• PEOPLE NAME: JOLA OF MAURITANIA

Affinity Group: Sub-Saharan African Peoples

Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan African

People Cluster: Atlantic-Jola

Language: Jola-Fonyi - (dyo)

Alternate Name(s):

Primary Religion: Islam - Folk Islam

Country: Mauritania

Also found in: France; Gambia; Guinea-Bissau; Senegal

Population: 5,000

Global Population: 511,600


PEID: 13584

ROP: 102625

Progress of the Gospel: Unengaged and Unreached

Global Status of Evangelical Christianity: Less than 2% Evangelical, No Active CP Activity


Overview: The Jola of Mauritania, numbering 5,000, are Unengaged and Unreached. They are part of the Atlantic-Jola people cluster within the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. Globally, this group totals 511,600 in 5 countries. Their primary language is Jola-Fonyi. The primary religion practiced by the Jola 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: Not Available