Cacheu

Cacheu is a town and municipality in the northwest of Guinea-Bissau and serves as the administrative center of the Cacheu Region. It lies along the Cacheu River, a major watercourse that historically connected inland areas to the Atlantic coast and served as a conduit for trade and travel in the region.

The area has historical significance dating to the era of Portuguese exploration and colonial rule. The Forte de Cacheu, a fortress established in the 17th century, protected Portuguese interests along the river and played a role in regional power dynamics among colonial powers. The town and surrounding settlements developed as a trading post for goods moving between inland communities and Atlantic markets. Guinea-Bissau gained independence from Portugal in 1973 after a prolonged liberation struggle.

Economy and people: The municipality’s economy is based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and small-scale commerce, with crops such as peanuts and cashews contributing to local livelihoods. The population includes several ethnic groups, among them Balanta, Fula, and Mandinka, reflecting the region’s ethnic and cultural diversity. Portuguese is the official language of the country, while Crioulo (Kriol) and local languages are widely spoken in daily life.

Cultural and regional notes: The Forte de Cacheu remains a landmark and a reminder of the region’s historical role in Atlantic trade networks. Today, Cacheu continues to function as a local administrative and commercial center, with communities that maintain distinct traditions while sharing national governance and institutions.