Guinea-Bissau
June 10th

“The Lord reigns over Guinea-Bissau among all nations!”

Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. (Psalm 96:10)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Africa
Population | 2.02 million
Area | 36,125㎢ Located on the Atlantic coast of northwestern Africa between Senegal and Guinea.
Capital City | Bissau (660,000 people)
People Groups | Total 35 Groups, Balanta 23.2%, Fulani 17.5%, Crioulo 13.6%, Manjaco 12.2%, Mandinka 9.2% Papel 9%, Beafada 3%, Mancaña 2.9%
Unreached People Groups | 19 (47.8% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Portuguese, Portuguese-based Creole
Total Languages | 31
Bible Translations | Completed 6, New Testament 10, Partial 9
Religion | Christian 11.7% (Protestant 2%, Catholic 8%), Muslim 51.6%, Ethnic religions 35.4%,  Evangelical  2.1% (40,000 people)

》 About Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau was colonized by Portugal in 1446 and, along with Cape Verde, became known as the Slave Coast, a center of the transatlantic slave trade. The independence movement began in 1963, led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), and the country gained independence in 1974. After independence, efforts to unite with Cape Verde failed, and a socialist dictatorship took hold. In 1980, a military coup brought General João Bernardo Vieira to power whose regime suppressed political opposition and purged rivals. In 1999, Vieira was ousted following a military uprising and civil war. He was re-elected as president in 2005 and attempted to promote economic development and national reconciliation, but was assassinated in 2009. In 2014, José Mário Vaz was elected president in a free and fair election. Guinea-Bissau follows a presidential system, and since 2020, Umaro Sissoco Embaló has served as president.

Guinea-Bissau’s economy relies heavily on subsistence agriculture, cashew exports, and foreign aid, with approximately 70% of the population living below the national poverty line. Most land is state-owned and cultivated through collective farming, with cashew nuts, peanuts, and coconuts being the main exports. The Bijagós Archipelago and its coastal delta are renowned for their rare wildlife habitats, including flamingos and pelicans. In recent years, Central and South American drug cartels have used Guinea-Bissau as a transit hub for smuggling drugs into Europe, making the illicit drug trade the country’s most dangerous economic sector. However, Guinea-Bissau holds significant potential for mineral resource development, including phosphate, bauxite, and mineral sands. Offshore oil and gas exploration has also begun.
Guinea-Bissau’s GDP per capita is approximately $931.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Let us give thanks that, unlike many other African countries, Guinea-Bissau is gradually experiencing greater freedom in religious activities and the number of believers in the gospel is increasing. During times of civil war, evangelicals aided those suffering, encouraged political reconciliation, and gained the respect of the government, which in turn allowed for greater religious freedom. Pastors’ and lay people’s leaderships are being strengthened and refined through training, guiding their churches in ways better suited to the local context. However, there are far too few ministers to spread the gospel and establish churches in poor and remote rural areas. Let us pray for more mature and upright church leaders to be raised up through discipleship training and Bible schools. Let us also pray that through the church and its leaders, God’s righteousness will come upon this land, and that Guinea-Bissau, which has been devastated by government incompetence and corruption, will be renewed.

2. The Muslim Fulani(Fulbe) and Mandinka peoples are the dominant ethnic groups in Guinea-Bissau, with a long history and significant influence. Still, we give thanks that some among them have come to faith in Jesus. These believers often face rejection from their families and communities, financial hardship, and even physical threats because of their faith. Let us pray that the Lord will protect their faith, give them courage and comfort, and help them follow Jesus boldly in all situations. Let us also pray that the powers of darkness over these major ethnic groups will be broken in the name of Jesus Christ, and that Christ will reign in their hearts. May those who have turned to the Lord boldly proclaim that God alone is the King over all the earth.

3. In this land plagued by severe drug problems and human trafficking, children are the most vulnerable victims. Approximately 200 children are trafficked every month—an average of 7 children per day. Most of them are sold to Senegal, where they endure severe beatings and abuse. The drug trade is also a major social evil in Guinea-Bissau. With drug trafficking rampant, many young people fall into addiction, causing immense harm to their families and communities. Drug addicts often become involved in crime, and due to financial desperation, many engage in human trafficking and other criminal activities. Children are particularly at risk of human trafficking due to economic hardship and family pressures. When parents become addicted to drugs or are drawn into crime, their children are left more vulnerable to fall victim to crime. This tragic cycle leaves deep and lasting scars on their lives, increases social unrest and crime rates, and negatively impacts the entire community. Let us pray that God holds the children of Guinea-Bissau in His mighty arms and that the international communities and NGOs will actively step forward to protect and help them.

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