2012 Report on International Religious Freedom - Guinea-Bissau
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Publication Date | 20 May 2013 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, 2012 Report on International Religious Freedom - Guinea-Bissau, 20 May 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/519dd4c06b.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Executive Summary
The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally respected religious freedom. The trend in the government's respect for religious freedom did not change significantly during the year.
There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.
There is no permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in the country. Representatives of the U.S. embassy in Dakar discussed religious freedom with the government.
Section I. Religious Demography
The World Bank estimates the population is 1.5 million. Approximately 50 percent follows indigenous religious practices. Forty percent is Muslim, and 10 percent is Christian.
The Fula (Peuhl or Fulani) and Mandinka ethnic groups are the most numerous followers of Islam. Muslims generally live in the north and northeast, and most Muslims are Sunni. Adherents of indigenous religious beliefs generally live in all but the northern parts of the country. The Christian population, including Roman Catholics and Protestants, is concentrated in Bissau and other large towns.
Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom
Legal/Policy Framework
The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom.
The government requires that religious groups obtain licenses, and the government issued them routinely.
The government observes the following religious holidays as national holidays: Good Friday, Easter, All Saints' Day, Tabaski (Abraham's sacrifice), and Christmas.
Government Practices
There were no reports of abuses of religious freedom.
Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom
There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.
Section IV. U.S. Government Policy
There was no permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in the country. Representatives from the embassy in Dakar, Senegal, discussed religious freedom with the government of Guinea-Bissau.
