A LOOK AT THE DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION PROCESS IN GUINEA-BISSAU

Abstract

This article analyzes the demographic transition process between 1950 and 2020, as well as future population trends of Guinea-Bissau. Specifically, it seeks to:  present and discuss the country's historical, social, and political processes and their relationship with demographic transition; and  estimate and understand the demographic transition model experienced by Guinea-Bissau and countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Research of this nature in the Guinean context is highly relevant, as it is the first study of its kind, which aims to encourage new research and generate the knowledge necessary for the development of public policies directed toward various demographic phenomena in Guinea-Bissau. To this end, the main demographic indicators of the transition process were used, based on data obtained from the UN Population Division. Among the main results, it is noteworthy that, in light of the theory of demographic transition, Guinea-Bissau is in a late transition process, with fertility rates of around 4.5 and mortality indicators that are still considered high. Despite this, the country appears to be following the downward trends of the indicators analyzed, similar to countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region whose reality is similar.