Population: 9,467,866 Capital: Conakry Size: 94,926 sq. mi. Ethnic Groups: Peuhl-40%, Malinke-30%, Sousou-20%, Other-10% Languages: French, Fulbe, Malinke, Susu, Kissi, Guerze, Toma Chief Religion: Muslim-85%, Christian-8%, Traditional-7%

Maninka - The Maninka make up 2,482,180 of the total population in Guinea. They are known for their ingenuity and leadership qualities, as well as their trading, farming and mining abilities. They are the second largest people group in Guinea. They are descendants of the once great Mali Empire. Each village is ruled by its own chief, the oldest descendants of the first Maninka settlers are considered nobility and also have a certain authority. Their diet consists of steamed rice covered with a spicy stew of vegetables and meat or fish. They add various fruits and nuts to balance their diet.

The Maninka are also primarily Muslim with a mix of their own beliefs, resulting in a wide variety of sects. Islam was first introduced in West Africa by Muslim merchants. The continue to use some of their traditional religious practices such as divination, healing, and casting of spells.

Sadly, fear plays a big role in the spiritual lives of the Maninka. It’s not uncommon for them to first pray in the village mosque, then sacrifice a chicken to a spirit. Most of them possess charms or idols.

Fula Jalon -There are 3,507,000 Fula Jalon people in Guinea. The Fula Jalon primarily farm and shepherd. They also hunt, fish and trade as a part of their daily lives. Their crops include millet, rice, and peanuts. Fulani herders settled in this region over 200 years ago and have since spread throughout western Africa. They are semi-nomadic and raise crops as well as livestock. 99.9% of the Fula Jalon people are also Muslim and they follow the teachings of the Koran faithfully. They believe that Allah is the only god and that Mohammed is his prophet. Islamic schools are also set up for the children in some of the villages. Efforts to evangelize these people have resulted in only a very small number of believers. They are apparently very devoted to their Islamic religion and see it as a fulfillment of their needs. To win these people to Christ, further prayer is needed for God to open their hearts and eyes to the Truth.