Guinea-Bissau: flag, capital, currency and history

Flag of Guinea-Bissau

Download the flag of Guinea-Bissau as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇬🇼.

History of Guinea-Bissau

The coastal and inland lands of Guinea-Bissau were part of the Mali Empire's sphere and later the Kaabu kingdom. Portuguese navigators reached the coast in the 15th century, and the area became a base of the Atlantic slave trade. Portugal slowly asserted control, and the territory became the colony of Portuguese Guinea. Led by Amilcar Cabral, the PAIGC began an armed struggle in 1963. Independence was declared in 1973, and Portugal recognised it in 1974. Guinea-Bissau is a republic, and its capital is Bissau.

Key dates

1. 15th centuryPortuguese navigators reach the coast and begin trading.
2. 1879Portuguese Guinea is separated administratively from Cape Verde.
3. 1956Amilcar Cabral and others found the PAIGC.
4. 1963The PAIGC begins an armed war against Portuguese rule.
5. 1973Independence is declared on 24 September.
6. 1974Portugal recognises independence following political change in Lisbon.
7. 1998A military uprising leads to a civil conflict.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.

Currency of Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau uses the West African CFA franc (XOF, Fr). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.

Frequently asked questions

Neighbours of Guinea-Bissau

GuineaConakrySenegalDakar

More countries in Western Africa

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