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Guinea-Bissau at a Glance
Guinea-Bissau at a Glance
Guinea-Bissau is a small West African country nestled between Senegal and Guinea, with a population of just over 2 million people.
Though Portuguese is the official language, most people speak a local Portuguese-based Creole, and dozens of indigenous languages are spoken across different tribes and regions.
The People
The People
The people of Guinea-Bissau are incredibly welcoming and are a ‘give you the shirt off their back’, kind of people. They share what they have today with those in need and worry about tomorrow when it comes. This generosity is both beautiful and challenging.
It doesn’t take long to notice both the physical and spiritual needs of Guinea-Bissau. Within minutes of arriving, you may see children dressed in worn clothing selling small bags of peanuts along the roadside; cows led through the streets with names etched into their sides as part of spiritually dark traditional ceremonies; and homes housing multiple generations of families built from handmade cement blocks and repurposed sheet metal.
Life in Guinea-Bissau
Life in Guinea-Bissau
Life in Guinea-Bissau is challenging. According to the United Nations, 64.4% of the population was classified as multidimensionally poor in 2023. This means that beyond just low income, the majority of people face overlapping hardships such as lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic living conditions.
Infrastructure is minimal. Paved roads are scarce, and most travel is on dirt paths that can range from relatively smooth to resembling a dried-up creek bed. Schools and hospitals frequently go on strike due to unpaid salaries. The healthcare system is fragile; routine illnesses like malaria or typhoid can be treated, but anything more serious is difficult to manage.
Religion in Guinea-Bissau
Religion in Guinea-Bissau
The country is primarily Muslim (46%), followed by indigenous religious practices (31%), Catholicism (10%), and Christianity (9%)1. The remaining percent are either unreligious or a liated with other religions such as Buddhism or Hinduism. The influence of traditional spiritual practices (which are deeply rooted in satanic rituals), is widespread and often woven into the daily lives of those who follow other faiths. It is not uncommon for individuals who identify as Muslim, Christian, or Catholic to also participate in ceremonies, make sacrifices, or visit witch doctors.
How is Servants to Missions serving the people of Guinea-Bissau?
How is Servants to Missions serving the people of Guinea-Bissau?
We believe the greatest hope for Guinea-Bissau is found in Christ. When people are freed from spiritual bondage, they begin to experience transformation - spiritually, relationally, and even financially.
We envision a future where every village is reached with the message of Jesus Christ through the presence of a devoted pastor, and where we partner with Christian leaders to build schools, churches, and platforms that equip and inspire communities to live out their faith and grow in Christ.
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