Colors and the Meaning of the Guinea-Bissau Flag
The red color, which is vertically located on the raised side of the flag and constitutes one-third of the flag of Guinea-Bissau, symbolizes the work, struggle, and suffering of its citizens during the colonial period. In addition, it refers to the war in order to gain independence in the colonial period.
In the rest of the flag, there are yellow and green colors that evenly divide the flag horizontally. While the yellow color represents the welfare of the labor provided by the work, the green color represents the country’s tropical nature and hopes for a happy future. The black five-pointed star, located in the middle of the red strip, is used as a symbol of the dignity, freedom, and peace of Africa and its black people.
Related: Flag of Guinea
History of the Guinea-Bissau Flag
Guinea-Bissau was the West African Colony of Portugal between 1474-1974. In the age of the slave trade, the Guinea Company flag fluttered in the region. This flag had a white background and a big green cross in the center. During this period, the country did not have a flag of the Guinea-Bissau colony. The country continued to use the Flag of Portugal until its independence in 1973. In 1960, a flag was proposed for Portuguese Guinea. This flag was created with the addition of a shield on the right side of the Portuguese Flag.
When the country was granted independence in 1973, the country’s name was changed to Guinea-Bissau and a new flag was adopted. This flag is the Guinea-Bissau flag used today. The flag is the first and last flag of Guinea-Bissau. The flag consists of two yellow-green stripes and a vertical red stripe on the left. In the middle of the red vertical stripe, there is a black star. Pan-African colors were used in the flag.
Neighboring Countries of Guinea-Bissau
It is located in West Africa, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also neighbor to Guinea in the south and, east and Senegal in the north.
Main Characteristics of Guinea-Bissau
The name of the country was created by adding the name of the capital, Bissau, in order not to be confused with the neighboring country of Guinea. It is one of the 20 poorest countries in the world. The majority of the population lives in the capital, Bissau. The official language is Portuguese. There are also languages spoken by ethnic groups. They use the West African CFA franc as currency.
Tropical climate prevails. Throughout the year the weather is moist and hot. The average temperature is 24 degrees. Seafood is the basis of the country’s cuisine. Meals are usually made with palm oil, pistachio, sauce and vegetables. Rice is also among the important foods.
| Country | Guinea-Bissau |
| Code | GW (GNB) |
| Calling Code | 245 |
| Capital City | Bissau |
| Currency | west african cfa franc (XOF) |
| Emoji Symbol | 🇬🇼 |
| Highest Point | 300 m |
| Internet TLD | .gw |
| Population(2018) | 1,907,268 |
| Total Area | 36,125 km2 |