Guinea-Bissau

The National Flag of Guinea-Bissau

The national flag of Guinea-Bissau, a symbol of independence and pride, represents the nation’s heritage and struggle for freedom. The flag of Guinea-Bissau, commonly known as the Guinea-Bissau flag, consists of two horizontal stripes of yellow and green, with a vertical red stripe at the hoist side featuring a black five-pointed star. Each element of the flag holds deep meaning, reflecting the history and values of Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau Flag Clip Art Images, Background, and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Guinea-Bissau Flag Image

To download an image of the Guinea-Bissau flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Guinea-Bissau Flag

The Guinea-Bissau flag features a design that is rich in symbolism and meaning:

• Red Stripe: The vertical red stripe represents the struggle for independence and the sacrifices made by the people of Guinea-Bissau.
• Yellow Stripe: The yellow horizontal stripe symbolizes the natural resources and the hope for a prosperous future.
• Green Stripe: The green horizontal stripe represents the country’s lush vegetation and the rich agricultural potential.
• Black Star: The black five-pointed star on the red stripe stands for African unity and solidarity.

The Origins and Design of the Guinea-Bissau Flag

The flag of Guinea-Bissau was adopted on September 24, 1973, following the country’s declaration of independence from Portuguese colonial rule. The design reflects the Pan-African colors, emphasizing the nation’s identity and connection to the larger African continent.

The Birth of a National Symbol

Inspired by the Pan-African movement, the flag’s colors were chosen to embody the ideals of freedom, unity, and pride. The red stripe pays tribute to the bloodshed during the fight for independence, while the green and yellow stripes highlight the country’s natural beauty and potential.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the Guinea-Bissau flag has remained consistent since its adoption:

• Red: Represents the struggle for liberation and the sacrifices made by the people.
• Yellow: Symbolizes the country’s wealth and natural resources.
• Green: Signifies hope and the agricultural richness of the land.
• Black Star: Represents African unity and the hope for solidarity across the continent.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the Guinea-Bissau flag include the black star and the vibrant stripes:

• Black Star: Positioned on the vertical red stripe, the star symbolizes the connection to Africa and the unity of its people.
• Horizontal Stripes: The yellow and green stripes highlight Guinea-Bissau’s resources and its commitment to prosperity and growth.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The current design of the Guinea-Bissau flag was officially adopted on September 24, 1973, the same day the country declared its independence. The flag is a proud symbol of the nation’s sovereignty and ongoing journey toward peace and development.

The Flag in Modern Guinea-Bissau Identity

Today, the flag of Guinea-Bissau is a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. It is prominently displayed during national holidays, independence celebrations, and at government institutions, serving as a reminder of the nation’s history, cultural heritage, and commitment to building a prosperous future.

The Significance of the Guinea-Bissau Flag

The flag of Guinea-Bissau holds a deep and significant place in the hearts of its people, symbolizing their rich history, culture, and unity. Displaying the flag is an act of patriotism and respect, often done on significant days that honor the nation’s journey and achievements.

When the Flag of Guinea-Bissau Can Be Displayed

The flag of Guinea-Bissau can be displayed on any day but is especially prominent on national holidays, independence day celebrations, and during official events. It should always be treated with the utmost respect and handled with care, reflecting the pride and dignity of the nation.

Flag Days and National Holidays

In Guinea-Bissau, there are several important occasions when the flag is prominently displayed:

• September 24 – Independence Day: Commemorating the country’s declaration of independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1973.
• Other National Holidays: During significant national celebrations and events, the flag serves as a symbol of unity and pride.

Guinea-Bissau Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1EC U+1F1FC
• UTF-16: D83C DDEC D83C DDFC

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇬🇼
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇬🇼

3. CSS

content: "\1F1EC\1F1FC";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const gbFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFC";

// Java Example
String gbFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFC";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$gbFlag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1FC}";

// Ruby Example
gb_flag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1FC}"

6. Perl

my $gbFlag = "\x{1F1EC}\x{1F1FC}";

7. Python

gb_flag = "\U0001F1EC\U0001F1FC"

8. C#

string gbFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFC";

9. Swift

let gbFlag = "\u{1F1EC}\u{1F1FC}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *gbFlag = @"\U0001F1EC\U0001F1FC";

11. JSON

{
  "gbFlag": "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFC"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFC');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

gb_flag=$'\U1F1EC\U1F1FC'

14. Go (Golang)

gbFlag := "\U0001F1EC\U0001F1FC"

15. Kotlin

val gbFlag = "\uD83C\uDDEC\uD83C\uDDFC"

About Guinea-Bissau

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Guinea-Bissau is located on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Senegal to the north, Guinea to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The geography of Guinea-Bissau includes:

• Low-lying coastal plains
• Mangrove swamps and estuaries along the Atlantic coast
• Archipelagos, including the Bijagós Islands
• Savannas and forests inland
• Rivers such as the Geba, Corubal, and Cacheu

Guinea-Bissau Map

Area and Population

Guinea-Bissau covers an area of approximately 36,125 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller countries in Africa. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 2 million people, with a majority living in rural areas.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

Guinea-Bissau is ethnically diverse, with several major groups contributing to its cultural landscape. The ethnic composition includes:

• Balanta: approximately 30% of the population
• Fula: around 20%
• Manjaco: about 14%
• Papel: roughly 7%
• Smaller populations of Mandinka, Bijagó, and other groups

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Guinea-Bissau”

The name “Guinea-Bissau” distinguishes it from the neighboring country of Guinea. Bissau, the capital city, was added to the country’s name after independence in 1973 to avoid confusion.

History

The history of Guinea-Bissau is rich with pre-colonial kingdoms, Portuguese colonization, and the struggle for independence. Key historical events include:

• Resistance against Portuguese colonization, led by the PAIGC (African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde)
• The proclamation of independence in 1973
• Civil unrest and political instability after independence, including a civil war in 1998-1999

Government and Politics

Capital

Bissau is the capital of Guinea-Bissau. It is the largest city and serves as the political and economic hub of the country.

Government and Politics

Guinea-Bissau operates as a semi-presidential republic. The government is divided into three branches: the executive, led by the President, the legislative, represented by the National People’s Assembly, and the judicial branch. The country has experienced periods of political instability, with several coups and transitions.

Values and Culture

Core values in Guinea-Bissau include community, tradition, and respect for elders. The country’s culture is shaped by a blend of African traditions and Portuguese colonial influences.

Religion

Islam is the dominant religion in Guinea-Bissau, practiced by about 45% of the population, mainly among the Fula and Mandinka groups. Christianity, predominantly Roman Catholicism, is practiced by around 22%, while indigenous African religions also play a significant role in the cultural life of the country.

Holidays

Major public holidays in Guinea-Bissau include:

• Independence Day on September 24
• Workers’ Day on May 1
• Religious holidays such as Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) and Christmas

Demographics and Society

Language

The official language of Guinea-Bissau is Portuguese, though it is spoken by a minority of the population. The most widely spoken language is Crioulo, a Portuguese-based Creole. Indigenous languages such as Balanta, Fula, and Mandinka are also widely spoken.

Society and Sports

Football is the most popular sport in Guinea-Bissau, with a growing interest in international competitions. Traditional music and dance are integral to social life, with genres like gumbe representing the country’s rich musical heritage.

Safety

Guinea-Bissau faces some safety challenges, particularly related to political instability and crime. However, local communities are known for their hospitality and strong social networks that support peace and cooperation.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Guinea-Bissau’s economy is largely agrarian, with key sectors including:

• Agriculture, particularly cashew nuts, which are a major export
• Fisheries, benefitting from its Atlantic coastline
• Timber and forestry products
• Subsistence farming, particularly rice and millet

The economy has faced challenges due to political instability, but there are ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and attract foreign investment.

Currency

The official currency of Guinea-Bissau is the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is shared with several other countries in the West African Economic and Monetary Union.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Guinea-Bissau’s culture is a vibrant blend of African traditions and Portuguese influences. The country is known for its lively music scene, traditional dance, and rich oral history. Music genres like gumbe and kora are popular.

Cuisine

Guinea-Bissau’s cuisine is reflective of its tropical environment and diverse cultural influences. Key elements include:

• Rice and fish, staple foods in coastal areas
• Cachupa, a hearty stew made with corn, beans, and vegetables
• Grilled meats, often served with spicy sauces

The country’s cuisine is closely linked to seasonal ingredients and traditional farming practices.

National Anthem

The national anthem of Guinea-Bissau is “Esta É a Nossa Pátria Bem Amada” (“This Is Our Well-Beloved Homeland”). It reflects the country’s struggle for independence and national pride.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Guinea-Bissau’s transportation network is developing, with key modes including roads, river transport, and a few airports. Bissau’s Osvaldo Vieira International Airport is the main gateway for international travel, and improvements in infrastructure are ongoing.

Time Zone

Guinea-Bissau operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round, without daylight saving time adjustments.

Web and Phone Code

The internet country code for Guinea-Bissau is “.gw,” and its international dialing code is +245.

Guinea-Bissau: Things to See and Do

Guinea-Bissau offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Guinea-Bissau:

Explore the Bijagós Islands

The Bijagós Archipelago is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity, traditional villages, and pristine beaches.

• Orango Island: Famous for its saltwater hippos and unspoiled nature.
• Bubaque Island: The most accessible of the Bijagós, with beautiful beaches and small guesthouses.

Experience Traditional Festivals

Guinea-Bissau is known for its colorful festivals that celebrate local customs and traditions.

• Tabaski: A major Islamic festival celebrated with feasts and community gatherings.
• National Carnival: An annual event featuring music, dance, and colorful parades in Bissau.

Discover Nature Reserves

The country’s nature reserves offer opportunities to experience Guinea-Bissau’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems.

• Lagoas Cufada Natural Park: A key wetland area, home to numerous bird species and wildlife.

Visit Historical Sites

Explore the remnants of Guinea-Bissau’s colonial past and sites related to its struggle for independence.

• Bolama Island: The former colonial capital, with decaying Portuguese architecture and a serene atmosphere.

Enjoy Local Markets

Guinea-Bissau’s markets offer a vibrant glimpse into everyday life, with fresh produce, traditional crafts, and local delicacies.

• Bissau Market: The largest market in the capital, bustling with activity and offering a wide variety of goods.