a republic in West Africa, on the Atlantic: first discovered by the Portuguese in 1446 and of subsequent importance in the slave trade; made a colony in 1879; became an independent republic in 1974. Official language: Portuguese; a creole is widely spoken. Religion: Muslim, Christian, and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Bissau. Pop: 1 861 283 (2017 est). Area: 36 125 sq km (13 948 sq miles)