Guinea-Bissau
Republic of Guinea-Bissau
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.28%
Situated in Western Africa, Guinea-Bissau has a population of approximately 1.78 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 36,125 km², translating to a density of 49 people per km². Its capital is Bissau, and official languages include Portuguese and Upper Guinea Creole, while the West African CFA franc serves as the national currency.
Population
1,781,308
Area
36,125 km²
Density
49/km²
World Rank
#151
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 30 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 7 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 38.8% of the population is under 15, while only 3.2% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Bissau
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- Portuguese, Upper Guinea Creole
- Currencies
- West African CFA franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +245
- Top-Level Domain
- .gw
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- No
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 1,781,308
- Land Area
- 36,125 km²
- Population Density
- 49 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.28%
- Annual Growth
- +40,614 people
- Daily Growth
- +111 people
- World Population Share
- 0.02%
- Coordinates
- 12.00°, -15.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $1k classifies Guinea-Bissau as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.7%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 33.4 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
64.1 years
GDP per Capita
$1,008
Birth Rate
30.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
46.1%
Fertility Rate
3.84 births/woman
Infant Mortality
43.1 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.7%
Literacy Rate
63.9%
Internet Users
32.5%
Under 15
38.8%
Over 65
3.2%
Health Spending
8.8% GDP
Gini Index
33.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
691K
15-64 years
1.0M
65+ years
57K
Urbanization
About 46.1% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Bissau serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 1373.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
821,361
46.1%
959,947
53.9%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 64.1 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 43.1 per thousand live births, markedly lower than the global average. The literacy rate of 63.9% is below the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Guinea-Bissau is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Although not a UN member, Guinea-Bissau maintains its own policy levers to address these demographic realities.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,781,308 |
| 2030 | 1,941,204 |
| 2035 | 2,142,922 |
| 2040 | 2,346,058 |
| 2045 | 2,550,191 |
| 2050 | 2,755,131 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Guinea-Bissau.
Largest Cities in Guinea-Bissau
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Guinea-Bissau by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Guinea-Bissau?
The population of Guinea-Bissau is approximately 1.8 million as of 2026, making it #151 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Guinea-Bissau?
The capital of Guinea-Bissau is Bissau.
What languages are spoken in Guinea-Bissau?
The main languages spoken in Guinea-Bissau are Portuguese, Upper Guinea Creole.
How big is Guinea-Bissau?
Guinea-Bissau covers an area of 36,125 km² with a population density of 49 people per km².
Is Guinea-Bissau growing or shrinking?
Guinea-Bissau is growing at a rate of 2.28% per year, adding approximately 40,614 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Guinea-Bissau?
The average life expectancy in Guinea-Bissau is 64.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Guinea-Bissau?
The GDP per capita of Guinea-Bissau is $1,008.