Guinea-Bissau

At a Glance

Guinea-Bissau is a small West African country with a mainland of rivers, forests, and rice paddies and an offshore archipelago, the Bijagós Islands, that is one of Africa's most important wetland ecosystems. The culture is a remarkable blend of animist, Muslim, and Portuguese-influenced traditions, and the pace of life is slow and unhurried. It is an exceptional destination for birdwatchers and those seeking an Africa entirely free of tourist infrastructure.

• One of the world's poorest countries and a major cocaine transit hub for Europe.
• Has experienced more coups than national elections since independence in 1974.