Kuranko people
The Kuranko, also called Koranko, Kolanko, Kooranko, Koronko, Kouranko, Kulanko, Kurako, Kuronko, Kuranké, or Karanko, are a Mandeka (People from Mande) people that occupy a large section in a mountainous region within northeastern Sierra Leone and southern Guinea. Within this geographical region, different dialects, as well as distinct social groupings can be found. In general, the Koranko are a peaceful people who have maintained a separate ethnic identity, despite years of tribal mixings. Each Kuranko village is led by a chief and a group of elders.
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| over 2 million | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Guinea | 2,000,000 |
| Sierra Leone | 313,384 |
| Languages | |
| Kuranko, French, English, Krio | |
| Religion | |
| Predominately Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Lele people, Mikhifore people, Susu people, Yalunka people, Mandinka people, other Mandé peoples | |
The Koranko speak the Kuranko language (or Koranko), a dialect of the Mande branch of the Niger–Congo language family. The Kuranko are nominally an Islamic people, but many people in this isolated area still follow traditional religious beliefs, identifying as Muslim without adhering to all the strict protocols of that religion. The Kuranko speak a language similar to the Manding languages, and their language can be understood by their neighbours and close allies the Mandinka and the Susu people.
The Kuranko occupy a mountainous region within the northeastern Sierra Leone highlands, extending into Guinea. This region lacks adequate road systems and is not easily accessible, leaving the Kuranko socially isolated. This may explain why most Kuranko have held on to their traditional culture and religion.