In 2009, Guinea-Bissau had a population of 1,515,986 people and a population growth rate of 2.9%. The economy was driven by the export of commodities such as cashew nuts, fish and shrimp. Guinea-Bissau was an active member in many international organisations including the United Nations, African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Politically, Guinea-Bissau was a presidential representative democratic republic with two major political parties: the Party for Social Renewal (PRS) and the African Independence Party of Guinea-Bissau (PAIGC). The then President was Malam Bacai Sanhá who had been in office since 2008. He had previously served as Prime Minister from 2000 to 2003 under President Kumba Yala. See internetsailors for Guinea-Bissau in the year of 2011.
Yearbook 2009
Guinea Bissau. According to countryaah, Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Júnior and his African Independence Party for Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC), which won the parliamentary elections in November 2008, formed a new government on January 2. Later that month, Army Chief General Tagme Na Waie was shot by soldiers from the Presidential Guard. Strong tensions prevailed for several months between President João Bernardo “Nino” Vieira and the general. On the night of March 2, Tagme Na Waie was killed in a bomb attack. A few hours later, President Vieira was shot dead by soldiers in what several assessors described as revenge for the general’s assassination. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for abbreviation PU which stands for the nation of Guinea-Bissau.
In recent years, Guinea-Bissau has become a transhipment port for South American leagues smuggling cocaine into Europe and speculation has been raised as to whether the murders had to do with the drug trade. Several military but also politicians were suspected of having interests in smuggling traffic. From a military point of view, it was emphasized that the assassination of the president had been carried out by a small and isolated group within the army.
In accordance with the constitution, President Raimundo Pereira was appointed new temporary head of state until presidential elections could be held. Pereira appealed to the outside world for help in maintaining stability in the country. In April, the government party, the opposition, the military, civilian organizations and foreign observers decided to postpone the elections in June to allow more time for preparation. In May, Brazil promised to contribute both money and staff to the elections. The EU also promised financial support.
In April, PAIGC appointed Malam Bacai Sanhá as the presidential candidate of the ruling party, in competition with, among others, Pereira. The government found it difficult to manage payroll payments to all public servants, and both teachers and health care workers struck during the spring to express their displeasure. In early June, reports of a coup attempt came, at a time when both the prime minister and the interim president were abroad. Several leading politicians were accused of planning a coup and at least five people were killed by men in uniform. Among the victims were Baciro Dabo, a minister who would have run as an independent candidate in the presidential election, as well as former Prime Minister Faustino Fudut Imbali. A number of PAIGC members were arrested.
The murders of politicians were condemned by both the UN and the EU, the African Union (AU) and the regional cooperation organization ECOWAS. Nevertheless, the presidential election was held as planned June 28. Eleven presidential candidates ran in the election, which however was first decided in a second round of elections on July 26. PAIGC’s candidate Sanhá received 63 percent of the vote, thus defeating Kumba Ialá from the Social Renewal Parties (PRS). Voter turnout was just over 61 percent, significantly lower than in the 2008 parliamentary elections, when a full 82 percent of Guineans voted.
Shopping
Overview
The markets sell local handicrafts and carvings. In Bissau you will find some modern shops. Opening hours of the shops: generally Mon-Fri 07.30-12.30 and 14.30-18.30.
Culinary
Overview
The few small hotels and restaurants in Guinea-Bissau offer excellent dishes such as Jollof Rice, chicken and fish dishes. The staple foods are cassava, yam and corn.
Accommodation
Hotels
There are several large hotels as well as various small budget hotels. Advance booking and confirmation of booking is recommended.
Camping
There are no official campgrounds, and camping is generally discouraged.
Culture
Religion
indigenous religions (50%); also Muslims (45%) and Christian minorities (5%, mostly Catholics).
Social Rules of Conduct
Casual clothing is accepted everywhere. One should respect local customs; modest clothing is advisable, especially in the Islamic regions. Also, no valuables should be displayed; In Bissau in particular, there is a risk of mugging and theft due to armed gang crime. Photographing: Be careful when choosing a subject, photographing military or police installations is prohibited. Tipping: 10% is reasonable, but officially frowned upon.
Climate
Best travel time
Tropical. Rainy season: May – November, dry season with harmattan desert winds from December to April. Hot winds blow from the interior. Rainiest months: July and August. Average temperature 24°C.
Country data
Phone prefix
+245
Area (sq km)
36125
Population
1,968,001
Population density (per square km)
48
Population statistics year
2020