Introduction to Bissau

Bissau is the capital of Guinea-Bissau. It is the country's largest city, major port, and administrative and military center. The city is located on the Geba River estuary, off the Atlantic Ocean. The city was founded in 1687 by Portugal as a fortified port and trading center. In 1942 it became the capital of Portuguese Guinea but was replaced by Madina do Boe in 1973-74. It has, as of 1991, an estimated population of 197,610.

Bissau is located at 11°52' North, 15°36' West. Peanuts, hardwoods, copra, palm oil, and rubber are the chief products. The city is known for its annual carnival.

Other attractions include the Fortaleza d'Amura barracks containing Amílcar Cabral's mausoleum, the Pidjiguiti Memorial to the dockers killed in the Bissau Dockers' Strike on August 3, 1959, the Guinea-Bissau National Arts Institute, Bissau New Stadium and local beaches. Many buildings in the city including the Guinea-Bissau Presidential Palace and the Bissau French Cultural Centre were ruined during the Guinea-Bissau Civil War.The Osvaldo Vieiro International Airport is the airport that serves Bissau.