Where is Guinea-Bissau Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 19, 2024

Where is Guinea-Bissau located on the map? Guinea-Bissau is an independent nation located in Western Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Guinea-Bissau on maps.

Guinea-Bissau Location in World Map

Location Information of Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is a small country in West Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Senegal to the north and east, and Guinea to the south. Despite its small size, Guinea-Bissau has a rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and a challenging socio-political environment. The country has been marked by political instability, but it remains a fascinating destination for those interested in African history, culture, and natural beauty.

Latitude and Longitude

Guinea-Bissau is located at approximately 11.8037° N latitude and 15.1804° W longitude. This places the country in the tropics of West Africa, with a geographical position that makes it susceptible to the tropical climate, particularly seasonal monsoons and occasional droughts. Guinea-Bissau’s coastal location along the Atlantic Ocean also gives it a rich diversity of coastal ecosystems, including beaches, mangrove swamps, and offshore islands.

Capital City and Major Cities

Bissau (Capital City)

The capital city of Guinea-Bissau is Bissau, located on the Gebá River in the western part of the country. Bissau is also the largest city in Guinea-Bissau, home to approximately 400,000 people. The city serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Though Bissau is not a large urban center by international standards, it is the hub for government and trade, housing the majority of Guinea-Bissau’s infrastructure.

Bissau is known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and local art scene. Some of the main attractions in the city include:

Bissau Velho (Old Bissau): This area is known for its colonial-era buildings and narrow, winding streets. The old town is a reminder of the country’s Portuguese colonial past, with several old churches and government buildings still standing.
Palácio da República (Palace of the Republic): The seat of the government and an important symbol of Guinea-Bissau’s political history.
Bissau Port: The port is essential for the country’s trade, providing connections to other parts of West Africa. It is also an important site for fishing and exports.

Bissau also houses the country’s main international airport, Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), which connects the country to various international destinations.

Other Major Cities

Gabú: Located in the eastern part of Guinea-Bissau, Gabú is the second-largest city in the country and serves as a regional administrative center. With a population of approximately 30,000, Gabú plays a key role in the country’s agricultural activities, particularly in the production of rice, millet, and other staple crops.
Bafatá: Situated to the southeast of Bissau, Bafatá is another significant city in Guinea-Bissau. The city has a population of around 30,000 and serves as an administrative and commercial hub for the central and eastern regions. Bafatá is located near the Tombali River and is known for its agricultural activities, particularly peanut and cashew farming.
Canchungo: Located in the northern part of the country, Canchungo is a small town that plays a role in the country’s agricultural industry. It is particularly known for its production of groundnuts (peanuts), cashews, and other tropical crops. The town has a population of around 15,000 people and is an important commercial center for the surrounding rural areas.
Quebo: A town located in the southeastern part of Guinea-Bissau near the border with Guinea, Quebo is known for its rich agricultural land, particularly rice paddies and vegetable farming. Though small, it is an important trade center for the region.

Time Zone

Guinea-Bissau operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round, without the observance of Daylight Saving Time. This places the country in the same time zone as several other West African countries, such as Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. The time zone is UTC +0.

Climate

Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Its location in West Africa means that the country experiences a significant amount of rainfall during the wet season, which can cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas.

Wet Season (May to November)

The wet season in Guinea-Bissau typically lasts from May to November. During this period, the country receives most of its annual rainfall, which can reach up to 2,000 millimeters (78 inches) in some parts of the country. The rains are usually heavy, with thunderstorms and occasional floods. This is the period when agriculture is most active, particularly for crops like rice, millet, and cassava.

Dry Season (December to April)

The dry season in Guinea-Bissau occurs from December to April and is marked by lower humidity and less rainfall. The country’s coastal areas tend to be cooler and less humid, while the inland regions can experience very high temperatures, often reaching 30°C (86°F) or more during the hottest months (March and April).

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the coastal regions have relatively moderate temperatures, whereas the inland regions experience greater extremes. Overall, the climate in Guinea-Bissau can be classified as humid tropical with influences from the Sahel to the north and the Atlantic to the west.

Economic Status

Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a low per capita income and a high poverty rate. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly cashew nuts, which are the country’s leading export. The country also has significant potential in the fishing and mining industries, though these sectors have not been fully developed due to political instability, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient investment.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of Guinea-Bissau’s economy, with approximately 70% of the population engaged in farming. The main agricultural products include cashew nuts, rice, corn, cassava, and palm oil. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of cashew nuts, and this crop is a major export product. Despite this, agriculture remains largely subsistence-based, and the country faces challenges related to food security and rural poverty.

Fishing

Guinea-Bissau has extensive marine resources, and fishing is a key economic sector. The country’s coastline along the Atlantic Ocean is rich in fish stocks, and the government has been working to develop its fishing industry, particularly for shrimp, tuna, and other seafood. However, illegal fishing remains a challenge, and many of the country’s fishing resources are under-exploited.

Mining and Natural Resources

Guinea-Bissau has deposits of bauxite, phosphates, gold, and diamond. However, these resources have not been extensively mined due to political instability and a lack of infrastructure. The government has made efforts to attract foreign investment into the mining sector, but development has been slow. Guinea-Bissau also has significant potential for hydroelectric power generation due to its river systems, though the sector remains underdeveloped.

Services

The services sector in Guinea-Bissau is underdeveloped but growing. Financial services, telecommunications, and trade are important parts of the service economy. The country has made some progress in improving its banking sector, though there are still challenges related to access to credit and financial inclusion.

Tourist Attractions

Although Guinea-Bissau is not a major tourist destination, it has some unique attractions for those interested in culture, nature, and adventure.

Bijagos Archipelago: This group of islands off the coast of Guinea-Bissau is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to a variety of rare wildlife, including hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and numerous species of birds. The Bijagos islands are also known for their traditional communities and fishing villages. Visitors can explore secluded beaches, pristine ecosystems, and indigenous cultures.
Orango Islands: Part of the Bijagos Archipelago, the Orango Islands are known for their wildlife, particularly the saltwater hippos that inhabit the region. The islands are remote and offer visitors a chance to experience unspoiled nature and traditional culture.
Bissau: While Bissau itself is not a major tourist destination, visitors can explore its historical landmarks, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Fortaleza d’Amura (a former Portuguese fort), and the National Museum of Guinea-Bissau, which showcases the country’s cultural history.
Canal de Cacheu: This river and surrounding area in northern Guinea-Bissau is a popular destination for birdwatching and nature tours. The area is part of the Cacheu River Estuary, a wetlands region that supports a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens traveling to Guinea-Bissau for tourism or business for less than 90 days must obtain a visa. The requirements for obtaining a visa include:

A valid U.S. passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended stay.
A completed visa application form.
Two passport-sized photos.
Proof of return or onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket).
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay.
Payment of the visa fee.

Visas can be obtained from the Embassy of Guinea-Bissau in Washington, D.C., or the nearest consulate. For longer stays or specific purposes such as work or study, U.S. citizens should apply for the appropriate visa category.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

New York City to Bissau: The distance from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York to Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau is approximately 4,300 miles (6,900 kilometers), with a flight duration of around 7 to 8 hours, depending on the specific route and layovers.
Los Angeles to Bissau: The distance from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Bissau is about 5,200 miles (8,400 kilometers), with a flight time of approximately 10 to 11 hours, depending on the number of layovers.

Guinea-Bissau Facts

Size	36,125 km²
Residents	1.87 million
Language	Portuguese (official language)
Capital	Bissau
Longest river	Geba (545 km)
Highest mountain	Madina do Boé (262 m)
Currency	CFA franc