Living in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau lies on the West African Atlantic coast between Senegal and Guinea; the Bijagos Islands are also part of the country. Around 1.9 million people live there. The predominantly flat country is shaped by rivers, mangroves, rice fields and savannas. A hot, humid rainy season is followed by a drier period, often with strong winds along the coast. In Bissau, people live in different neighborhoods, travel by shared taxis or minibuses, and work in trade, services or the public sector. In rural areas, rice and cashew cultivation, fishing and handicrafts shape daily life. The islands are usually reached by boat; markets, family visits, football and music are popular leisure activities in many places.