Guinea-Bissau
Republic of Guinea-Bissau
Population
2.1M
GDP
$1.9B
Capital
Bissau
Government
Unitary semi-presidential re...
At a Glance
Human Development
0.5
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
2.6
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
Guinea-Bissau is one of the smallest and poorest countries in West Africa, marked by chronic political instability and a history of military coups -- none more recent than the attempted coup in 2022. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1973 after a protracted liberation war led by Amilcar Cabral's PAIGC.
Guinea-Bissau has become a major transit point for Latin American cocaine destined for Europe, earning it the label of a 'narco-state.' The drug trade has deeply corrupted state institutions and complicated governance. Cashew nuts are the primary legal export, making the economy extremely vulnerable to price fluctuations.
Want deeper analysis on Guinea-Bissau?
Ask Atlas anything about Guinea-BissauMUN Delegate Guide
As Guinea-Bissau, focus on peacebuilding, state-building, and the challenges of least developed countries. Highlight your liberation struggle heritage and solidarity with the Lusophone world -- ally with Cabo Verde, Mozambique, Angola, and Portugal through CPLP.
In ECOWAS, support regional integration and conflict prevention. Advocate for international support for narcotics interdiction and institutional capacity building. On development, push for debt relief, aid effectiveness, and support for cashew-producing nations. Keep a low profile on divisive geopolitical issues -- your priority is attracting development assistance.
Foreign Policy
Guinea-Bissau's foreign policy is constrained by its instability and limited state capacity. It maintains ties with Portugal and the Lusophone world through CPLP, and is a member of ECOWAS and the West African Economic and Monetary Union.
Bissau relies heavily on international development assistance, particularly from the EU, the World Bank, and the UN Peacebuilding Commission. The country has been on the UN Peacebuilding Commission's agenda since 2007.