Ninety-nine percent of Guinea-Bissau's population of about 1.3 million people made up of black African ethnic groups including Balanta (30 percent), Fula (20 percent), Manjaca (14 percent), Mandinga (13 percent), and Papel (seven percent). Europeans and mulattos account for less than one percent. The country’s religious population is 50 percent indigenous beliefs, 45 percent Muslim, and five percent Christian.
Guinea-Bisseau is undergoing a difficult transition back to democracy after an army coup ousted the president in 1999. An interim government formed in that year turned over power to opposition leader Kumba Yala after elections were held in 2000. Throughout these changes, however, the 1984 Constitution remained in effect.
The constitution states, "The freedom of thought expression, meeting, association, manifestation, as well as the freedom of religion, are guaranteed in the conditions foreseen by the law." The right of religious freedom guaranteed in the constitution have generally continued to be respected and there are amicable relations amongst religious groups. Foreign missionaries operate in the country without hindrance.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Guinea-Bissau
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