The minimum you must know

The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a thinly populated coastal West African nation that borders Guinea, and that was part of neighboring Mali before it was colonized by Portugal. The land includes a significant area of the continent, and a group of about 88 islands and islets.

Guinea-Bissau gained its independence from Europe in a guerrilla conflict ending in 1963, and resolved an internal civil conflict in 1999. Consequently, the country is inviting to European tourists but hasn't chosen sides between Europe and European security competitors. For instance, the president of Guinea-Bissau spoke up for a full and complete lifting of sanctions on Cuba at the United Nations, but also travelled near the border of Russia to make a media appearance with President of Ukraine.

Guinea-Bissau has had successful democratic elections throughout the 21st century, and mostly enjoyed peace externally and internally. But there were notable internal attempts to topple heads of state prematurely, including one successful coup d'état of an interim leader. The current president is respected by the nation, and perhaps could provide continuity in the future. But he announced plans not to seek reelection in November 2025.

Guinea-Bissau seeks reforms of the United Nations security council for greater inclusion of African countries.

The president of Guinea-Bissau said he is committed to peace globally.