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The Portuguese were active in the
area from the mid-fifteenth century and established a fortified port and
trading centre at Bissau
in 1687 on the Gerba river estuary, a river that had long served as a trade
route to the interior. It was originally used for the transit of slaves to the
New World and was later made into a free port in 1869 exporting mainly
peanuts, hardwoods, copra, palm oil and rubber.
Bissau, along with the rest of
Portuguese Guinea, was administered from Cape Verde until 1879, when
Guinea-Bissau became a colony in its own right with Bissau as its
capital. It retained that status until 1973 when the African Party for the
Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde unilaterally declared independence from
Portugal and established Madina do Boe as the de facto capital of the country,
however after Portugal recognised the country's independence on 10th September
1974, Bissau was restored as capital city.
Today Bissau, with its population of 388,128 (2021), is a quiet city
with widespread poverty and poor infrastructure, not least because many of its
buildings were destroyed during the civil war of 1998-1999 including the
presidential palace. Little has been redeveloped since that time. It is known
as a major drugs hub and also serves as Guinea-Bissau's largest city, port,
administrative and military centre. Those visiting Bissau should check out the Fortaleza de Saoo Jose da Amura
barracks built by the Portuguese in the 18th century, the Guinea-Bissau
National Arts Institute, the Pidjiguiti Memorial and the city's
beaches.
Bissau Profile: Volunteer in Guinea Bissau
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Bissau Profile: Bissau City Map
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Bissau Profile: Sponsor a Child in Guinea Bissau
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Bissau Profile: Guinea Bissau Profile
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