Guinea-Bissau

American  

[gin-ee-bi-sou] / ˈgɪn i bɪˈsaʊ /

noun

1. a republic on the western coast of Africa, between Guinea and Senegal: formerly a Portuguese overseas province; gained independence in 1974. 13,948 sq. mi. (36,125 sq. km). Bissau.

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Guinea-Bissau British  

noun

1. Former name (until 1974): Portuguese Guinea.  a republic in West Africa, on the Atlantic: first discovered by the Portuguese in 1446 and of subsequent importance in the slave trade; made a colony in 1879; became an independent republic in 1974. Official language: Portuguese; Cape Verde creole is widely spoken. Religion: animist majority and Muslim. Currency: franc. Capital: Bissau. Pop: 1 660 870 (2013 est). Area: 36 125 sq km (13 948 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

Beyda was involved in lining up funding for a controversial study of the hepatitis B vaccine in Guinea-Bissau without input from the agency’s center that oversees viral hepatitis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

As a child, Gomis was deeply affected by the funeral ceremony held for his father in his village in Guinea-Bissau, the very place he chose to shoot the African portion of his film.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

In Guinea-Bissau, the dose is currently given at six weeks, though authorities plan to introduce the birth dose nationwide by 2028 to align with global standards, something the WHO said it would help accelerate.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

The Guinea-Bissau study faced international condemnation after scientists and advocates fought back.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026

Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990.

From The 2008 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency