Late in 1990s, Rome and government signed agreement on rights of Church in society. Christianity brought by Portuguese in 15 th century. Effective evangelization from 1822. Church under apostolic vicariate until 1931. Hierarchy established 1957.
Majority are Muslim.
Missionary efforts date back to 15 th century, with discovery by Portuguese. However, hindered by slave trade and other factors. An apostolic prefecture set up 1879, and effective evangelization began 1880. Hierarchy established 1950. Since independence, tensions have developed between Church and state.