Everything you need to know about Guinea-Bissau: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Guinea-Bissau: Former Portuguese West African Colony
Guinea-Bissau was formerly known as the kingdom of Gabu and a part of Mali Empire. Later it gained its autonomous status until the year 1867. Nuño Tristão was the first European explorer of Portugal to come across this area in 1446. The Portuguese colonizers in Cape Verde carried out their trading and the slave trade. In the year 1956, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde was founded. However, this country has faced major military and political mayhem since the year of its independence. In 1980, a dictatorial leader Joao Bernardo 'Nino' Vieira was made the President by a military coup.
Guinea-Bissau Fast Facts:
This country experiences warm climate throughout the year however varying in temperature seasonally. The climate is tropical and hot and humid and in the months of December to May there is a dry season followed by seasonal rainfalls from June to November.
Guinea-Bissau is ranked fifth among the other poor nations of the world. It is largely dependent on fishing and farming. It produces Cashew nuts on a large scale and exports the same along with peanuts, palm kernels, timber, fish and seafood. It also has some considerable amounts of petroleum. Its economy is also largely dependent on international aid.
Culture and Cuisine of Guinea-Bissau:
Though the majority of Guinea-Bissau locals speak in Portuguese, French and Creole, some groups also speak in their vernacular language that includes Pulaar, Mandjak, Mandinka and many others. The folk music also forms an integral part of their culture comprising of Tina and Tinga along with kussundé, Mandinga djambadon and the kundere musical tunes. Their colonial architecture depicts the origins of West African culture.
The influences of Arab, European and Asian are clearly depicted in this country’s cuisine. Fish and seafood forms an important part of Guinea-Bissau cuisine. Besides this, the fresh fruits and vegetables are used in plenty in the cuisine. Also the natives use a lot of spices that includes pepper and chilies.
Tourist Sites in Guinea-Bissau:
The Portuguese colonial influence is visible through its architectural designs, cuisines and various entertainment sources. Guinea-Bissau offers a natural scenic beauty comprising of beaches set in the backdrop of rainforests. Bissau, the capital city of the country is the center of administration and the prime tourist destination. The Museum of African Artifacts incorporates the relics of African culture. Bafata, the country’s wildlife reserve and the Roman Catholic Diocese are some of the other significant places.
According to the WHO report till date 10,445 people have died due to Ebola infection and around 25,000 people have infected with the deadly virus.
Ebola is considered one of the most dangerous diseases in the world as till now there is no effective treatment or vaccine against the Ebola virus.
London, Apr 25 (ANI): A French swimmer, who has no arms or legs, has announced his plans to swim around the world.
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