country in W Africa, on the coast between Guinea & Senegal: formerly a Portuguese territory, it became independent in 1973: 13,948 sq mi (36,125 sq km); pop. 777,000; cap. Bissau
See Guinea-Bissau in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(gĭnˌē-bĭ-souˈ)
A country of western Africa on the Atlantic Ocean. Populated by Fulani, Malinke, and other West African peoples, it was first visited by the Portuguese in the 15th century and later became a Portuguese colony (1879). After more than ten years of fighting by secessionist guerrillas, the country achieved independence in 1974. Bissau is the capital and the largest city. Population: 1,470,000.