When the country won its freedom, only about 5 percent of the people could read and write. During the war for independence, rebel leaders began many schools and adult education programs in areas under their control. After the war, the new government turned several former Portuguese military buildings into schools. Land and climate. Guinea-Bissau's coastal area consists of rain forests and thick swamps.
Mangrove trees grow in the water along the shore.
Many rivers flow through the country. The chief rivers include the Cacheu, the Corubal, and the Geba. Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate with a dry and a wet season. The heaviest rains fall in July and August. Guinea-Bissau's agriculture, industry, and mineral resources are underdeveloped.