Guinea-Bissau

Languages:

Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation, has Portuguese as its official language, used in administration, education, and media. The country is linguistically diverse, with more than 20 indigenous languages spoken by various ethnic groups. The most widely spoken native languages include Fula (also known as Fulani or Pular), Balanta, and Mandinka. Additionally, Guinea-Bissau Creole, a Portuguese-based creole language, serves as the lingua franca, facilitating communication among the country's diverse linguistic communities.

Religion:

Religion in Guinea-Bissau is predominantly Muslim, with approximately 45% of the population practicing Islam, primarily of the Sunni tradition. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion and promotes the secular nature of the state. Christianity accounts for about 22% of the population, including Roman Catholics and various Protestant denominations. Traditional African religions are practiced by around 14% of the population, often alongside other religious beliefs. A significant portion of the population, about 19%, does not identify with any specific religious tradition or holds a combination of religious beliefs.

Ethnic Groups:

Fulani 28.5%, Balanta 22.5%, Mandinga 14.7%, Papel 9.1%, Manjaco 8.3%, Beafada 3.5%, Mancanha 3.1%, Bijago 2.1%, Felupe 1.7%, Mansoanca 1.4%, Balanta Mane 1%, other 1.8%, none 2.2% (2008 est.)