Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Bissau

Bissau, estimated population 197,610 (1991), is the capital of Guinea-Bissau. The city is located on the Geba estuary, off the Atlantic Ocean. It is the country's largest city, major port, and administrative and military center. Peanuts, hardwoods, copra, palm oil, and rubber are the chief products. 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.