Guinea-Bissau
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
33 / 100
Partly Free
Guinea-Bissau’s political system has been hampered in recent years by divisions between the president and the parliament, and within the main political party. Conditions for civil liberties have gradually improved as the country has recovered from the aftermath of a military coup in 2012, though police continue to disrupt some demonstrations. Corruption is a major problem that has been exacerbated by organized criminal activity, including drug trafficking.
Research & Recommendations
Guinea-Bissau
Partly Free
33
100
| PR Political Rights | 7 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 26 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
41
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Guinea-Bissau’s political system has been hampered in recent years by power struggles between the presidency and the parliamentary majority, and a military coup in late 2025 thwarted efforts to restore regular political order by holding overdue elections. Conditions for civil liberties had gradually improved as the country recovered from the aftermath of an earlier coup in 2012, though police continued to disrupt some demonstrations, and journalists faced interference with their work. Corruption remains a major problem that has been exacerbated by organized criminal activity, including drug trafficking.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
33
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 2,106,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
