Bissau-Guinean women. *Photo from Wikipedia
September 24 is Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Guinea-Bissau from Portugal in 1973.
Guinea-Bissau was once part of the Kaabu Empire, as well as part of the Mali Empire. Parts of this kingdom persisted until the 18th century, while a few others were under some rule by the Portuguese Empire since the 16th century. In the 19th century, it was colonized as Portuguese Guinea.
Upon independence, declared in 1973 and recognized in 1974, the name of its capital, Bissau, was added to the country’s name to prevent confusion with Guinea (formerly French Guinea).
Guinea-Bissau, officially the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, is a country in West Africa. Portuguese is the only language with official status.
*Reference: Wikipedia
