Guinea-Bissau

About this book

Guinea-Bissau is a small West African nation that harbors bountiful natural resources and boasts an extraordinary diversity of ethnic groups. A Portuguese colony surrounded by francophone neighbors, it won its independence in 1974 after a long peasant-backed war against the colonial regime. But to the surprise of many Africa-watchers, the post-colonial period has been marked by political conflict and economic crisis: a successful coup d'etat in 1980 and several abortive coup attempts, the virtual collapse of the state-run economy, increasing levels of external migration, and the departure of many skilled and educated citizens. This book begins with a survey of pre-colonial peoples, early Portuguese settlement and the slave trade, indigenous resistance to colonial rule, the political economy of Portuguese nationalism, and the armed struggle for national independence. The political events and difficulties that characterized the first decade of independence are then analyzed. Economic advances and setbacks are also discussed, particularly in terms of current market reforms. Throughout, Guinean culture, religion, languages, education, and the role of women are highlighted. Finally, the author reflects on Guinea-Bissau's revolutionary past and examines its prospects through the close of the twentieth century.