2013 Report on International Religious Freedom - Guinea-Bissau

Executive Summary

The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally respected religious freedom.

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 U.S. government estimates the total population at 1.7 million (July 2013 estimate). 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 cities or towns.

Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom

Legal/Policy Framework

The constitution and other laws and policies generally protect religious freedom.

The government requires that religious groups obtain licenses, which it issues routinely.

Government Practices

There were no reports of significant government actions affecting 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 U.S. embassy in Dakar, Senegal, discussed religious freedom with the government of Guinea-Bissau.