Affinity Group: Sub-Saharan African Peoples

Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan African

People Cluster: Malinke-Bambara

Language: Bambara - (bam)

Alternate Name(s):

Primary Religion: Islam - Folk Islam

Country: Cote d’Ivoire

Also found in: Burkina Faso; France; Gambia; Guinea; Mali; Mauritania; Niger; Senegal; United States

Population: 1,400,000

Global Population: 8,807,000

Progress of the Gospel: No Longer Unreached

Global Status of Evangelical Christianity: 2% or Greater but Less than 5% Evangelical

Overview: The Bambara of Cote d’Ivoire, numbering 1,400,000, are No Longer Unreached. They are part of the Malinke-Bambara people cluster within the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. Globally, this group totals 8,807,000 in 10 countries. Their primary language is Bambara. The primary religion practiced by the Bambara is Folk Islam, a syncretistic belief system that blends traditional elements of Islam with superstitious practices such as warding off spirits with incantations and magic amulets, and reciting verses of the Qur'an to bring about miraculous healings.

Bible Translations: Available

Jesus Film: Available

Gospel Recordings: Available

Radio Broadcast: Available