Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau’s earliest historical records reveal that this region was part of the kingdom of Kaabu and that it was later part of the wide-spread and powerful Mali Empire. Local kingdoms and chiefdoms continued for several centuries to administer the internal portions of this country, even after the Portuguese began to govern settlements along the coast and principle river in the 1500’s. It was not until the 1800’s that the country was officially unified under Portuguese control, and, even after that took place, local chiefs continued to hold much power in the interior.

Full independence, granted in 1974, fell far short of fulfilling the expectations of its people. Civil wars, coups, uprisings, and mutinies have characterized its political scene for many years. In fact, only one of its presidents, one of the more recent, has been able to complete one term in office. In spite of this unrest, the country has been able to hold multi-party elections several times in hopes of bringing a better democracy in future.

Home to nearly two million, this tropical country is nearly three times the size of Connecticut. Very little of the population actually speak the official language of Portuguese, as most prefer a Creole language particular to their country and used widely throughout. Nearly half the population claim Islam as their faith; however, the state is secular. Many follow a syncretized form of Christianity while nearly fifteen-percent claim animism with no disguise whatsoever.

Missionaries in Guinea-Bissau:

Missionaries in Africa (listed with BIMI account numbers)