World Happiness Report for Guinea-Bissau 2024
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Guinea-Bissau. GW.
Guinea-Bissau is a country in West Africa with a semi-presidential representative democratic republic political structure.
- It has a rich cultural heritage influenced by Portuguese colonialism and various ethnic groups.
- The country’s economy is largely reliant on agriculture, with cashew nuts being a significant export.
- Guinea-Bissau is known for its diverse wildlife, including rare species of birds and marine life.
Guinea-Bissau – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History:
The territory of present-day Guinea-Bissau was initially inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Balanta, Mandinka, and Papel. The region was influenced by the Mali Empire and the Kaabu Empire, which controlled parts of the area from the 13th to the 19th century.
Colonial Period:
In the 15th century, Portuguese explorers arrived in the region, and Portugal established a presence in the area. Guinea-Bissau became a Portuguese colony known as Portuguese Guinea, and the colonial period lasted until the mid-20th century.
Independence and Modern Era:
After a prolonged liberation struggle led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), Guinea-Bissau gained independence from Portugal in 1973. The country faced instability, including a civil war in the late 1990s. In recent years, Guinea-Bissau has experienced several military coups and political turmoil.
Current Political Situation:
Guinea-Bissau is a semi-presidential republic. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The most recent presidential election was held in 2019, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló assumed the presidency.
International Relations:
Guinea-Bissau maintains diplomatic relations with various countries and is a member of organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Human Development and Economy:
Guinea-Bissau’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly cashew nuts, which are a major export. The country faces significant challenges in terms of poverty, low human development indicators, and limited infrastructure.
Cultural Highlights:
Guinea-Bissau has a rich cultural heritage, with diverse ethnic groups and traditions. The predominant religions are Islam and animism. Portuguese is the official language, but several local languages, such as Crioulo, are also widely spoken.
Challenges and Opportunities: Guinea-Bissau faces challenges related to political instability, poverty, and economic development. However, the country has opportunities to promote sustainable agriculture, develop its natural resources, and strengthen democratic institutions.
Travel Tips for Guinea-Bissau:
– Best times to visit: The dry season from November to May offers the most favorable weather conditions for travel.
– Cultural etiquette: Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially in religious settings. Greet elders with respect and avoid public displays of affection.
– Safety precautions: Exercise caution, especially in urban areas, and avoid traveling alone at night. Seek updated travel advisories before visiting.
– Must-see landmarks: The Bijagós Archipelago, the historic ruins of Cacheu, and the Cantanhez Forests are popular destinations.
– Culinary experiences: Try traditional dishes like caldeirada (seafood stew), baca (rice and black-eyed peas), and mango juice.
Living in Guinea-Bissau:
– Cost of living: The cost of living in Guinea-Bissau is relatively low compared to many other countries, but incomes are also low.
– Housing: Accommodation options range from traditional mud-brick houses to modern apartments in urban areas.
– Healthcare: The healthcare system is underdeveloped, and access to quality medical care can be challenging, especially outside major cities.
– Education: Public education is free but may be of varying quality. International schools and private options are available in larger cities.
– Lifestyle: Be prepared to adapt to a more relaxed pace of life and potential infrastructure challenges. Building local connections and learning local languages can be beneficial.
Main facts
Location
Guinea-Bissau is a small country located in West Africa. It borders the North Atlantic Ocean and is situated between Senegal and Guinea, with a short coastline along the Bissagos Islands.
Map References
Guinea-Bissau is located in Western Africa, on the bulge of the continent along the Atlantic coast.
Area – Comparative
With an area of 36,125 square kilometers, Guinea-Bissau is slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Guinea-Bissau shares land borders with the following countries:
Coastline
Guinea-Bissau has a coastline of 350 km along the Atlantic Ocean and the Bissagos Islands, an archipelago of 88 islands and islets.
Maritime Claims
Guinea-Bissau claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
- Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
Climate
Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate with a distinct monsoonal season. The rainy season lasts from May to November, and the dry season occurs from December to April.
Terrain
The terrain of Guinea-Bissau is primarily low coastal plains with swampy areas and mangrove forests, rising to a savanna in the eastern regions.
Elevation Extremes
The lowest point in Guinea-Bissau is the Atlantic Ocean at 0 meters, while the highest point is an unnamed elevation in the northeastern part of the country, reaching 300 meters above sea level.
Natural Resources
The major natural resources in Guinea-Bissau include fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, and clay.
Major Bodies of Water
The significant water bodies in Guinea-Bissau include:
Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards in Guinea-Bissau are hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze, which can reduce visibility during the dry season, and brush fires.
Geography – Notes
Guinea-Bissau is highly dependent on its coastal fishing resources and is susceptible to potential sea level rise due to climate change. The country’s geography, with its low-lying coastal areas and mangrove forests, plays a vital role in its economy and ecosystem.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 69.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 293. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 58.00%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 11.803749-15.180413.
- Capital: The capital of Guinea-Bissau is Bissau
- Major Cities:
- Bissau – Population: 492,004
- Bafatá – Population: 22,521
- Gabú – Population: 14,430
- Bolama – Population: 10,281
- Population: 1,920,922
- Area(Km2): 36125
- Population Density( P/Km²):70. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:245
- Official Language(s):Guinea-Bissau is predominantly spoken Portuguese at 100%.
- Currency: XOF
Main Economic Indicators
Guinea-Bissau is a small, developing economy with a GDP of around $1.4 billion. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with a focus on cashew nut production and export. Key economic challenges include high poverty rates, lack of economic diversification, and limited infrastructure. Notable economic policies have focused on attracting foreign investment and promoting economic growth through private sector development.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 8.3% (Source: World Bank)
2020: 1.4% (Source: World Bank)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: Not Rated
Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 44.7%
Industry: 13.2%
Services: 42.1% (2017 estimates)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Cashew nuts, rice, peanuts, palm kernels, corn, sorghum, millet, cotton, fish, timber
Industrial Products: Agricultural products processing, brewing, soft drinks, cement, construction materials, soap and detergents, salt
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 729,000 (2017 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available
Current Account Balance
2021: -$53 million (Source: World Bank)
2020: -$22 million (Source: World Bank)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available
Exports and Imports
Exports: $266 million (2021 estimate)
Key Partners: India, Vietnam, Spain, Nigeria, Portugal
Main Commodities: Cashew nuts, fish, peanuts, palm kernels, timber
Imports: $343 million (2021 estimate)
Key Partners: Portugal, Senegal, China, Netherlands, India
Main Commodities: Foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $348 million (2021 estimate)
Gold Reserves: Not Available
- GDP (Current US$):$1,340,389,411. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 10.30%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 45.50%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. . It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.16. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 2.47%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Noun: Guinean(s)
Adjective: Guinean
Ethnic Groups
- Balanta 30%
- Fula 20%
- Manjak 14%
- Mandinka 14%
- Papel 7%
- Others 15%
Religions
- Muslim 45.1%
- Christian 22.1%
- Animist 14.9%
- None 2%
- Unspecified 15.9%
Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 41.08%
- 15-64 years: 55.52%
- 65 years and over: 3.4%
Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 80.8
Youth dependency ratio: 74.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.6
Median Age
Total: 19.9 years
Male: 19.2 years
Female: 20.5 years
Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 9.8% (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 2.8 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2010)
Tobacco use: 14.2% of adults (2015)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 58. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 59%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:35.13. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 4.48. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 3.5%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 840,922. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):37.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau are comprised of the following main branches:
- Army: The National People’s Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP) form the country’s army.
- Navy: The Naval Component is responsible for maritime security and coastal defense.
- Air Force: The Air Force operates a small number of transport aircraft and helicopters.
- National Police: The National Police (Policia Nacional) is responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement.
Military Expenditures
Guinea-Bissau’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2021: 1.6%
- 2020: 1.7%
- 2019: 1.8%
- 2018: 1.8%
- 2017: 1.7%
Guinea-Bissau ranks among the countries with the lowest military spending globally.
Personnel Strengths
Guinea-Bissau has a total of approximately 8,800 active-duty military personnel, with the breakdown as follows:
- Army: 8,000
- Navy: 600
- Air Force: 200
The National Police force has an estimated strength of 3,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Guinea-Bissau’s military equipment inventory is relatively modest, consisting primarily of older-generation equipment from former Soviet and Eastern European sources. The Army’s inventory includes light armored vehicles, artillery pieces, and small arms. The Navy operates a few coastal patrol craft, and the Air Force has a limited number of transport aircraft and helicopters.
There are no major ongoing or planned military acquisition programs due to the country’s limited resources.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Guinea-Bissau is voluntary, with no mandatory conscription in place. The minimum age for voluntary military service is 18 years old.
Military Deployments
Guinea-Bissau does not currently have any significant overseas military deployments. However, the country has contributed a small contingent of troops to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in the past.
Strategic Military Notes
Guinea-Bissau’s defense strategy is focused on maintaining internal security and territorial integrity, given the country’s limited military resources and capabilities. The military plays a role in counter-narcotics operations and addressing transnational organized crime threats.
Regionally, Guinea-Bissau is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and participates in the organization’s security initiatives and peacekeeping efforts.
- Armed Forces Size: 4500. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.13
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 72.00%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.