Bissau

Bissau, port city and capital of Guinea-Bissau. It originated in 1687 as a Portuguese fortified post and slave-trading centre. In 1941 it replaced Bolama as the capital and has since developed on a northwest-southeast axis by the Gêba Channel, which offers an excellent roadstead for the largest vessels; a wharf and pier have replaced the former outdated lighterage system. Subsequent port improvements included enlargement of the harbour and the installation of refrigeration units. The city also has an international airport and is the site of a small university and a research institute. During the country’s civil war (1998–99), much of the city was destroyed and most of the population fled into the interior. In the early 21st century, with a fragile peace holding, the population largely returned. Pop. (2004 est.) 305,700.