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Guinea vs. Guinea-Bissau

Introduction

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
Background

Guinea's deep Muslim heritage arrived via the neighboring Almoravid Empire in the 11th century. Following Almoravid decline, Guinea existed on the fringe of several African kingdoms all competing for regional dominance. In the 13th century, the Mali Empire took control of Guinea, encouraging its already growing Muslim faith. After the fall of the West African empires, various smaller kingdoms controlled Guinea. In the 18th century, Fulani Muslims established an Islamic state in central Guinea that represents one of the earliest examples of a written constitution and alternating leadership. While European traders first arrived in the 16th century, it was the French who secured colonial rule in the 19th century.

In 1958, Guinea became independent from France, and Sekou TOURE established an authoritarian regime. TOURE ruled until his death in 1984. After TOURE's death, General Lansana CONTE staged a coup and seized the government. CONTE organized and won presidential elections in 1993, 1998, and 2003. Upon CONTE's death in December 2008, Captain Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seized power, and suspended the constitution. In September 2009, presidential guards opened fire on an opposition rally, killing more than 150 people. In early December 2009, CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and exiled to Burkina Faso. In 2010 and 2013 respectively, the country held its first free and fair presidential and legislative elections. Alpha CONDE won the 2010 and 2015 presidential elections. CONDE's first cabinet was the first all-civilian government in Guinean history. In March 2020, Guinea passed a constitutional referendum that extended presidential terms and reset CONDE's term count, and later that year, Alpha CONDE won a controversial third presidential term. CONDE's current term will end in 2026.

For much of its history, Guinea-Bissau was under the control of the Mali Empire and the Kaabu kingdom. In the 16th century, Portugal began establishing trading posts along Guinea-Bissau's shoreline. Initially, the Portuguese were restricted to the coastline and islands. However, the slave and gold trade was lucrative to local African leaders, and the Portuguese were slowly able expand their power and influence inland. Starting in the 18th century, the Mali Empire and Kingdom of Kaabu slowly disintegrated into smaller local entities. By the 19th century, Portugal had fully incorporated Guinea-Bissau into its empire.

Since gaining independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established General Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. VIEIRA's regime suppressed political opposition and purged political rivals.  Several coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In May 1999, a military mutiny and civil war led to VIEIRA's ouster. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over power to opposition leader Kumba YALA. In September 2003, a bloodless military coup overthrew YALA and installed businessman Henrique ROSA as interim president. In 2005, former President VIEIRA was reelected pledging to pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was assassinated in March 2009. In June 2009, Malam Bacai SANHA was elected, but he passed away in January 2012 from a long-term illness. In April 2012, a military coup prevented the second-round of the presidential election from taking place. Following mediation from the Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS), a civilian transitional government assumed power. In 2014, Jose Mario VAZ won a free and fair election. In June 2019, VAZ became the first president in Guinea-Bissau's history to complete a full presidential term. After winning the 2019 presidential elections, Umaro SISSOCO EMBALO was sworn in as president.

Geography

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
LocationWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra LeoneWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal
Geographic coordinates11 00 N, 10 00 W12 00 N, 15 00 W
Map referencesAfricaAfrica
Areatotal: 245,857 sq km

land: 245,717 sq km

water: 140 sq km
total: 36,125 sq km

land: 28,120 sq km

water: 8,005 sq km
Area - comparativeslightly smaller than Oregon; slightly larger than twice the size of Pennsylvaniaslightly less than three times the size of Connecticut
Land boundariestotal: 4,046 km

border countries (6): Cote d'Ivoire 816 km, Guinea-Bissau 421 km, Liberia 590 km, Mali 1062 km, Senegal 363 km, Sierra Leone 794 km
total: 762 km

border countries (2): Guinea 421 km, Senegal 341 km
Coastline320 km350 km
Maritime claimsterritorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climategenerally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan windstropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
Terraingenerally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interiormostly low-lying coastal plain with a deeply indented estuarine coastline rising to savanna in east; numerous off-shore islands including the Arquipelago Dos Bijagos consisting of 18 main islands and many small islets
Elevation extremeshighest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 472 m
highest point: unnamed elevation in the eastern part of the country 300 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 70 m
Natural resourcesbauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, saltfish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite, limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum
Land useagricultural land: 58.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 2.8% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 43.5% (2018 est.)

forest: 26.5% (2018 est.)

other: 15.4% (2018 est.)
agricultural land: 44.8% (2018 est.)

arable land: 8.2% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 6.9% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 29.7% (2018 est.)

forest: 55.2% (2018 est.)

other: 0% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land950 sq km (2012)250 sq km (2012)
Natural hazardshot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry seasonhot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires
Environment - current issuesdeforestation; inadequate potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing, overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices lead to environmental damage; water pollution; improper waste disposaldeforestation (rampant felling of trees for timber and agricultural purposes); soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing
Environment - international agreementsparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - notethe Niger and its important tributary the Milo River have their sources in the Guinean highlandsthis small country is swampy along its western coast and low-lying inland
Total renewable water resources226 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)31.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)
Population distributionareas of highest density are in the west and south; interior is sparsely populated as shown in this population distribution mapapproximately one-fifth of the population lives in the capital city of Bissau along the Atlantic coast; the remainder is distributed among the eight other, mainly rural, regions as shown in this population distribution map

Demographics

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
Population12,877,894 (July 2021 est.)1,976,187 (July 2021 est.)
Age structure0-14 years: 41.2% (male 2,601,221/female 2,559,918)

15-24 years: 19.32% (male 1,215,654/female 1,204,366)

25-54 years: 30.85% (male 1,933,141/female 1,930,977)

55-64 years: 4.73% (male 287,448/female 305,420)

65 years and over: 3.91% (male 218,803/female 270,492) (2020 est.)
0-14 years: 43.17% (male 417,810/female 414,105)

15-24 years: 20.38% (male 192,451/female 200,370)

25-54 years: 30.24% (male 275,416/female 307,387)

55-64 years: 3.12% (male 29,549/female 30,661)

65 years and over: 3.08% (male 25,291/female 34,064) (2020 est.)
Median agetotal: 19.1 years

male: 18.9 years

female: 19.4 years (2020 est.)
total: 18 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 18.6 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate2.76% (2021 est.)2.52% (2021 est.)
Birth rate35.86 births/1,000 population (2021 est.)36.64 births/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Death rate8.28 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.)7.69 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Net migration rate0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.)-3.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sex ratioat birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2020 est.)
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.9 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2020 est.)
Infant mortality ratetotal: 50.99 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 55.83 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 46 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.)
total: 50.44 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 56.33 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 44.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.)
Life expectancy at birthtotal population: 63.53 years

male: 61.7 years

female: 65.42 years (2021 est.)
total population: 63.26 years

male: 61.04 years

female: 65.55 years (2021 est.)
Total fertility rate4.89 children born/woman (2021 est.)4.72 children born/woman (2021 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate1.4% (2020 est.)3% (2020 est.)
Nationalitynoun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean
noun: Bissau-Guinean(s)

adjective: Bissau-Guinean
Ethnic groupsFulani (Peuhl) 33.4%, Malinke 29.4%, Susu 21.2%, Guerze 7.8%, Kissi 6.2%, Toma 1.6%, other/foreign 0.4% (2018 est.)Fulani 28.5%, Balanta 22.5%, Mandinga 14.7%, Papel 9.1%, Manjaco 8.3%, Beafada 3.5%, Mancanha 3.1%, Bijago 2.1%, Felupe 1.7%, Mansoanca 1.4%, Balanta Mane 1%, other 1.8%, none 2.2% (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS110,000 (2020 est.)37,000 (2020 est.)
ReligionsMuslim 89.1%, Christian 6.8%, animist 1.6%, other 0.1%, none 2.4% (2014 est.)Muslim 45.1%, Christian 22.1%, animist 14.9%, none 2%, unspecified 15.9% (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths3,300 (2020 est.)1,500 (2020 est.)
LanguagesFrench (official), Pular, Maninka, Susu, other native languages

note: about 40 languages are spoken; each ethnic group has its own language
Portuguese-based Creole, Portuguese (official; largely used as a second or third language), Pular (a Fula language), Mandingo
Literacydefinition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 30.4%

male: 38.1%

female: 22.8% (2015)
definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 59.9%

male: 71.8%

female: 48.3% (2015)
Major infectious diseasesdegree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis

animal contact diseases: rabies

aerosolized dust or soil contact diseases: Lassa fever (2016)

note: on 14 February 2021, the Guinea government declared an outbreak of Ebola in N'Zerekore; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Travel Advisory recommending travelers avoid non-essential travel to Guinea; travelers to this area could be infected with Ebola if they come into contact with an infected person's blood or other body fluids; travelers should seek medical care immediately if they develop fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising during or after travel
degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis

animal contact diseases: rabies
Education expenditures2.3% of GDP (2018)2.1% of GDP (2013)
Urbanizationurban population: 37.3% of total population (2021)

rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
urban population: 44.6% of total population (2021)

rate of urbanization: 3.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water sourceimproved: urban: 97.9% of population

rural: 69.8% of population

total: 79.9% of population

unimproved: urban: 2.1% of population

rural: 27.6% of population

total: 20.1% of population (2017 est.)
improved: urban: 91.2% of population

rural: 60.3% of population

total: 73.5% of population

unimproved: urban: 8.5% of population

rural: 39.7% of population

total: 26.5% of population (2017 est.)
Sanitation facility accessimproved: urban: 85.6% of population

rural: 34.8% of population

total: 53% of population

unimproved: urban: 14.4% of population

rural: 65.2% of population

total: 47% of population (2017 est.)
improved: urban: 66.5% of population

rural: 13.4% of population

total: 36.2% of population

unimproved: urban: 33.5% of population

rural: 86.6% of population

total: 63.8% of population (2017 est.)
Major cities - population1.991 million CONAKRY (capital) (2021)621,000 BISSAU (capital) (2021)
Maternal mortality rate576 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)667 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight16.3% (2018)18.8% (2019)
Health expenditures3.9% (2018)7% (2018)
Physicians density0.08 physicians/1,000 population (2016)0.13 physicians/1,000 population (2016)
Hospital bed density0.3 beds/1,000 population (2011)1 beds/1,000 population (2009)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate7.7% (2016)9.5% (2016)
Demographic profile

Guinea's strong population growth is a result of declining mortality rates and sustained elevated fertility. The population growth rate was somewhat tempered in the 2000s because of a period of net outmigration. Although life expectancy and mortality rates have improved over the last two decades, the nearly universal practice of female genital cutting continues to contribute to high infant and maternal mortality rates. Guinea's total fertility remains high at about 5 children per woman because of the ongoing preference for larger families, low contraceptive usage and availability, a lack of educational attainment and empowerment among women, and poverty. A lack of literacy and vocational training programs limit job prospects for youths, but even those with university degrees often have no option but to work in the informal sector. About 60% of the country's large youth population is unemployed.

Tensions and refugees have spilled over Guinea's borders with Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d'Ivoire. During the 1990s Guinea harbored as many as half a million refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia, more refugees than any other African country for much of that decade. About half sought refuge in the volatile "Parrot's Beak" region of southwest Guinea, a wedge of land jutting into Sierra Leone near the Liberian border. Many were relocated within Guinea in the early 2000s because the area suffered repeated cross-border attacks from various government and rebel forces, as well as anti-refugee violence.

Guinea-Bissau's young and growing population is sustained by high fertility; approximately 60% of the population is under the age of 25. Its large reproductive-age population and total fertility rate of more than 4 children per woman offsets the country's high infant and maternal mortality rates. The latter is among the world's highest because of the prevalence of early childbearing, a lack of birth spacing, the high percentage of births outside of health care facilities, and a shortage of medicines and supplies.

Guinea-Bissau's history of political instability, a civil war, and several coups (the latest in 2012) have resulted in a fragile state with a weak economy, high unemployment, rampant corruption, widespread poverty, and thriving drug and child trafficking. With the country lacking educational infrastructure, school funding and materials, and qualified teachers, and with the cultural emphasis placed on religious education, parents frequently send boys to study in residential Koranic schools (daaras) in Senegal and The Gambia. They often are extremely deprived and are forced into street begging or agricultural work by marabouts (Muslim religious teachers), who enrich themselves at the expense of the children. Boys who leave their marabouts often end up on the streets of Dakar or other large Senegalese towns and are vulnerable to even worse abuse.

Some young men lacking in education and job prospects become involved in the flourishing international drug trade. Local drug use and associated violent crime are growing.

Contraceptive prevalence rate10.9% (2018)20.6% (2018)
Dependency ratiostotal dependency ratio: 85.2

youth dependency ratio: 79.7

elderly dependency ratio: 5.5

potential support ratio: 18.3 (2020 est.)
total dependency ratio: 81.2

youth dependency ratio: 76

elderly dependency ratio: 5.2

potential support ratio: 19.1 (2020 est.)

Government

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
Country nameconventional long form: Republic of Guinea

conventional short form: Guinea

local long form: Republique de Guinee

local short form: Guinee

former: French Guinea

etymology: the country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel
conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau

conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau

local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau

local short form: Guine-Bissau

former: Portuguese Guinea

etymology: the country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel; "Bissau," the name of the capital city, distinguishes the country from neighboring Guinea
Government typepresidential republicsemi-presidential republic
Capitalname: Conakry

geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 13 42 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: according to tradition, the name derives from the fusion of the name "Cona," a Baga wine and cheese producer who lived on Tombo Island (the original site of the present-day capital), and the word "nakiri," which in Susu means "the other bank" or "the other side"; supposedly, Baga's palm grove produced the best wine on the island and people traveling to sample his vintage, would say: "I am going to Cona, on the other bank (Cona-nakiri)," which over time became Conakry
name: Bissau

geographic coordinates: 11 51 N, 15 35 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: the meaning of Bissau is uncertain, it might be an alternative name for the Papel people who live in the area of the city of Bissau
Administrative divisions7 regions administrative and 1 gouvenorat*; Boke, Conakry*, Faranah, Kankan, Kindia, Labe, Mamou, N'Zerekore9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama/Bijagos, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali
Independence2 October 1958 (from France)24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal)
National holidayIndependence Day, 2 October (1958)Independence Day, 24 September (1973)
Constitutionhistory: previous 1958, 1990; latest promulgated 19 April 2010, approved 7 May 2010

amendments: proposed by the National Assembly or by the president of the republic; consideration of proposals requires approval by simple majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires approval in referendum; the president can opt to submit amendments directly to the Assembly, in which case approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote; revised in 2020
history: promulgated 16 May 1984; note - constitution suspended following military coup April 2012, restored 2014; note - in May 2020, President EMBALO established a commission to draft a revised constitution

amendments: proposed by the National People's Assembly if supported by at least one third of its members, by the Council of State (a presidential consultant body), or by the government; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on the republican and secular form of government and national sovereignty cannot be amended; amended 1991, 1993, 1996
Legal systemcivil law system based on the French modelmixed legal system of civil law, which incorporated Portuguese law at independence and influenced by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), African Francophone Public Law, and customary law
Suffrage18 years of age; universal18 years of age; universal
Executive branchchief of state: President Alpha CONDE (since 21 December 2010)

note: on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup by a National Committee of Rally and Development that arrested President CONDE, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the government

head of government: Prime Minister Ibrahima FOFANA (since 22 May 2018)

note: on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup by a National Committee of Rally and Development that arrested President CONDE, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 18 October 2020 (next to be held in October 2025); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Alpha CONDE reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Alpha CONDE (RPG) 59.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO (UFDG) 33.5%, other 7%
chief of state:  President Umaro Cissoko EMBALO (since 27 February 2020); note - President EMBALO was declared winner of the 29 December 2019 runoff presidential election by the electoral commission; however, on 28 February 2020, Cipriano CASSAMA was appointed as interim president by the parliament until the Supreme Court rules on the legitimacy of the elections due to alleged irregularities in voting; CASSAMA resigned the following day stating he had received death threats 

head of government: Prime Minister Nuno NABIAM (since 27 February 2020)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president

elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term; election last held on 24 November 2019 with a runoff on 29 December 2019 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the National People's Assembly; note - the president cannot apply for a third consecutive term, nor during the 5 years following the end of the second term

election results: Umaro Sissoco EMBALO elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Domingos Simoes PEREIRA (PAIGC) 40.1%, Umaro Sissoco EMBALO (Madem G15) 27.7%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM (APU-PDGB) 13.2%, Jose Mario VAZ (independent) 12.4%, other 6.6%; percent of vote in second round - Umaro Sissoco EMBALO 53.6%, Domingos Simoes PEREIRA 46.5%
Legislative branchdescription: unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale Populaire (114 seats; 76 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote and 38 directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms)

elections: last held on 21 March 2020 (next to be held 1 March 2027)

election results: In parliamentary elections, the Rally of the Guinean People-Rainbow wins 57.5% of the vote (79 of 114 seats), the Democratic Union of Guinea 5.3% (4), the Democratic Popular Movement of Guinea 4.1% (3), and the New Democratic Forces 2.8% (3). Turnout is 58.0%.
description: unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (102 seats; 100 members directly elected in 27 multi-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote and 2 elected in single-seat constituencies for citizens living abroad (1 for Africa, 1 for Europe); all members serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 10 March 2019 (next to be held in March 2023)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAIGC 35.2%, Madem G-15 21.1%, PRS 21.1%, other 22.6%; seats by party - PAIGC 47, Madem G-15 27, PRS 21, other 7; composition - men 88, women 14, percent of women 13.7%
Judicial branchhighest courts: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (organized into Administrative Chamber and Civil, Penal, and Social Chamber; court consists of the first president, 2 chamber presidents, 10 councilors, the solicitor general, and NA deputies); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court first president appointed by the national president after consultation with the National Assembly; other members appointed by presidential decree; members serve until age 65; Constitutional Court member appointments - 2 by the National Assembly and the president of the republic, 3 experienced judges designated by their peers, 1 experienced lawyer, 1 university professor with expertise in public law designated by peers, and 2 experienced representatives of the Independent National Institution of Human Rights; members serve single 9-year terms

subordinate courts: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; High Court of Justice or Cour d'Assises; Court of Account (Court of Auditors); Courts of First Instance (Tribunal de Premiere Instance); labor court; military tribunal; justices of the peace; specialized courts
highest courts: Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica (consists of 9 judges and organized into Civil, Criminal, and Social and Administrative Disputes Chambers); note - the Supreme Court has both appellate and constitutional jurisdiction

judge selection and term of office: judges nominated by the Higher Council of the Magistrate, a major government organ responsible for judge appointments, dismissals, and judiciary discipline; judges appointed by the president for life

subordinate courts: Appeals Court; regional (first instance) courts; military court
Political parties and leadersBloc Liberal or BL [Faya MILLIMONO]
National Party for Hope and Development or PEDN [Lansana KOUYATE]
Rally for the Guinean People or RPG [Alpha CONDE]
Union for the Progress of Guinea or UPG
Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea or UFDG [Cellou Dalein DIALLO]
Union of Republican Forces or UFR [Sidya TOURE]

Ruling party

Opposition parties

African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde or PAIGC [Domingos SIMOES PEREIRA]
Democratic Convergence Party or PCD [Vicente FERNANDES]
Movement for Democratic Alternation Group of 15 or MADEM-G15 [Braima CAMARA]
National People's Assembly - Democratic Party of Guinea Bissau or APU-PDGB [Nuno Gomes NABIAM]
New Democracy Party or PND [Mamadu Iaia DJALO]
Party for Social Renewal or PRS [Alberto NAMBEIA]
Republican Party for Independence and Development or PRID [Aristides GOMES]
Union for Change or UM [Agnelo REGALA]
International organization participationACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTOACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the USchief of mission: Ambassador Kerfalla YANSANE (since 24 January 2018)

chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300

FAX: [1] (202) 986-3800

email address and website:
http://guineaembassyusa.org/en/welcome-to-the-embassy-of-guinea-washington-usa/
chief of mission: none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not have official representation in Washington, DC
Diplomatic representation from the USchief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Steven KOUTSIS (since September 2020)

embassy: Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry

mailing address: 2110 Conakry Place, Washington DC  20521-2110

telephone: [224] 65-10-40-00

FAX: [224] 65-10-42-97

email address and website:
ConakryACS@state.gov

https://gn.usembassy.gov/
embassy: the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998; the US Ambassador to Senegal is accredited to Guinea-Bissau

mailing address: 2080 Bissau Place, Washington DC  20521-2080

email address and website:
dakarACS@state.gov

https://gw.usmission.gov/
Flag descriptionthree equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; red represents the people's sacrifice for liberation and work; yellow stands for the sun, for the riches of the earth, and for justice; green symbolizes the country's vegetation and unity

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal
two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed star centered in the red band; yellow symbolizes the sun; green denotes hope; red represents blood shed during the struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag design was heavily influenced by the Ghanaian flag
National anthemname: "Liberte" (Liberty)

lyrics/music: unknown/Fodeba KEITA

note: adopted 1958
name: "Esta e a Nossa Patria Bem Amada" (This Is Our Beloved Country)

lyrics/music: Amilcar Lopes CABRAL/XIAO He

note: adopted 1974; a delegation from then Portuguese Guinea visited China in 1963 and heard music by XIAO He; Amilcar Lopes CABRAL, the leader of Guinea-Bissau's independence movement, asked the composer to create a piece that would inspire his people to struggle for independence
International law organization participationaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdictionaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt
National symbol(s)elephant; national colors: red, yellow, greenblack star; national colors: red, yellow, green, black
Citizenshipcitizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Guinea

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: na
citizenship by birth: yes

citizenship by descent only: yes

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

Economy

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
Economy - overview

Guinea is a poor country of approximately 12.9 million people in 2016 that possesses the world's largest reserves of bauxite and largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserves, as well as gold and diamonds. In addition, Guinea has fertile soil, ample rainfall, and is the source of several West African rivers, including the Senegal, Niger, and Gambia. Guinea's hydro potential is enormous and the country could be a major exporter of electricity. The country also has tremendous agriculture potential. Gold, bauxite, and diamonds are Guinea's main exports. International investors have shown interest in Guinea's unexplored mineral reserves, which have the potential to propel Guinea's future growth.

Following the death of long-term President Lansana CONTE in 2008 and the coup that followed, international donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World Bank, significantly curtailed their development programs in Guinea. However, the IMF approved a 3-year Extended Credit Facility arrangement in 2012, following the December 2010 presidential elections. In September 2012, Guinea achieved Heavily Indebted Poor Countries completion point status. Future access to international assistance and investment will depend on the government's ability to be transparent, combat corruption, reform its banking system, improve its business environment, and build infrastructure. In April 2013, the government amended its mining code to reduce taxes and royalties. In 2014, Guinea complied with requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative by publishing its mining contracts. Guinea completed its program with the IMF in October 2016 even though some targeted reforms have been delayed. Currently Guinea is negotiating a new IMF program which will be based on Guinea's new five-year economic plan, focusing on the development of higher value-added products, including from the agro-business sector and development of the rural economy.

Political instability, a reintroduction of the Ebola virus epidemic, low international commodity prices, and an enduring legacy of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of government transparency are factors that could impact Guinea's future growth. Economic recovery will be a long process while the government adjusts to lower inflows of international donor aid following the surge of Ebola-related emergency support. Ebola stalled promising economic growth in the 2014-15 period and impeded several projects, such as offshore oil exploration and the Simandou iron ore project. The economy, however, grew by 6.6% in 2016 and 6.7% in 2017, mainly due to growth from bauxite mining and thermal energy generation as well as the resiliency of the agricultural sector. The 240-megawatt Kaleta Dam, inaugurated in September 2015, has expanded access to electricity for residents of Conakry. An combined with fears of Ebola virus, continue to undermine Guinea's economic viability.

Guinea's iron ore industry took a hit in 2016 when investors in the Simandou iron ore project announced plans to divest from the project. In 2017, agriculture output and public investment boosted economic growth, while the mining sector continued to play a prominent role in economic performance.

Successive governments have failed to address the country's crumbling infrastructure. Guinea suffers from chronic electricity shortages; poor roads, rail lines and bridges; and a lack of access to clean water - all of which continue to plague economic development. The present government, led by President Alpha CONDE, is working to create an environment to attract foreign investment and hopes to have greater participation from western countries and firms in Guinea's economic development.

Guinea-Bissau is highly dependent on subsistence agriculture, cashew nut exports, and foreign assistance. Two out of three Bissau-Guineans remain below the absolute poverty line. The legal economy is based on cashews and fishing. Illegal logging and trafficking in narcotics also play significant roles. The combination of limited economic prospects, weak institutions, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe.

Guinea-Bissau has substantial potential for development of mineral resources, including phosphates, bauxite, and mineral sands. Offshore oil and gas exploration has begun. The country's climate and soil make it feasible to grow a wide range of cash crops, fruit, vegetables, and tubers; however, cashews generate more than 80% of export receipts and are the main source of income for many rural communities.

The government was deposed in August 2015, and since then, a political stalemate has resulted in weak governance and reduced donor support.

The country is participating in a three-year, IMF extended credit facility program that was suspended because of a planned bank bailout. The program was renewed in 2017, but the major donors of direct budget support (the EU, World Bank, and African Development Bank) have halted their programs indefinitely. Diversification of the economy remains a key policy goal, but Guinea-Bissau's poor infrastructure and business climate will constrain this effort.

GDP (purchasing power parity)$32.72 billion (2019 est.)

$30.985 billion (2018 est.)

$29.176 billion (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2010 dollars
$3.821 billion (2019 est.)

$3.653 billion (2018 est.)

$3.519 billion (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP - real growth rate8.2% (2017 est.)

10.5% (2016 est.)

3.8% (2015 est.)
5.9% (2017 est.)

6.3% (2016 est.)

6.1% (2015 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP)$2,562 (2019 est.)

$2,496 (2018 est.)

$2,418 (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2010 dollars
$1,989 (2019 est.)

$1,949 (2018 est.)

$1,925 (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP - composition by sectoragriculture: 19.8% (2017 est.)

industry: 32.1% (2017 est.)

services: 48.1% (2017 est.)
agriculture: 50% (2017 est.)

industry: 13.1% (2017 est.)

services: 36.9% (2017 est.)
Population below poverty line43.7% (2018 est.)67% (2015 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage sharelowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 30.3% (2007)
lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 28% (2002)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)9.4% (2019 est.)

9.8% (2018 est.)

8.9% (2017 est.)
0.2% (2019 est.)

0.3% (2018 est.)

1.6% (2017 est.)
Labor force5.558 million (2017 est.)731,300 (2013 est.)
Labor force - by occupationagriculture: 76%

industry: 24% (2006 est.)
agriculture: 82%

industry and services: 18% (2000 est.)
Unemployment rate2.7% (2017 est.)

2.8% (2016 est.)

NA

Distribution of family income - Gini index33.7 (2012 est.)

40.3 (1994)
50.7 (2010 est.)
Budgetrevenues: 1.7 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 1.748 billion (2017 est.)
revenues: 246.2 million (2017 est.)

expenditures: 263.5 million (2017 est.)
Industriesbauxite, gold, diamonds, iron ore; light manufacturing, agricultural processingagricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks
Industrial production growth rate11% (2017 est.)2.5% (2017 est.)
Agriculture - productsrice, cassava, groundnuts, maize, oil palm fruit, fonio, plantains, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, vegetablesrice, cashew nuts, roots/tubers nes, oil palm fruit, plantains, cassava, groundnuts, vegetables, coconuts, fruit
Exports$5.041 billion (2019 est.)

$5.073 billion (2018 est.)

$4.733 billion (2017 est.)
$188 million (2018 est.)

$183 million (2017 est.)
Exports - commoditiesaluminum, gold, bauxite, diamonds, fish, cashews (2019)cashews, gold, fish, lumber, aluminum ores (2019)
Exports - partnersUnited Arab Emirates 39%, China 36%, India 6% (2019)India 50%, Belgium 28%, Cote d'Ivoire 8% (2019)
Imports$7.924 billion (2019 est.)

$8.76 billion (2018 est.)

$7.317 billion (2017 est.)
$383 million (2018 est.)

$348 million (2017 est.)
Imports - commoditiesrice, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, delivery trucks, cars (2019)refined petroleum, rice, wheat products, soups/broths, malt extract (2019)
Imports - partnersChina 39%, India 8%, Netherlands 6%, Belgium 5%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019)Portugal 31%, Senegal 20%, China 10%, Netherlands 7%, Pakistan 7% (2019)
Debt - external$1.458 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.462 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
$1.095 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

$941.5 million (31 December 2000 est.)
Exchange ratesGuinean francs (GNF) per US dollar -

9,953 (2020 est.)

9,542.5 (2019 est.)

9,092 (2018 est.)

7,485.5 (2014 est.)

7,014.1 (2013 est.)
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -

605.3 (2017 est.)

593.01 (2016 est.)

593.01 (2015 est.)

591.45 (2014 est.)

494.42 (2013 est.)
Fiscal yearcalendar yearcalendar year
Public debt37.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

41.8% of GDP (2016 est.)
53.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

57.9% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold$331.8 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$383.4 million (31 December 2016 est.)
$356.4 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$349.4 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Current Account Balance-$705 million (2017 est.)

-$2.705 billion (2016 est.)
-$27 million (2017 est.)

$16 million (2016 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)$13.55 billion (2019 est.)$1.339 billion (2019 est.)
Ease of Doing Business Index scoresOverall score: 49.4 (2020)

Starting a Business score: 84.5 (2020)

Trading score: 47.8 (2020)

Enforcement score: 53.9 (2020)
Overall score: 43.2 (2020)

Starting a Business score: 75.5 (2020)

Trading score: 59.6 (2020)

Enforcement score: 38.6 (2020)
Taxes and other revenues16.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)18.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)-0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)-1.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end usehousehold consumption: 80.8% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 6.6% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 9.1% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 18.5% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 21.9% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -36.9% (2017 est.)
household consumption: 83.9% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 12% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 4.1% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0.2% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 26.4% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -26.5% (2017 est.)
Gross national saving4.3% of GDP (2019 est.)

2.7% of GDP (2018 est.)

11.4% of GDP (2017 est.)
8.8% of GDP (2018 est.)

8.4% of GDP (2017 est.)

10.5% of GDP (2015 est.)

Energy

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
Electricity - production598 million kWh (2016 est.)39 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption556.1 million kWh (2016 est.)36.27 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports0 kWh (2016 est.)0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports0 kWh (2016 est.)0 kWh (2016 est.)
Oil - production0 bbl/day (2018 est.)0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Oil - imports0 bbl/day (2015 est.)0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Oil - exports0 bbl/day (2015 est.)0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Oil - proved reserves0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)
Natural gas - production0 cu m (2017 est.)0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption0 cu m (2017 est.)0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports0 cu m (2017 est.)0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports0 cu m (2017 est.)0 cu m (2017 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity550,000 kW (2016 est.)28,300 kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels33% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)99% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants67% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)1% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production0 bbl/day (2017 est.)0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption19,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)2,700 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports0 bbl/day (2015 est.)0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports18,460 bbl/day (2015 est.)2,625 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Electricity accesselectrification - total population: 46% (2019)

electrification - urban areas: 84% (2019)

electrification - rural areas: 24% (2019)
electrification - total population: 28% (2019)

electrification - urban areas: 56% (2019)

electrification - rural areas: 7% (2019)

Telecommunications

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
Telephones - main lines in usetotal subscriptions: 0

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (2018 est.)
total subscriptions: 0

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (2018 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellulartotal subscriptions: 12.873 million

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 105.63 (2019 est.)
total subscriptions: 1,590,381

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 84.62 (2019 est.)
Internet country code.gn.gw
Internet userstotal: 2,133,974

percent of population: 18% (July 2018 est.)
total: 72,047

percent of population: 3.93% (July 2018 est.)
Telecommunication systemsgeneral assessment:

Guinea's mobile subscribership growing through investment of South African telecom operators and Chinese Huawei management; m-transactions supported commerce; broadband still limited and expensive though submarine cable and IXP improved reliability of infrastructure; 4G Wi-Fi in the capital; National Backbone Network will connect regional administrative centers; ECOWAS countries to launch free roaming; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2021)

(2020)

domestic: there is national coverage and Conakry is reasonably well-served; coverage elsewhere remains inadequate but is improving; fixed-line teledensity is less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is expanding rapidly and now 101 per 100 persons (2019)

international: country code - 224; ACE submarine cable connecting Guinea with 20 landing points in Western and South Africa and Europe; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments

general assessment: small system including a combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, radiotelephone, and mobile cellular communications; 2 mobile network operators; one of the poorest countries in the world and this is reflected in the countries telecommunications development; radio is the most important source of information for the public (2020)

domestic: fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile cellular teledensity is roughly 83 per 100 persons (2019)

international: country code - 245; ACE submarine cable connecting Guinea-Bissau with 20 landing points in Western and South Africa and Europe (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadband - fixed subscriptionstotal: 1,250

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (2018 est.)
total: 1,227

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (2018 est.)
Broadcast media

government maintains marginal control over broadcast media; single state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also operates several stations in rural areas; a dozen private television stations; a steadily increasing number of privately owned radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community radio stations; foreign TV programming available via satellite and cable subscription services 

(2019)

1 state-owned TV station, Televisao da Guine-Bissau (TGB) and a second station, Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP) Africa, is operated by Portuguese public broadcaster (RTP); 1 state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some community radio stations; multiple international broadcasters are available (2019)

Transportation

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
Roadwaystotal: 44,301 km (2018)

paved: 3,346 km (2018)

unpaved: 40,955 km (2018)
total: 4,400 km (2018)

paved: 453 km (2018)

unpaved: 3,947 km (2018)
Waterways1,300 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft in the northern part of the Niger River system) (2011)(rivers are partially navigable; many inlets and creeks provide shallow-water access to much of interior) (2012)
Ports and terminalsmajor seaport(s): Conakry, Kamsarmajor seaport(s): Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim
Merchant marinetotal: 2

by type: other 2 (2020)
total: 8

by type: general cargo 5, other 3 (2020)
Airportstotal: 16 (2013)total: 8 (2013)
Airports - with paved runwaystotal: 4 (2019)

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
total: 2 (2019)

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
Airports - with unpaved runwaystotal: 12 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2013)

under 914 m: 2 (2013)
total: 6 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2013)

under 914 m: 3 (2013)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix3XJ5

Military

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
Military branchesNational Armed Forces: Army, Guinean Navy (Armee de Mer or Marine Guineenne), Guinean Air Force (Force Aerienne de Guinee), Presidential Security Battalion (Battailon Autonome de la Sécurité Presidentielle, BASP), Gendarmerie (2020)People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP): Army, Navy, Air Force; Guard Nacional (a gendarmerie force under the Ministry of Internal Administration) (2021)
Military service age and obligationno compulsory military service (2021)18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger, with parental consent, for voluntary service (2019)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP2% of GDP (2019)

2.3% of GDP (2018)

2.5% of GDP (2017)

2.5% of GDP (2016)

3.3% of GDP (2015)
1.4% of GDP (2017)

1.3% of GDP (2016)

1.6% of GDP (2015)

2% of GDP (2014)

2.1% of GDP (2013)
Military and security service personnel strengthsGuinean National Armed Forces are comprised of approximately 12,000 active personnel
(9,000 Army; 400 Navy; 800 Air Force; 300 BASP; 1,500 Gendarmerie) (2020)
the People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP) has approximately 4,000 total active troops, including about 300 Navy and 100 Air Force (2020)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitionsthe inventory of the Guinean military consists largely of ageing and outdated (mostly Soviet-era) equipment; since 2010, it has received small amounts of equipment from France, Russia, and South Africa (2020)the FARP is poorly armed with an inventory consisting of Soviet-era equipment, much of which is reportedly unserviceable; the only reported deliveries of military equipment to  since 2015 were patrol boats from Spain in 2017 and non-lethal equipment from China in 2015; Guinea-Bissau has also discussed acquiring military equipment with Indonesia (2020)

Transnational Issues

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
Disputes - international

Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa Rivers excessive and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands, including the hamlet of Yenga, occupied since 1998

a longstanding low-grade conflict continues in parts of Casamance, in Senegal across the border; some rebels use Guinea-Bissau as a safe haven

Trafficking in personscurrent situation: Guinea is a source, transit, and, to a lesser extent, a destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the majority of trafficking victims are Guinean children; Guinean girls are subjected to domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation, while boys are forced to beg, work as street vendors, shoe shiners, or miners; some Guinean children are forced to mine in Senegal, Mali, and possibly other West African countries; Guinean women and girls are subjected to domestic servitude and sex trafficking in Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Benin, Senegal, Greece, and Spain, while Chinese and Vietnamese women are reportedly forced into prostitution in Guinea

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Guinea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however it is making significant efforts to do so; the government  drafted a new anti-trafficking action plan, provided support to eight victims exploited in the Middle East, and incorporated anti-trafficking training into the law enforcement curriculum; however, the government did not overall increase efforts compared to the last rating period; investigations and prosecutions of trafficking crimes decreased, victim identification was inadequate, and NGO's providing victim services did not receive government support; for the fourth year, resources for the anti-trafficking committee or the Office for the Protection of Gender, Children and Morals were inadequate; a Quranic teacher was not prosecuted for allegedly forcing child begging; Guinea was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020)
current situation: Guinea-Bissau is a country of origin and destination for children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the scope of the problem of trafficking women or men for forced labor or forced prostitution is unknown; boys reportedly were transported to southern Senegal for forced manual and agricultural labor; girls may be subjected to forced domestic service and child prostitution in Senegal and Guinea; both boys and girls are forced to work as street vendors in cities in Guinea-Bissau and Senegal

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Guinea-Bissau does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include identifying forced child begging victims, cooperating with Moroccan authorities on international crime investigations, and approving a new action plan; yet, the government has not convicted a trafficker, identified fewer trafficking victims, and lacked resources or the political will to fight trafficking or to enact its action plan, which would meet minimum standards; Guinea-Bissau was granted a waiver under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from downgrade to Tier 3 (2020)

Environment

GuineaGuinea-Bissau
Air pollutantsparticulate matter emissions: 22.43 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 3 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 11.13 megatons (2020 est.)
particulate matter emissions: 27.12 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 0.29 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 1.46 megatons (2020 est.)
Total water withdrawalmunicipal: 224.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 56.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 292.9 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
municipal: 34.1 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 11.9 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 144 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Revenue from forest resourcesforest revenues: 4.81% of GDP (2018 est.)forest revenues: 9.24% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coalcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recyclingmunicipal solid waste generated annually: 596,911 tons (1996 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 29,846 tons (2005 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5% (2005 est.)
municipal solid waste generated annually: 289,514 tons (2015 est.)

Source: CIA Factbook