The country rises from a coastal plain broken up by numerous inlets through a transitional plateau to mountains on the border with Guinea. Thick forest and mangrove swamp cover the area nearest the Atlantic Ocean. Savannah covers the inland areas. Gained independence from Portugal in 1973. The new military rulers have promised to hold free elections in November 1999.
Official language is Portuguese.
The majority of the population speak Guinean Creole. Balante and Fulani languages are also spoken. Mainly Animist and Muslim. There are a small minority of Roman Catholics and other Christians. Limited electricity supply on 220 volts AC, 50Hz.