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General Information | Guinea-Bissau Destinations

Summary: Guinea-Bissau is located in West Africa and is bounded by Senegal and the Republic of Guinea. It encompasses the adjacent Bijagós Islands and the island of Bolama. The country rises from a coastal plain broken up by numerous inlets through a transitional plateau to mountains on the border with Guinea. Thick forest and mangrove swamp cover the area nearest the Atlantic Ocean and savannah covers the inland areas. The capital, Bissau, is a relaxed and pleasant town of about 100,000 inhabitants. The Museum of African Artefacts is a treasure trove of traditional sculpture, pottery, weaving and basketware. Bolama, the original capital of Guinea-Bissau, is now an attractive ruin, and the island is worth seeing with good beaches. There is no accommodation, but camping is an option. Local specialties include jollof rice, chicken and fish dishes.

Capital: Bissau
Time Zone: GMT
Population: 1,449,000 (official estimate 2002).
Languages: Official language is Portuguese. The majority of the population speak Guinean Creole. Balante and Fulani languages are also spoken.
Power: Limited electricity supply on 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Public Holidays

Jan 1 2005:    New Year’s Day.
Jan 20:    Death of Amílcar Cabral.
Jan 21:    Tabaski (Feast of the Sacrifice).
Mar 8:    International Women’s Day.
May 1:    Labor Day.
Aug 3:    Anniversary of the Killing of Pidjiguoiti.
Sep 24:    National Day.
Nov:    Korité (end of Ramadan).
Dec 25:    Christmas Day.
Jan 1 2006:    New Year’s Day.
Jan 10:    Tabaski (Feast of the Sacrifice).
Jan 20:    Death of Amílcar Cabral.
Mar 8:    International Women’s Day.
May 1:    Labor Day.
Aug 3:    Anniversary of the Killing of Pidjiguoiti.
Sep 24:    National Day.
Oct 22-24:    Korité (end of Ramadan).
Dec 25:    Christmas Day.

Climate: The climate is tropical, with a wet season from June to October. The dry season is from December to April, with hot winds from the interior. Humidity is high from July to September. Temperatures vary with altitude and distance from the coast.

Required clothing
Tropical lightweight cotton clothes and raincoat for the rainy season.

Until recently, Guinea-Bissau was well off the tourist route, but efforts have been made to encourage visitors to this beautiful and largely unspoilt country.

Bissau
The capital is a relaxed and pleasant town of approximately 200,000 inhabitants. The Museum of African Artefacts is a treasure trove of traditional sculpture, pottery, weaving and basketware. Nearby, the covered central market features colorful stalls and a lively ambience.

Bijagós Archipelago
This archipelago comprises a group of small islands, several of which are uninhabited, and most of which are very rarely visited by foreigners. The easiest ones to reach are Bolama and Bubaque. Bolama, the original capital of Guinea-Bissau, is now a rather attractive ruin, and the island is worth seeing, with several good beaches. There is no accommodation, but camping is an option. The unspoilt island of Bubaque is easily accessible from Bissau and offers accommodation in the town.