What is the history of Guinea-Bissau and when did it gain independence?
Posted on Jan 08, 2026 / Travel
Guinea-Bissau was formerly known as Portuguese Guinea and was part of Portugal’s overseas colonies in Africa. After a long and fierce independence war led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), it unilaterally declared independence on September 24, 1973. Portugal recognised its independence the following year in 1974, ending centuries of colonial rule. The struggle for independence has become a defining part of national identity, and key figures like AmÃlcar Cabral are revered for their role in liberation. After independence, the country experienced political instability and conflict, including civil wars and frequent changes in leadership. Guinea-Bissau was one of the first African countries to shed colonial rule in the early 1970s, influencing other liberation movements across the continent. Its post-independence period has been shaped by repeated efforts to establish stable governance.
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