Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bissau (Agenzia Fides) – The final results of General Census of Population and Housing of Guinea Bissau, submitted July 9, opens a new page for a new distribution of religious assistance to Catholic communities in the African nation. According to information received by Fides from the local Church in Bissau, the data from the General Census shows a population that is equal to 1,520,830 inhabitants, a significant increase compared with the previous census, in 1991, when there were only 979,203 inhabitants. One of the members of statistical office, Bessa Victor, noted population growth over the past 20 years citing the “Simão Mendes Hospital,” which was built for a population of about 45,000 inhabitants, while the population is now 60,000, so it is insufficient. According to the Census, the number of Catholics is around 20% and the younger population is concentrated in urban areas.
Father Domingos Ca, Vicar General of Bissau, in commenting on the presentation of the data says that this context imposes new demands: "The Church needs to strengthen its capacity and presence." The priest said that the Census numbers are not surprising, as in recent years the Catholic communities in urban areas have been forced to increase the number of Masses and, in general, we have seen an increase in the number of young people attending catechesis for adults. This is the third General census in the history of Guinea-Bissau; the first was in 1979 and the second in 1991. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 07/10/2010)
