The incidence of HBs-Ag [hemoglobin variant] carrier is high in Africa. The HBs-Ag subtypes vary in 5 mean areas of the African continent. The subtype ayw4(a3) is the most characteristic African subtype, being found with a striking frequency in West Africa (88.8%). In North Africa ayw2(a21) is predominant as in other mediterranean countries. In Saharan area mixed types of HBs-Ag are found, intermediary between North and West Africa. In Central Africa y is predominantly associated with w2(a21) or with w4(a3). In East and South Africa ad is largely predominant and the most widespread subtype is adw2(a21). No adr, nor adw4 were found in Africa.