Guinea-Bissau is a West African country on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, bordered to the north by Senegal, and to the east and south by the Republic of Guinea. Guinea-Bissau has a surface area of 36,120 sq.km, of which 28,000 sq.km is land and 8,120 sq.km is sea. The main cities are Bissau (the capital), Cacheu, Bafata and Gabu.
Political instability has had a serious impact on the country’s economy. Its growth is driven by the food-producing agricultural sector and by cashew nut production, which remains the cornerstone of the economy. This economic concentration has direct consequences for the poorest members of the population in terms of inclusion and food security.
Because of past conflicts, weapons circulate in large numbers in Guinea-Bissau and each household owns at least one firearm. Initiatives to reduce the number of weapons in circulation have had little success so far.
Guinea Bissau is prone to natural disasters caused by floods on low-lying land, which can reduce the amount of land available to grow rice and vegetables. Rising sea levels and the lack of anti-salt dikes also threaten the country’s mangrove crops. Cashew nut yields, the country’s main source of wealth, could also be affected by phytosanitary risks and the reduction in farmland caused by climate change.
Number of HI staff: 0
Programmed opened in: 2000
