Timeline of Guinea-Bissau

Chronology

7 events spanning the history of Guinea-Bissau. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1446

   First Portuguese explorer reaches region.

   First Portuguese explorer reaches region and lands near to what is now the city of Bissau -- Nuno Tristão was sent by the Portuguese Prince Henry the Navigator to the west coast of Africa.

2. 1879

   Guinea-Bissau becomes a separate colony.

   Guinea-Bissau becomes a separate colony. Portuguese control of the interior is slow and sometimes violent, and not effectively achieved until 1915.

3. 1951

   Guinea-Bissau declared a province of Portugal.

   Guinea-Bissau declared a province of Portugal.

4. 1974

   Portugal grants Guinea-Bissau independence.

   Portugal grants Guinea-Bissau independence with Luis Cabral, Amilcar Cabral’s brother, as president.

5. 1994

   Guinea-Bissau held democratic elections.

   Guinea-Bissau held democratic elections.

6. 1998

   In Guinea-Bissau the fighting intensified and thousands of people sought escape routes.

   In Guinea-Bissau the fighting intensified and thousands of people sought escape routes.

7. 2002

   Guinea-Bissau Pres. Kumba Yala dissolved Parliament and delayed elections 3 times.

   Guinea-Bissau Pres. Kumba Yala dissolved Parliament and delayed elections 3 times.