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

Nixon, the HHS spokesman, said the study is paused pending a review by Guinea-Bissau.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

But public outrage at the project prompted the Guinea-Bissau government to suspend it last month.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

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

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026

Before November's coup, Guinea-Bissau had already undergone four military takeovers and a litany of attempted insurrections since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

Guinea-Bissau:   One of the 20 poorest countries in the world,   Guinea-Bissau depends mainly on farming and fishing.

From The 2001 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency