Guinea-Bissau

Bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south, Guinea-Bissau is a small West African country with a population of about 2 million. A member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Guinea-Bissau is rich in ethnic diversity, languages and religions. Yet, since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced chronic political instability, hampering growth and poverty reduction efforts. Rice is the staple for domestic consumption, while cashew nuts dominate exports, accounting for over 90% of the country’s foreign exchange revenue. The over-reliance on these two crops exposes the population to economic shocks and weather hazards.

On its path toward economic growth and stability, Guinea-Bissau faces several additional challenges. The country grapples with massive foreign debt, underdeveloped infrastructure and financial markets, and a shortage of skilled labor. Additionally, the country has become a transshipment point for illegal drugs between Latin America and Europe.