Ethnic group of the Guinea-Bissau population

More than 20 ethnic groups live in Guinea-Bissau, including the Fula, Balanta, Mandinka, Papel, Manjaca, Beafada, Mancanha, Bijaqos, Felupe, and Mansoaca. The Fula are the majority ethnic group in Guinea-Bissau. Fulani make up nearly 29% of the population. They live in Bafata and Gabu, in the eastern part of the country. Scientists estimate that there are roughly 40 million members of this ethnic group living in various African states.

The Balanta are Guinea-second Bissau's most populous ethnic group. Balantanians are mostly found in the country's southern regions, and, like the Fulani, many of their members are foreign nationals. According to historians, these people arrived from Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia between the 11th and 14th centuries. This theory is supported by their culture and traditions. Mandinka is the third ethnic group. They are mostly found in the country's northern regions, with a global population of more than 30 million. Mandinkas are thought to be distant descendants of the Mali Empire, according to historians.