Guinea
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Western Africa
- Capital
- Conakry
- Population
- 14.8 million (2024)
- Area
- 245,857 km²
- Languages
- French
- Currency
- Guinean franc (GNF)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +224
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Before you go
Overview
Guinea is located at western Africa on the Atlantic coast. It was separated from Senegal and became a French protectorate in 1891.
It gained independence in 1958 with Ahmed Sekou Toure as the president.
In 2000, rebels’ attacks started at the country’s border regions with Liberia and Sierra Leone causing over a thousand deaths and thousands were displaced from their homes. The blame fell on Liberia, Sierra Leonean United Revolutionary Front rebel group, and Burkina Faso army for attempting to sabotage Guinea.
In 2003, Lansana Conte was elected for the third term without the opposition taking part in the elections. Conte died in 2008 after which the military took over power despite the international criticism.
However, the country later returned to civilian rule and int December 2010, Alpha Conde was elected president during the run-off presidential election. A discord between security forces and supporters of the defeated aspirant Cellou Dalein Diallo led to an emergency being declared in the country.
The Grand Mosque in Conakry
In 2014, there was an Ebola outbreak in southern Guinea spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone and lasted for two years killing 11,300 people.
Guniea is known for Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, which has a forest rich in indigenous plants and animals.
The major exports from the country are Bauxite and Alumina.
As of 2019, the country had a population of 12.77 million.
Majority of the population are Muslims.
The majority ethnic groups are Fulani, Malinke and Soussou. There are other minority groups in the country.
The official language is French.
The education system is free and compulsory for all children from age 7 to thirteen.
The most popular sport in the country is football.
The staple foods in the country are cassava, bananas, rice and yam with chicken, meat or fish.
Guinea is bordered to the west by Guinea-Bissau, to the north by Senegal and Mali, to the east by Cote d’Ivoire and to the south by Liberia and Sierra Leone.
History
Guinea was part of the Mali Empire and later colonised by France. In 1958 it became the first French African colony to vote for independence.
Food & culture
Rice is the staple, served with sauces made from peanuts, cassava leaves or okra.
Wildlife
The Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is home to chimpanzees and the viviparous toad.
Festivals & events
Independence Day is 2 October.
Things to see
The Fouta Djallon highlands and waterfalls, the Îles de Los off Conakry and Mount Nimba.
Interesting facts
The Fouta Djallon highlands are the source of the Niger, Senegal and Gambia rivers. Guinea holds some of the world's largest bauxite reserves.
