Guinea-Bissau

[ gin-ee-bi-sou ]

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.

Guinea-Bissau

noun

1. 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) Former name (until 1974)Portuguese Guinea