Other parts of the territory in the current country were considered by the Portuguese as part of their empire .
Guinea - Bissau was once part of the kingdom of Gabu , part of the Mali Empire ; parts of this kingdom persisted until the 18th century .
Other parts of the territory in the current country were considered by the Portuguese as part of Guinea - Bissau 's empire .
Guinea - Bissau was once part of the kingdom of Gabu , part of the Mali Empire ; parts of this kingdom persisted until the 18th century .