What is Guinea-Bissau?
Guinea-Bissau, officially known as the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, is a country located in West Africa. It shares borders with Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east. Guinea-Bissau has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country is known for its rich biodiversity, cultural diversity, and turbulent political history. Despite its small size, Guinea-Bissau has a significant role in the regional politics of West Africa.
Administrative Divisions
Guinea-Bissau is divided into 8 regions and 1 autonomous sector:
- Bafatá
- Biombo
- Bolama
- Cacheu
- Gabú
- Oio
- Tombali
- Quinara
- Autonomous Sector of Bissau (capital region)
Currency Details
- Currency Name: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Symbol: CFA
- Subunit: 1 CFA franc = 100 Centimes
- Central Bank: Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)
Type of Government
Guinea-Bissau operates as a presidential republic. The President of the Republic is both the head of state and government, with a multi-party system. Guinea-Bissau has faced political instability, marked by military coups and frequent changes in leadership. Despite this, the country continues to strive for a stable democratic process, with elections held at regular intervals.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| President | Head of state and government | Holds executive power, formulates national policy, and represents the country internationally. |
| Prime Minister | Head of government operations | Appointed by the President to manage day-to-day government operations and coordinate national policy. |
| Cabinet Ministers | Appointed by the President | Responsible for the various sectors of governance such as health, finance, and security. |
Legislative Branch
Guinea-Bissau’s National People’s Assembly is a unicameral legislature consisting of 102 members elected by the people. The assembly enacts laws, ratifies the budget, and provides a check on the executive branch.
Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court of Guinea-Bissau is the highest judicial authority in the country. It ensures the proper application of the constitution and laws of the nation. There is also a network of lower courts handling civil, criminal, and family cases.
International Memberships
Guinea-Bissau is a member of several key international organizations, including:
- United Nations (UN)
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
- African Union (AU)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Military Structure
Guinea-Bissau’s military consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, but it has been heavily involved in political events over the years, including military coups. The military plays an important role in national security and political stability, and often has significant influence over government affairs.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 117
- Medical Emergency: 118
- Fire: 119
SWOT Analysis of Guinea-Bissau
Strengths
- Rich natural resources, particularly in agriculture and fisheries.
- Strong cultural heritage with diverse ethnic groups.
- Strategic location along the Atlantic coast, which has potential for trade and tourism.
Weaknesses
- Political instability and history of military coups.
- Limited infrastructure and economic dependence on agriculture.
- High levels of poverty and unemployment.
Opportunities
- Expanding agricultural exports, especially cashew nuts.
- Development of tourism infrastructure to capitalize on its coastal and cultural assets.
- Strengthening democratic institutions and governance for greater stability.
Threats
- Ongoing political instability and military interference in governance.
- Economic vulnerability due to reliance on a few primary exports.
- Environmental challenges, such as coastal erosion and deforestation.
Additional Information
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
- National Anthem: “Esta é a nossa pátria bem amada” (This is Our Beloved Homeland)