Guinea-Bissau is a small country located on the west coast of Africa. It is known for its diverse cultures, beautiful landscapes, and rich history. Let’s explore this fascinating nation through 38 riddles!
Geography
What is the capital city of Guinea-Bissau?
Bissau
What major river forms part of the northern border of Guinea-Bissau?
The Corubal River
What is the name of the group of islands located off the coast of Guinea-Bissau?
The Bijagos Islands
Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate. What are the two seasons in Guinea-Bissau called?
Rainy season and dry season
Guinea-Bissau has diverse landscapes. Which type of landscape covers over 50% of the country?
Forests
History
Guinea-Bissau was once a Portuguese colony. What year did Guinea-Bissau gain independence from Portugal?
1974
Guinea-Bissau briefly formed a union with which neighboring country after gaining independence?
Cape Verde
What was the name of this short-lived union between Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde?
Portuguese Guinea and Cape Verde
Guinea-Bissau’s first president held power for many years before being overthrown in a coup. What was his name?
Luís Cabral
The armed forces of Guinea-Bissau overthrew the government in which year?
1980
Culture
Guinea-Bissau has over 20 ethnic groups. What are the three largest ethnic groups?
Fula, Balanta, and Mandinka
Portuguese is the official language but most people speak a local language. What is the most widely spoken local language?
Kriol
What is the most widely practiced religion in Guinea-Bissau?
Islam
Music and dance are important in Guinea-Bissau’s culture. What is the national dance called?
Gumbe
Many people in Guinea-Bissau practice traditional beliefs. What is the name for their traditional healers and spiritual leaders?
Balobas
Food
Rice is a staple food in Guinea-Bissau. What type of rice is most commonly eaten?
White rice
Cashews are one of Guinea-Bissau’s major exports. How are cashews traditionally prepared in Guinea-Bissau cuisine?
Roasted cashews
Seafood is popular in coastal areas of Guinea-Bissau. What seafood is often used in stews and rice dishes?
Fish
What is malaguetta, a condiment commonly used in Guinea-Bissau cooking?
A type of pepper
Which popular tropical fruit is often used to make juice in Guinea-Bissau?
Pineapple
Animals
Guinea-Bissau has diverse wildlife. Which of Africa’s “Big 5” mammals can be found in Guinea-Bissau?
Elephants
What is the national animal of Guinea-Bissau?
Leopard
Birds flourish in Guinea-Bissau’s coastal wetlands. What colorful long-legged birds are commonly seen?
Flamingos
The reptiles of Guinea-Bissau include various snake species. What is the largest venomous snake found in the region?
African rock python
Guinea-Bissau’s waters are home to diverse marine life. What huge fish species can be found off the coast?
Whale sharks
Economy
What are the main exports of Guinea-Bissau’s economy?
Cashews, fish, timber
Many people in Guinea-Bissau work in agriculture. What crop do most farmers grow?
Rice
Guinea-Bissau has mineral resources including phosphates and oil. However, mineral extraction plays a small role. Why is this?
Political instability hampers investment and development of mining
What percentage of people in Guinea-Bissau work in agriculture or fishing?
Over 50%
What major challenge faces Guinea-Bissau’s economy?
Poverty
Society
What is the population of Guinea-Bissau?
Around 1.8 million
What is the ethnic group that forms the largest part of the population?
Fula – over 30%
Over half the population of Guinea-Bissau lives in which area?
Rural areas
Guinea-Bissau has a youthful population, with over 60% under age 25. What is the median age?
19 years old
What is the main problem faced by youth in Guinea-Bissau?
Lack of access to education and employment opportunities
Miscellaneous
Guinea-Bissau’s flag features red, yellow, and green colors. What do these pan-African colors symbolize?
Red for the bloodshed during the struggle for independence, yellow for the country’s mineral wealth, green for the forests
The Guinea-Bissau national anthem is called Esta é a Nossa Pátria Bem Amada. What does the title mean in English?
“This is our beloved homeland”
Guinea-Bissau’s coastline provided what important advantage for European colonizers?
Access to trade routes and natural harbors for ships
Cashew farming was introduced by the Portuguese. How did cashews later play a role in Guinea-Bissau’s independence struggle?
Revenues from cashews helped fund the independence movement
Guinea-Bissau enjoys diverse and colorful cultural traditions. What is the origin of the name “Guinea” in the country’s name?
It comes from the Berber word aguinaw, meaning “black people”
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these riddles about Guinea-Bissau! This fascinating West African country has a rich culture and history to explore. From cashews to Gumbe dancing, Guinea-Bissau offers wonderful diversity. Although the nation faces challenges like poverty and political instability, its resilient people carry on their traditions. Let us hope that stability and prosperity may come to Guinea-Bissau in the future.
