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~2.0 MWorld Bank WDI
GDP (current USD)$2.5 BIMF WEO
GDP per Capita$870IMF WEO
GDP Growth4.50%IMF WEO
Inflation (y/y)~4.50%Central Bank / IMF
Policy Rate3.50%Central Bank
Internet Use~15.00%World Bank WDI
Electrification~34.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)21.0/100 (#162)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.483 (#177)UNDP HDR

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
Data Notes: Population, GDP, and GDP per capita are latest IMF WEO / World Bank estimates. Inflation is year-over-year. Trade data from UN Comtrade/OEC (2023). Tax rates from PwC/KPMG country guides. CPI from Transparency International. HDI from UNDP Human Development Report.
Narrative last updated: April 8, 2026.