Terrain
Mostly low-lying coastal plain with a deeply indented estuarine coastline rising to savanna in east; numerous off-short islands including the Arquipelago Dos Bijagos consisting of 18 main islands and many small islets
Climate
Tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
People
Nationality: Bissau-Guinean(s)
Population: 1,693,398 (July 2014 est.)
Languages: Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African
Religions
Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 10%
Economy
Guinea-Bissau's legal economy is based on farming and fishing, but trafficking in narcotics is probably the most lucrative economic activity. The combination of limited economic prospects, a weak and faction-ridden government, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe. Cashew nuts are the main source of income for rural communities and the country's main export crop.