Why visit
Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós Archipelago is the draw: 88 islands with saltwater hippos, nesting turtles, and matriarchal island cultures, protected as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Country - Africa
Guinea-Bissau
culturenatureadventure
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Guinea-Bissau works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Bissau as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Guinea-Bissau.
At a glance
Location
12.0°, -15.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
36,125 km²
13,948 mi²
Subregion
Western Africa
Currency
West African CFA franc (Fr)
XOF
Dial
+245
Languages
Portuguese, Upper Guinea Creole
Demonym
Guinea-Bissauan
Internet
.gw
UN
Member state
ISO code
GW / GNB
Where in the world
12.0° - -15.0°
Guinea-Bissau
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós Archipelago is a UNESCO biosphere reserve home to saltwater hippos.
- Portuguese is the official language, but Crioulo (a Portuguese-based creole) is the common lingua franca.
- The country has had more than a dozen coups or attempted coups since independence in 1974.
Bordering Guinea-Bissau
Traveler notes
- Orango Island's hippos swim in the sea
- Poilão Island is one of the Atlantic's most important green turtle rookeries
- Island boats are slow and weather-dependent; build in buffer days
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Bissau, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Guinea-Bissau
What is the capital of Guinea-Bissau?
Bissau is the capital of Guinea-Bissau.
What currency does Guinea-Bissau use?
Guinea-Bissau uses the West African CFA franc (Fr), ISO code XOF.
What languages are spoken in Guinea-Bissau?
The primary languages are Portuguese and Upper Guinea Creole.
Is Guinea-Bissau landlocked?
No, Guinea-Bissau has a coastline.
What countries border Guinea-Bissau?
Guinea-Bissau borders Guinea, Senegal.
What is the international calling code for Guinea-Bissau?
The calling code is +245.
When is the best time to visit Guinea-Bissau?
Nov–May. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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