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Guinea-Bissau

Republic of Guinea-Bissau

Portuguese West African CFA (XOF) French civil law
AU, ECOWAS, WAEMU, AfCFTA, CPLP, WTO

Guinea-Bissau is one of the world's poorest countries, heavily dependent on cashew nut production and exports (world's fifth-largest producer). Cashew accounts for over 90% of export revenue. The economy also depends on fishing, rice cultivation, and timber. Political instability (multiple coups) has hindered development. The country operates within the CFA franc zone (WAEMU), providing currency stability. Offshore oil and gas potential exists but remains unexplored. Challenges include poverty, weak institutions, drug trafficking concerns, and extremely limited infrastructure.

Snapshot

Population~2.2 MWorld Bank, 2025
GDP (current USD)$2.5 BWorld Bank, 2025
GDP per Capita$1,124World Bank, 2025
GDP Growth5.82%World Bank, 2025
Inflation (y/y)~0.87%World Bank, 2025
Policy Rate3.50%Central Bank
Unemployment2.67%World Bank, ILO modelled estimate, 2025
Internet Use~29.78%World Bank, 2024
Electrification~34.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)21.0/100 (#162)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.483 (#177)UNDP HDR

World Bank Indicators

GDP (current USD)$2.5 BWorld Bank, 2025
GDP growth (annual)5.82%World Bank, 2025
GDP per capita (USD)$1,124World Bank, 2025
Population, total2.2 MWorld Bank, 2025
FDI net inflows (USD)$26.7 MWorld Bank, 2024
Inflation (consumer prices)0.87%World Bank, 2025
Unemployment (% labour force)2.67%World Bank, 2025
Internet use (% of people)29.78%World Bank, 2024
Trade (% of GDP)40.88%World Bank, 2025

Country Facts

CapitalBissau
RegionWest Africa
CurrencyWest African CFA (XOF)
FX RegimeFixed peg to EUR via CFA franc
Legal SystemFrench civil law
Time ZoneAfrica/Bissau

Focus Sectors

Cashew Nuts (world's 5th largest producer)
Agriculture (rice
palm oil)
Fisheries
Forestry
Mining (bauxite
phosphates)
Telecoms

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax25% standard
VAT / Sales Tax17% standard