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List of governors of Portuguese Guinea facts for kids

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Guinea-Bissau-CIA WFB Map
Map of Guinea-Bissau.
Lesser coat of arms of Portuguese Guinea
Coat of arms of Portuguese Guinea, used during the colonial period.

This article tells you about the people who governed a place called Portuguese Guinea. This area is now known as Guinea-Bissau. From 1879 until 1974, Portugal controlled this land. The people in charge were called colonial administrators or governors. They were sent by Portugal to manage the territory. In 1941, the main city, or capital, moved from Bolama to Bissau.

What Was Portuguese Guinea?

Portuguese Guinea was a colony of Portugal in West Africa. A colony is a territory controlled by another country, often far away. Portugal ruled this land for many years. They made the laws and managed daily life. This period is an important part of Guinea-Bissau's history.

Who Were the Colonial Administrators?

Colonial administrators were like the main bosses of the colony. They were usually military officers or government officials from Portugal. Their job was to make sure Portugal's rules were followed. They also managed trade, resources, and the local people. These administrators were often called "Governors." Sometimes, if a Governor was away, someone else would step in temporarily. This temporary leader was called an "acting Governor."

A Long Line of Leaders

Many different people served as Governors or acting Governors of Portuguese Guinea. They held office for different lengths of time. Some stayed for several years, while others were in charge for only a few months. For example, some Governors served more than once. Others were "acting" Governors, meaning they filled in when the main Governor was not there. This long list of leaders shows how Portugal kept control over the territory for nearly a century.

The Road to Independence

Over time, people in Portuguese Guinea wanted to rule themselves. They fought for their freedom from Portugal. This struggle for independence was long and difficult. On September 24, 1973, the people of Guinea-Bissau declared their independence. This meant they said they were a free country. However, Portugal did not agree right away. It took until September 10, 1974, for Portugal to officially recognize Guinea-Bissau as an independent nation. After this, Guinea-Bissau began to govern itself.

For continuation after independence, see: List of presidents of Guinea-Bissau

Images for kids

  • Alfredo Cardoso de Soveral Martins

    Alfredo Cardoso de Soveral Martins, a Governor in the early 1900s.

  • AHM - Carlos de Almeida Pereira

    Carlos de Almeida Pereira, who served as Governor from 1910 to 1913.

  • Manuel Maria Coelho - fototipia publicada originalmente na revista «Archivo Democratico», 1910

    Manuel Maria Coelho, Governor in 1917.

  • Jorge Frederico Velez Caroço (Arquivo Histórico Parlamentar)

    Jorge Frederico Vélez Caroço, Governor from 1921 to 1926.

  • Luís António de Carvalho Viegas

    Luís António de Carvalho Viegas, Governor in the 1930s.

  • Ricardo Vaz Monteiro

    Ricardo Vaz Monteiro, Governor from 1941 to 1945.

  • Retrato do Almirante Manuel Maria Sarmento Rodrigues - San Payo (Arquivo de Documentação Fotográfica, DGPC)

    Manuel Maria Sarmento Rodrigues, Governor from 1945 to 1949.

  • Peixoto Correia

    António Augusto Peixoto Correia, Governor from 1958 to 1962.

  • António de Spínola (1974)

    António Sebastião Ribeiro de Spínola, the last Portuguese Governor of Guinea-Bissau.

See also

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