Capital
Bissau

Location
Is a country in Western Africa, and one of the smallest nations in continental Africa. It borders on the Atlantic Ocean in the west, on Senegal in the north, and on Guinea to the east and south.

The country includes the nearby Bijagós Archipelago and other islands in the Atlantic.

Climate
Tropical; generally hot and humid.

Natural resources
Mining does not play an important role in Guinea-Bissau’s economy. There are currently no commercial mining operations in the country, but prospecting for bauxite and phosphates is being pursued.

The Guinea-Bissau oil industry is dependent on the importation of all petroleum products. There is a fledgling mining industry which offers some investment potential. Although there is potential for gold, phosphate, bauxite and oil mining, at present the costs of exploration are more than the country can afford.

Types: Fish, Timber, Phosphates, Bauxite, Clay, Granite, Limestone, Unexploited deposits of petroleum.

Economy
Guinea-Bissau is among the world's least developed nations and one of the 20 poorest countries in the world, and depends mainly on agriculture and fishing.

One of Guinea-Bissau's important income sources is cashew nuts, of which it exports 90,000 tons per year. Tropical fruits such as mangos could also provide more income to the country if the sector were developed.

Because of high costs, the development of petroleum, phosphate, and other mineral resources is not a near-term prospect. It produces 400,000 barrels/day of petrol. However, unexploited offshore oil reserves may possibly provide much –needed revenue in the long run.

Guinea-Bissau is a member of the Franc Zone.

Industries
The country’s industrial sector is tiny, representing 12,1% of GDP in 2003. Industrial activity is mostly limited to the processing of agricultural products.

Industries: Agricultural products processing, Beer, Soft drinks.

Foreign Trade
Major exports: Cashew nuts, Shrimp, Peanuts, Palm kernels, Sawn Lumber

Major imports: Foodstuffs, Machinery and transport equipment, Petroleum products

Major trading partners: India, Nigeria, Italy, Senegal (44,6%), Portugal (13.8%), China (4.2%), Spain (2004)

Transportation
The country has about 4,400 km of road, of which about 10% are paved. Guinea Bissau are no railways.

Roadways
total: 4,400 km
paved: 453 km

Waterways
Several rivers are accessible to coastal shipping; 4 largest rivers are navigable for some distance; many inlets and creeks give shallow-water access to much of interior (2004)

Ports and Terminals: Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim

Air
International air links are limited and there are no domestic scheduled air services. The principal airline flying to Guinea-Bissau is Air Portugal. A number of regional airlines also serve the internacional airport at Bissau. Guinea-Bissau has an international airport in the capital.
Airports: 28 (2005) - with paved runways: total: 3 (over 3,047 m: 1; 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1; 914 to 1,523 m: 1

Agriculture and Fishing
Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, accounting for nearly 60% GDP. Cashew nuts and groundnuts are the main export crops while tobacco, coconuts, sugar and palm kernels are also grown for export. Food crops include rice, plantains, maize, cassava, sorghum, millet, sweet potatoes and beans, most of which are produced by subsistence farmers.

Cashew crops have increased remarkably in recent years, and the country now ranks sixth in cashew production. Rice is the major crop and staple food.

Livestock are also kept in the areas of higher altitude. Although fish and timber are exported at present, both industries hold potential for growth.

Guinea-Bissau exports fish and seafood along with small amounts of peanuts, palm kernels, and timber. License fees for fishing provide the government with some revenue. The country has 400km of coastal waters where fish and shellfish are highly abundant.

Agricultural products: Rice, Corn, Beans, Cassava, Cashew nuts, Peanuts, Palm kernels, Cotton, Timber, Fish

Tourism
Guinea-Bissau has an extremely weak tourism sector. According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the country received only 7,800 visitors in 2001.

Annual Indicators

Foreign Trade

Mainland China-Guinea-Bissau Bilateral Trade (USD 10 000)

Given the language, culture and the close relationships, Macao has been dealing with Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries through various channels for a long time. IPIM has co-operation protocols with the Private Investment Promotion Services the Guinea-Bissau .

Source:
BBC news – country profile Guine-Bissau
China Statistical Yearbook 2006
The Economist Intelligence Unit – Country Profile, Country Report
Macau Economic Services
Macau Statistics and Census Department
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China
The World Bank
The World Economic Factbook 2005/2006
The World Factbook
www.wikipedia.org