Guinea-Bissau 2003

Guinea Bissau Border Map

In 2003, Guinea-Bissau had a population of approximately 1.4 million people and a GDP of $1 billion. The country was led by President Kumba Yala who had served since 2000. According to computergees, the government was focused on promoting economic growth and reducing poverty levels.

The economy was mainly driven by agriculture, fishing, and forestry. In order to bolster economic growth, the government implemented several reforms such as tax incentives for businesses and foreign investment promotion initiatives. Additionally, access to education and health care services were improved due to increased investments in these areas.

Despite the progress made in the country’s economy, Guinea-Bissau also faced some challenges in 2003 due to its high levels of inequality, crime, corruption and violence which hindered development efforts. This included an increase in poverty rates as well as ongoing conflict with neighboring countries over resources such as water or mineral rights. Furthermore, the government struggled to control corruption which limited foreign aid funding from international organizations such as the World Bank or IMF. Despite these challenges, Guinea-Bissau showed signs of progress in 2003 which included increased economic growth rates that were higher than other West African countries at the time.

Yearbook 2003

Guinea Bissau. At the beginning of the year, several opposition politicians were arrested for unknown reasons but were released shortly thereafter. The authorities also decided to close Radio Bombolom radio station, which was run by an opposition politician.

Parliamentary elections would have been held in April, but it was postponed several times. One reason was that there was no money to fund the election, another that the work on establishing new voting lengths would not be clear in time despite the government’s assistance for this work.

According to Countryaah.com, Guinea-Bissau Independence Day is September 24. The country’s economic crisis deepened. In June, for example, no wages have been paid to the army since the beginning of the year. When the Election Commission in September decided to postpone the election yet again, the military took power in a bloody coup. Commander-in-Chief General Verissimo Seabra Correia declared himself president but promised a return to civilian rule.

A transitional government took office at the end of September and free elections were promised until 2004. Businessman Henrique Rosa was appointed interim president, while Arthur Sanha became prime minister in the transitional government. A council of 25 officers, representatives of all but one of the 24 political parties and an additional eight civilian members would serve as parliament until the election. The Council was chaired by General Seabra Correia.

At the beginning of December, parliamentary elections were announced until March 28, 2004. Prior to that, the UN had decided that the UNOGBIS peacekeeping force should remain in G. at least until December 2004.

Country data

Area: 36,125 km2 (world rank: 135)

Population: 1,861,000

Population density: 52 per km2 (as of 2017, world rank: 148)

Capital: Bissau

Official languages: Portuguese

Gross domestic product: 1.3 billion US $; Real growth: 5.9%

Gross national product (GNP, per resident and year): 660 US$

Currency: CFA franc

Embassy

Kronenstr. 72, 10117 Berlin
Telephone 030 20658158,
Fax 030 20889403
www.botschaft-guinea-bissau-berlin.de

Government
Head of State: José Mário Vaz, Head of Government: Aristides Gomes, Exterior: João Ribeiro Butiam Có

National Day: 24.9.

Administrative structure
8 regions and capital district

State and form of government
Constitution of 1984
Presidential republic
Parliament: National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular) with 102 members, election every 4 years
Direct election of the head of state. every 5 years (one re-election)
right to vote from 18 years of age

Population of: Guinea-Bissau, last census 2009: 1,520,830 residents
approx. 30% Balante, 25% Fulbe, 12% Mandingo, 10% Papéis, 9% Manjaco and other

cities (with population)
(as of 2009) Bissau 387,909 inh., Gabú 43,556, Bafatá 29,556, Canchungo 12,044, Bissorã 9898, Bula 9010, Farim 9005, Mansôa 8313, Ingoré 8107, Buba 7898

Religions: 45% Muslims, 31% followers of indigenous religions, 22% Christians (especially Catholics) (status: 2006)

Languages: Portuguese; Creole, Ful and others

Employed by the: agricultural sector. 10%, industry 7%, business 83% (2017)

Unemployment (in% of all labor force): no information

Inflation rate (in%): 2017: 1.1%

Foreign trade: Import: 251 million US $ (2017); Export: US $ 342 million (2017)

Guinea Bissau Border Map

Republic of Guinea-Bissau Brief Guide

According to AbbreviationFinder, Guinea-Bissau is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa. This small state was once a Portuguese colony. Guinea-Bissau is bordered on the north by Senegal and on the south and east by Guinea. To the west is the Atlantic Ocean.