The demography of Guinea-Bissau

Population

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in 2020, the population of Guinea-Bissau has 2,083,967 inhabitants. The female population is slightly larger than the male population. The estimated life in the country is slightly higher than 52 years of age and almost 50% of the population is under 18 years.

The country has an area of 36,125 km² divided between the autonomous sector of Bissau and 8 other administrative regions: Bafatá, Biombo, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabú, Oio, Quinara, Tombali. Guinea-Bissau has 23,000 km² of forest area and more than 70% of the population resides in rural areas.

Ethnic Groups

There are many ethnic groups scattered throughout the country, with Fula and Balanta being the most widely-speaking ethnic groups. Fula represents almost 30% of the country’s ethnic groups and is mainly concentrated in eastern Guinea-Bissau, while Balanta accounts for just under 25%, and can be found in both the North and South of the Guinean country. After the aforementioned, the three most numerically significant ethnic groups are Mandinga, representing almost 15%, Papel with less than 10% and Manjaca with a little more than 8%.

In addition to having happened for historical reasons, the geographical distribution of these ethnic groups also happened in this way due to the economic activities performed by each of these ethnic groups. For example, the Balanta, Manjaco, Mancanhas and Papéis groups grow rice in the bolanhas (moist and fertile land) and, therefore, can be found mostly in coastal regions.

Economy

Agriculture is the country’s main economic activity, absorbing 80% of the workforce. Guinea-Bissau stands out for being a major global producer of cashew nuts and for being a recognized shrimp exporter. Other economic activities include growing sugarcane, rice, cotton, mango, banana.

Religion

The majority religion in the country is Islam, representing 45% of the population. Christianity, in turn, accounts for almost 20% of the population. While 31% of the people of Guinea-Bissau identify with popular religions (animism – traditional African beliefs) and 4.3% of the inhabitants say they are without religion. 

Language

Although the Portuguese the official language of the country, less than 20% of the population speak the language today. The use of Portuguese is more concentrated around the capital of Guinea-Bissau and is practically restricted between the elite and the most educated population of the country. A wide variety of native and European languages is spoken in the country, reflecting ethnic diversity and Guinean history.

The language considered the true national language of the country is the Creole of Guinea-Bissau. This language is based on the Portuguese language and is used in formal communications, as well as in public services and even in Parliament. There are also about 40 regional dialects scattered throughout the country, such as Balanta, Fula, Mandjak, Mandinka, Papel. French is taught as a second language in the country’s public schools, making it the main foreign language of Guinea-Bissau.