 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (July 2014) |
.jpg) Mende musicians in 1936 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
2,108,232[1]
 Sierra Leone (Bo District, Bonthe District, Moyamba District, Pujehun District, Kenema District, Kailahun District, Western Area) [2]46,413  Liberia | |
| Languages | |
| Mende • English • Krio | |
| Religion | |
| Islam 68% • Christianity 30% • Traditional 2% | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Vai, Gbandi, Gola, Kpelle, Loko, and Loma people |
The Mende are one of the two largest ethnic groups in Sierra Leone; their neighbours, the Temne people, constitute the largest ethnic group at 35.5% of the total population, which is slightly larger than the Mende at 31.2%.[1][3] The Mende are predominantly found in the Southern Province and the Eastern Province. The Mende are mostly farmers and hunters. Some of the major cities with significant Mende populations include Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, and Moyamba.
Like a majority of African nations, Sierra Leone's political parties are often tied to specific ethnic groups and have been dominated by the Mende, on the one hand, and the Temne and their long-time political allies, the Limba, on the other. The Mende are known to typically support the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), while the Temnes and Limbas are associated with the All People's Congress party (APC).
- ^ a b "Sierra Leone 2015 Population and Housing Census National Analytical Report" (PDF). Statistics Sierra Leone. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
- ^ "Liberia - World Directory of Minorities & Indigenous Peoples". Minority Rights Group. June 19, 2015.
- ^ "Sierra Leone". U.S. Department of State.