The history behind countries with 'Guinea' in their official names

The presence of "Guinea" in the names of several countries can be traced back to colonial history, European exploration, and the geographical labeling used during those times.

The term "Guinea" likely originates from a Berber or West African word such as "Ghiné" or "Akal n-Iguinawen" (meaning "land of the black people"). European traders and explorers in the 15th century used the term "Guinea" to describe a broad coastal region in West Africa known for its trade in gold, ivory, and enslaved people.

Countries with 'Guinea' in their names:

Guinea (Republic of Guinea)

Located in West Africa, Guinea was formerly known as French Guinea and was part of French West Africa. The country gained independence from France in 1958. The name simply reflects its location along the historic Guinea Coast.

Guinea-Bissau

Formerly Portuguese Guinea under Portuguese colonial rule, Guinea Bissau is a neighbour to Guinea in West Africa. Its capital city, Bissau, was added to distinguish it from the neighbouring Republic of Guinea. This country also gained independence from Portugal in 1973.

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea is a country located in Central Africa, bordered by Cameroon, Gabon, and the Gulf of Guinea. It is a former Spanish colony but gained independence in 1968. "Equatorial" was added to highlight its location near the equator and to differentiate it from other "Guinea" countries.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a country in Oceania, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The eastern half of the island of New Guinea was colonised by both Germany and Britain, and was later administered by Australia. The name 'New Guinea' was given in 1545 by Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez, who believed the local people resembled those from the West African Guinea region. The country gained its independence in 1975.