Guinea-Bissau

• Capital of Guinea-Bissau: Bissau
• Total Area: 36,125 km² (13,948 mi²) (Rank 137)
• Population: 1,995,688 (Rank 148) - (2024 estimate)
• Location: Western Africa
• Languages of Guinea-Bissau: Portuguese (official), Crioulo, other local languages
• Religions in Guinea-Bissau: Sunni Muslim 45.1%, Christian 22.1%, other traditional beliefs 14.9%, unaffiliated 2%, other religions 0.3% (2020 estimate)
• Ethnic groups in Guinea-Bissau: Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Mandinka 14%, Mandyako 13%, Papel 7%, Europeans and mixed less than 1%
• Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
• Time zone: UTC (Greenwich Mean Time)
• Calling code: (+245)
• Organizations: United Nations, African Union, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
• Border countries (2): Guinea 421 km (262 mi), Senegal 341 km (212 mi)
• Coastline: 350 km (217 mi)
• Maritime boundaries: Atlantic Ocean

Major Cities and Regions of Guinea-Bissau

1. Bissau

• Region: Bissau Autonomous Sector.
• Description: The capital and largest city of Guinea-Bissau and its main port. Located at the mouth of the Geba River on the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1687 as a fortified Portuguese trading settlement. Houses the Presidential Palace, Bissau Cathedral, and the National Museum.

2. Bafatá

• Region: Bafatá region.
• Description: The second largest city in Guinea-Bissau, located in the center of the country. Famous for being the birthplace of Amílcar Cabral, the revolutionary leader who led the independence movement. Serves as an important commercial and administrative center in the central region.

3. Gabú

• Region: Gabú region.
• Description: A city in eastern Guinea-Bissau near the border with Guinea. It was the capital of the historical Kabu region and is known for its rich cultural heritage. Serves as an important center for agriculture and livestock in the eastern region.

4. Cacheu

• Region: Cacheu region.
• Description: A historic city located on the Cacheu River in the northwest of the country. It was an important center for the slave trade during the colonial era and features the historic Cacheu Fortress dating back to the 16th century.

5. Mansôa

• Region: Oio region.
• Description: A town in central Guinea-Bissau, an important administrative and commercial center. Known for its vibrant local markets and proximity to fertile agricultural areas and the Cagó Natural Reserve.

6. Catió

• Region: Tombali region.
• Description: A town in southern Guinea-Bissau, capital of the Tombali region. Located near the border with Guinea and known for being a center for fishing and agriculture. Serves as a gateway to the natural areas in the south of the country.

7. Bolama

• Region: Bolama region.
• Description: An island and historical settlement in the Bissagos Archipelago. It was the first capital of Portuguese Guinea (Guinea-Bissau) from 1879 to 1941. Known for its abandoned colonial buildings and pristine nature.

8. Bubaque

• Region: Bolama region.
• Description: A town in the Bissagos Archipelago, the largest settlement on the islands. Known for its beautiful beaches and pristine nature, serving as an ecotourism center. Considered the gateway to the Bissagos Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.