European settlements. The territory of Guinea was governed by the Governor of the Cape Verde Islands. In 1879, Guinea was transformed into a separate colony, Portuguese Guinea. According to the Franco-Portuguese Treaty of 1886, a significant part of the territory went to France (modern Guinea).
Since the beginning of the 20th century. Portuguese colonialists began to create cities. Portuguese trading companies bought peanuts and palm fruits from the aborigines and sold industrial products in return.
In 1951, the territory became an overseas province of Portugal. Some of the aborigines received the rights of citizens of the metropolis (“asimilados” - those who can write in Portuguese, profess Catholicism and wear European clothes).
Since the early 1960s, a rebel war against Portugal began in Portuguese Guinea under the leadership of the Marxist party PAIGC. On September 24, 1973, the creation of the independent Republic of Guinea-Bissau was proclaimed. On September 10, 1974, Portugal recognized the independence of Guinea-Bissau.

Independence

In 1977, PAIGC introduced a monopoly on the purchase and export of palm oil and established uniform purchasing prices for rice and peanuts. As a result, Guinea-Bissau's economic and financial situation deteriorated sharply.
On November 14, 1980, a bloodless coup d'etat took place. After 1986, liberalization of the economy began, and a new constitution was adopted in 1989. In the 1990s. Instability began to increase. In June 1998, a military coup was attempted, but the government managed to remain in power thanks to the presence of troops from the Republic of Guinea and Senegal in Guinea-Bissau.
In 1999, Vieira resigned as president of the country. The interim government transferred power to the opposition leader Kumba Yala, who was removed as a result of a bloodless military coup in 2003, and businessman Enrique Rosa became interim president. But in 2005 he became president again Joao Bernardo Vieira.

On March 1, 2009, an explosion occurred at the army headquarters building, as a result of which the Chief of the General Staff, General Tagme Na Waie, was fatally wounded. The military blamed the president for the death of the general. On the morning of March 2, soldiers attacked the presidential palace and killed Vieira.
In 2011, there was another attempt at a military coup. In January 2012, the seriously ill president died in a Paris hospital Malam Bakay Sanya, which for many represented stabilization.

With his death, the struggle for power intensified with renewed vigor. On April 13, 2012, a new military coup took place led by Mamadou Touré Kuruma. The interim president of the country, Raimundo Pereira, and former Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior were arrested and subsequently released and transported to Côte d'Ivoire. The junta announced the formation of a Transitional Council. The international community condemned the actions of the junta and called for the restoration of constitutional order in the country.

On May 11, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manuel Serif Namajo, became interim president. On October 22, 2012, a new coup attempt was announced.
On May 18, 2014, the PAIGC candidate became the winner of the presidential elections Jose Mario Vash.

Young generation of Guinea-Bissau

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.

Guinea-Bissau

(Guinea-Bissau, Guinée-Bissau), state in the West. Africa on the Atlantic coast, includes the coastal islands of Boloma and the arch. Bijagosh; pl. 36.1 thousand km². The capital is Bissau. The country was discovered in the 15th century. the Portuguese, who in the 16th–18th centuries. Together with the French, English and Dutch, they founded slave trade strongholds here. Since 1879 – a colony of Portugal; since 1951 - its overseas province; since 1972 - author. republic in its composition. Independent since 1973 Republic of Guinea-Bissau ; the head of state is the president, legislative power belongs to the National. people's assembly.
The Atlantic coast is low, swampy, gradually rises in the east and passes into the interior. flat plains and to the spurs of the Fouta Djallon massif. The climate is subequatorial monsoon, constantly hot and humid. Short, full-flowing rivers flow to the west, forming wide estuaries when they flow into the ocean (hence another name - “country of estuaries and rivers”). Due to high tides (up to 4 m), the boundary between land and sea is unstable, which is why the coast is called an “amphibious area”. Dense mangrove forests in the coastal region are replaced in the east by evergreen tropical forests with valuable tree species and palm trees along the river valleys. In the interfluves, instead of forests, there are secondary high-grass savannas. The forests are home to monkeys, leopards, wild boars, buffalos, snakes, as well as tsetse flies, malarial mosquitoes and mosquitoes. River estuaries and coastal waters are rich in fish (mackerel, tuna, sardine), lobsters and shrimp.
Population 1.3 million people. (2001); OK. 20 ethnic groups: Balante (27%), Fulbe (23%), Ash (10%), Mandyak (11%), Mandinka (13%), Sonike, Susu, etc. In the cities there are Portuguese and mulattoes - immigrants from -in Cape Verde. Official The language is Portuguese, but Guinean creole based on Portuguese is more common. 65% of the population profess local animist cults, 30% - Islam, 5% - Christianity (Catholics and Protestants). Urban population 23% (1996). The coastal region is the most densely populated. Rice (30% of the land), peanuts (for export), cotton, cashew nuts, as well as corn, sorghum, millet, cassava, oil and coconut palms, hevea, sugar are grown. cane (for alcohol production), citrus fruits, bananas, vegetables. Live-in transhumance-pasture, unproductive; fish Forest resources are poorly used. The industry is mainly occupied. processing of agricultural household goods raw material, there is also text. and sewing factories, ship repair, car assembly plants (Citroen); production of building materials, wood processing. OK. 60% of the enterprises are concentrated in the capital and its environs. Crafts: wood (red and black) and bone carving (cult figurines, masks, household utensils, furniture); making weapons from wood and cow horn, music. tools, shoes, jewelry, fabrics, embroidery. Transport is poorly developed, mainly seaport (90% of all cargo transportation) and international. airport in the capital. There are no universities. Cash unit – African franc.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under general edition acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

The Republic of Guinea-Bissau (formerly Portuguese Guinea), a state in West Africa on the Atlantic coast. It borders on the north with Senegal, on the east and southeast with the Republic of Guinea. Area (including Bijagosh Islands) – 36,125 sq. km. Guinea-Bissau gained independence in 1974.
Nature. The main part of the country's territory is flat lowland. The highest point is 262 m above sea level. is located in the southeast on the spurs of the Futa Djallon massif. The northern part of the country belongs to the Kasheu river basin, the rest - mainly to the basins of the Zheba and Korubal rivers, which, merging, form a large estuary with a length of approx. 50 km. All three rivers are navigable for a considerable distance.
The climate is tropical, warm and humid, with an average annual temperature of 26° C and a humidity of 70% (in the Bolama region). The average annual rainfall on the Atlantic coast ranges from 1500 mm in the north to 3000 mm in the south, with the wet season lasting from May to October. Inland areas receive less than 1400 mm of precipitation and temperature fluctuations are greater than on the coast.
The country is dominated alluvial soils with fairly high fertility. Mangroves fringe much of the ocean coast. Behind them are evergreen tropical rainforests. Savanna is common in the interior of the country.
Population. According to the 1991 census, 983.4 thousand people lived in Guinea-Bissau, and in 2003 the population increased to 1360 thousand. Africans make up 99% of the population. The main ethnic groups are Balante (32% of the population), Fulbe or Fulani (22%), Mandyako (14%), Malinke or Mandingo (13%), and Ash (7%). About 65% of the population are adherents of local animist beliefs, 30% are Muslims (mostly residents of the interior) and 5% are Christians, mostly Catholics.
In 1991, 109.2 thousand people lived in the capital of the country, Bissau, and 197.6 thousand together with its suburbs. Bissau is located in the estuary of the Zheba River and is the main port of the country. Bolama has a natural harbour, but ships are loaded and unloaded here by lighters. Smaller ports are Cacheu and Bubaque. Transport connections carried out mainly by water along the coast and along rivers. The length of the roads is approx. 4150 km, some of them can be used throughout the year. International airport located near Bissau.
Government system and politics. Since the declaration of independence in 1973, Guinea-Bissau for a long time remained a one-party state. The ruling party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), dominated in all spheres, and it was only in 1991 that constitutional amendments were adopted introducing a multi-party system.
The 1984 Constitution established one-party rule and state control of the economy. Constitutional amendments in 1991 dramatically changed the situation. The PAIGC lost its privileged position in society, the army was depoliticized. A course was set towards creating a market economy. Direct multi-party elections were introduced for a five-year term of the president and deputies of the unicameral National People's Assembly. Amendments to the constitution began to be adopted by a majority vote of assembly deputies. In each of the nine regions of the country there are assemblies that are elected by universal suffrage.
In the elections to the People's National Assembly held in July 1994, the PAIGC won an impressive victory, winning 62 of the 100 seats. The remaining seats were won by representatives of four opposition parties. In the presidential elections held in August of the same year, João Bernardo Vieira, who had ruled the country since 1980, was re-elected.
Guinea-Bissau maintains traditional and strong ties with Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as with neighboring French-speaking countries in West Africa. Since 1974, Guinea-Bissau has been a member of the UN, and since 1973 it has been a member of the Organization of African Unity. Supported economic ties with the EU. In 1996, Guinea-Bissau initiated the creation of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, and in 1997 it became a full member of the African Financial Community (CFA) and approved the transition to a new monetary unit - the CFA franc.
Economy. Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world. The vast majority of its working population (80%) is employed in agriculture, which accounts for 40% of GDP. In 1994, GDP was estimated at $192 million, or $182 per capita (taking into account purchasing power parity - about $900). The economic growth rate in the early 1990s did not exceed 3%, and the population growth rate increased to 2.1%.
The main crops are cashews, peanuts and millet in the interior of the country, rice (the main grain crop) in the flooded lands of river valleys, oil and coconut palms on the coast. The country's coastal waters are rich in fish, and the sale of fishing licenses to foreign vessels has become an important source of income.
In the mid-1980s, the command-administrative economy was abolished, and in 1986 the state monopoly on trade was abolished. The country has embarked on a course of economic reforms approved by the IMF in the 1980s and 1990s.
The country exports mainly food and raw materials: cashew nuts, oil palm products, peanuts, copra, animal hides and timber. The value of imports (mainly industrial goods and food) significantly exceeds export earnings. Portugal has been and remains the main foreign trade partner. Other partners are Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Spain, India, the Netherlands, China, Germany and Nigeria. The decision taken in 1997 to introduce the CFA franc into monetary circulation stimulated the development of trade with other African countries. In the late 1990s, Guinea Bissau had a huge external debt, corresponding to the amount of export earnings for 12 years.
Story. In June 1446, the ships of the Portuguese expedition led by Nunho Trishtan reached the estuary of the Zheba River. Over the next 200 years, slaves were supplied from forts built by the Portuguese along the coast. Latin America. Portugal managed to maintain control of its possessions in this part of Africa, despite attempts to seize the coast by Spanish traders, French pirates, Dutch sailors and local traitors bribed by the British. By the mid-19th century, as a result of the colonial conquests of Great Britain and France, Portugal's position in this part of Africa was significantly weakened. US President Ulysses Grant, who acted as an arbiter in 1870, rejected British claims to the coast of modern Guinea-Bissau. The borders in the interior were established by the Franco-Portuguese Treaty of 1886 and finally demarcated by a joint commission in 1902–1905.
The territory of Guinea-Bissau was governed by the Governor of Cape Verde until 1879, when it was transformed into a separate Portuguese colony led by its own governor. Only by 1920 were the Portuguese able to establish real control over the interior. In 1963, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) launched an armed struggle for independence and by 1972 controlled approximately two-thirds of the country's territory. The Portuguese authorities sent an army of 30 thousand people to fight the PAIGC partisan detachments. On September 24, 1973, deputies of the National People's Assembly, elected in the territory that was under the control of the PAIGC, proclaimed the creation of the independent Republic of Guinea-Bissau. The PAIGC government was formed. In 1974, after Portuguese army officers seized power in Lisbon, the new Portuguese government recognized the independence of Guinea-Bissau on September 10, 1974. The country was led by Luis Cabral, brother of PAIGC founder Amilcar Cabral. The Republic of Cape Verde gained independence in 1975. The PAIGC, which headed the government there, was committed to the idea of ​​unification with Guinea-Bissau. However, plans for unification were postponed after President Luis Cabral was removed from his post as a result of a military coup in November 1980 and General João Bernardo Vieira became head of state.
In 1986, Vieira's government introduced an extensive program economic reforms aimed at liberalizing the public sector of the economy. In 1989, the authorities initiated a revision of the constitution. In June 1989, elections to regional councils were held, in which PAIGC received 95.8% of the votes. PAIGC-controlled regional councils elected deputies to the National People's Assembly, who in turn re-elected Vieira as head of state for a new term.
In 1990, the president approved a plan to introduce a multi-party system. In 1991, the National People's Assembly approved a series of constitutional amendments that legally ended the one-party system. Other amendments abolished the subordination of the armed forces to the PAIGC and guaranteed the introduction of a market economy. Somewhat later, a law was passed legalizing trade unions and abolishing press censorship. At the end of 1991 - beginning of 1992, a number of opposition parties were legalized.
In July 1994, in the parliamentary elections, PAIGC won a majority of seats in the People's National Assembly. In August of the same year, J. Vieira won the presidential election.
In conditions of deterioration economic situation Social instability persisted in Guinea-Bissau in the mid-1990s. Under strong pressure from President Vieira, members of the People's National Assembly approved the country's entry into the West African Monetary Union (WAMU), a grouping of West African states whose currencies are pegged to the French franc. Under the terms of the JMOA, the former currency of Guinea-Bissau, the Guinean peso, was replaced by the African Financial Community (CFA) franc.
The end of the 1990s was marked by frequent personnel changes in the highest echelons of power. In June 1998, Vieira's government suppressed a military coup attempt by former chief General Staff army by Brigadier General Ansumane Mane. He was dismissed in early June on charges of illegally selling weapons to rebels based in neighboring Senegal. In 1998, there were violent clashes between government troops of Guinea-Bissau and the rebels. Hundreds of people were killed and approximately a fifth of the population was forced to flee their homes. Vieira's government managed to stay in power largely due to the presence of troops in Guinea-Bissau from neighboring countries - the Republic of Guinea and Senegal.
LITERATURE
Lavrenov E.L. . M., 1977

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GUINEA-BISSAU

REPUBLIC OF GUINEA-BISSAU
State in North West Africa. It borders on Senegal in the north, Guinea in the east and south, and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The country also owns about 60 islands. The area of ​​Guinea-Bissau is 36,125 km2.
The population (1998 estimate) is 1,206,300. Ethnic groups: Balante - 27%, Fula (Fulbe) - 23%, Mandjak - 11%, Mandinka - 12%. Language: Portuguese (state), Criulo (a mixture of Portuguese with local dialects).
Religion: pagans - 65%, Muslims - 30%, Christians - 5%. The capital is Bissau (138,000 people). State structure- republic. The head of state is Brigadier General Joao Bernardo Vieira (in power since November 14, 1980, re-elected another term in 1994). The head of government is Prime Minister Manuel Saturnino Domingos da Costa. Currency- peso. Average life expectancy (as of 1998): 42 years for men, 45 years for women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 38.7. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 15.5.
Since the 15th century, the territory was under Portuguese rule. Guinea-Bissau gained independence on September 10, 1974. As a result of the November 1980 coup, General Vieira came to power. The country is a member of the UN and the Organization of African Unity.
The climate is tropical: the average annual temperature is about 25° C. The rainy season lasts from June to November.

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Guinea-Bissau is a state in West Africa, off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The country's territory consists of the continental part and many (about 60) coastal islands. Total area - 36.1 thousand sq. km. Until 1973, Guinea-Bissau was a colony of Portugal (cm. Portugal). The official language is Portuguese. Almost the entire mainland of Guinea-Bissau is a low-lying plain, crossed by numerous deep rivers that flow into the ocean through funnel-shaped mouths. Coastal flooding by the ocean caused the separation of numerous islands from the mainland, in particular the Bizhagosh archipelago at the mouth of the Zheba and Korubal rivers.
The boundary between water and land is very unstable: it changes depending on the rise and fall of water in rivers, tidal fluctuations of the sea (the height of the tidal wave reaches 4 m). It’s not for nothing that this coastline is called an “amphibious region.” As you move away from the ocean, the land surface rises and the relief becomes slightly hilly; in the east, crystalline rocks come to the surface, and there are hills composed of sandstones. The country's climate is equatorial monsoon with average monthly temperatures of 24–28 °C and total precipitation (falling mainly from June to October) from 1400 mm per year in the continental part to 2500 mm in the oceanic part of the country.
A characteristic feature of the vegetation of Guinea-Bissau is the widespread distribution along the coast of extensive mangroves - low thickets of evergreen trees adapted to life in a semi-submerged state in the tidal zone. Farther from the ocean, mangroves give way to freshwater swamp forests and then to hardland forests. Natural forests have been preserved only in river valleys, and in the interfluves they have been replaced by tall grass savannas, which occupy large areas in the interior of the country. The fauna is also greatly depleted by humans. Only in some places you can find hippos, buffalos, leopards, and antelopes, although monkeys are quite numerous. The country's rivers and coastal seas are rich in fish.
The population of Guinea-Bissau is about 1.4 million people. More than a third are representatives of the Balante people and related Mandjak, Pepel, Mankanya, Bolu and others, who are primarily engaged in agriculture and profess traditional African religions. Another large ethnic group, the nomadic pastoralists Fulani, profess Islam. The most densely populated coastal areas are where the main cities are located - Bissau (305 thousand people), Bolama, Cacheu, Bafata, Farin.

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Guinea (Portuguese).

Guinea(Bissau) [ Guiné (Bissau)], Portuguese Guinea, a country in West Africa, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Possession of Portugal, since 1951 - an “overseas province” of Portugal. It borders on the north with Senegal, on the east and south with the Republic of Guinea. G. includes the mainland, about. Bolama and the offshore islands of Bijagos (about 60 islands). Area 36.1 thousand. km 2. Population 530 thousand people (1969 estimate). Executive power is exercised by a governor appointed by the Portuguese government. The governor has an advisory body - the Government Council. Represented by 1 deputy in National Assembly Portugal. The administrative center is Bissau. Administratively, it is divided into 3 districts and 9 districts.

Nature

The continental part is a flat, sometimes swampy lowland. The banks are heavily dissected by river estuaries. The climate is equatorial-monsoon, with rainy summer and dry winter seasons. The average temperature in January is 24°C, in July 26°C. Precipitation on the coast up to 2000 mm per year or more, within the country 1200-1500 mm. From east to west, Georgia's territory is crossed by short but high-water rivers (Korubal, Zheba, Kasheu). Vegetation transitional from forest savannah to humid evergreen tropical forests. In the forests there are monkeys, buffaloes, leopards, wild boars, snakes: many birds.

Population

Over 80% of the population belongs to the peoples of the Atlantic (Western Bantoid) language group: Balante, Mandjak, Ash (live along the coast), Fulani (in the interior regions), etc. North-East. inhabit Malinka ( language group mande); Europeans, mainly Portuguese, about 2.5 thousand people, there are mestizos. The official language is Portuguese. More than half of the population sticks to local traditional beliefs, about 40% profess Islam, some are Christians. The official calendar is Gregorian (see Calendar).

Population growth for 1963-69 averaged 0.2% per year. Average density is about 15 people. by 1 km. The economically active population is 312 thousand people, of which over 90% are employed in agriculture. Cities (thousands of inhabitants as of 1965): Bissau (27), Bolama (15), Cacheu (10).

Historical background

State flag. Guinea-Bissau.

Ancient and medieval history the peoples of Georgia have not been studied. In the 15th century on west coast The Portuguese arrived in Africa and turned the territory of modern Greece into a transshipment point for the slave trade. In the 16th-18th centuries. Portuguese slave traders created a number of bases here (Farin, Cacheu, Bissau, etc.); hundreds of thousands of slaves were taken from here to America and the West Indies. Until the beginning of the 19th century. the Portuguese controlled only certain points on the coast and islands; real control over the interior was established in the 30s. 20th century In connection with the beginning of the division of Africa in the last quarter of the 19th century. Germany became the object of rivalry between France and Great Britain. The contradictions between them allowed Portugal to maintain its control over the territory of Portugal (its borders were finally determined by the Franco-Portuguese Treaty on May 12). Until 1879, Greece was governed by the governor of the Portuguese colony on the Cape Verde Islands; in 1879 it became a separate colony.

The population of Georgia offered fierce resistance to foreigners. During the era of the slave trade, the Portuguese strongholds were repeatedly attacked by Africans. The anti-colonial uprising that broke out in 1908 lasted until 1915. Until 1916, the Ash people fought stubbornly for independence. The liberation movement in Georgia especially intensified after World War II (1939-45). In 1956, a national revolutionary party was created - the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and the Cape Verde Islands ( Partido Africano da Independencia da Guiné e Cabo Verde, PAIGC, PAIGC), which led the struggle for independence. In August, PAIGC announced a transition to armed struggle against the Portuguese colonialists. The entire city was engulfed in armed struggle. The armed forces of the PAIGC (national liberation army, partisan detachments, people's militia) liberated and control over 1/2 of the country's territory. Created in the liberated territory local authorities authorities, people's courts, agricultural cooperatives, schools. Other progressive reforms are being implemented.

Economy

Guinea is one of the most economically backward countries in Africa. Natural resources(timber, etc.) are exploited by foreign, mainly Portuguese, monopolies. The land is owned by European colonists or local feudal nobility, who rent it out to peasants. Forced labor is widely used on large plantations. The main occupation of the population is tropical agriculture. 9.4% of the land fund is cultivated.

Peanuts are of commercial value (90 thousand). ha, 65 thousand T in 1968), rice (70 thousand). ha, 130 thousand T in 1964), cultivated in peasant farms, as well as palm kernels (8 thousand. T in 1968) and oil (8 thousand. T), - products of palm trees grown mainly on plantations. Cotton, castor beans, rubber plants, cocoa, and sugar cane are also cultivated. Collecting the fruits of wild oil and coconut palms is common. Cattle (245), pigs (107), goats (172), and sheep (62) are bred (thousand heads, in 1967/68). There is fishing off the coast.

Electricity production 7.7 million kWh(1968). industry is represented by enterprises for the primary processing of peanuts, rice, rubber, sugar cane (for alcohol); there are soap factories, sawmills, pulp mills, ceramic production, vegetable oil factory, brick factory. 320 thousand are prepared annually. m valuable tropical wood. There are no railways. Length highways(1969/70) 3.5 thousand km(including 2.2 thousand. km With hard surface). The length of navigable river routes is 0.8 thousand. km. Coastal shipping. Seaports- Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu. Airport international importance in Bissau, Export of peanuts (2/3 of export value), palm oil and kernels, rubber, timber and lumber. Import of cement, fabrics, petroleum products, food, tobacco. Most foreign trade turnover accounts for Portugal.

IN liberated areas democratic changes are taking place. For development purposes agriculture are being organized production cooperatives. The People's Stores enterprise has been created, which provides the population with basic necessities. The monetary unit is the G. escudo, equal to 1 Portuguese escudo.

N. A. Smirnov.

Education

The schools are attended mainly by Europeans and mestizos; the number of Africans is extremely small. Teaching is conducted in Portuguese. Children are admitted to primary school different ages. The duration of education in primary school is 4 years, in secondary school - 7 years. Most Africans only complete the first 2 years of primary school. Vocational training is poorly developed and is based on primary school. Secondary special and higher educational institutions No. In the 1966/67 academic year in primary schools 17.8 thousand students studied, 1 secondary school had 446 students, vocational training 652 people received. In Bissau there is a museum of G. with a small library.

In the liberated areas, work is underway to eliminate illiteracy among the African population.

Literature:

• Silva J., Portuguese Colonies in Africa, trans. from Portuguese, M., 1962;
• Khazanov A. M., Policy of Portugal in Africa and Asia, M., 1967;
• Sheinis V.L., Portuguese imperialism in Africa after the Second World War, M., 1969;
• Teixcira Pinto Y., A ocupação militar da Guiné, Lisboa, 1936:
• Galvão N., Selvagem C., Colónia da Guiné, Lisboa, 1950;
• Mota T., Guiné Portuguesa, Lisboa, 1954.