Introduction
Background
Before the Europeans arrived in the 16th century, multiple kingdoms controlled the area that is modern-day Guinea, and Islam was introduced in the 11th century. Guinea is at a turning point after decades of authoritarian rule since gaining its independence from France in 1958.
Geography
Area
total : 245,857 sq km
land: 245,717 sq km
water: 140 sq km
Climate
generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
Natural resources
bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, salt
People and Society
Population
total: 13,986,179
Ethnic groups
Fulani (Peuhl) 33.4%, Malinke 29.4%, Susu 21.2%, Guerze 7.8%, Kissi 6.2%, Toma 1.6%, other/foreign 0.4% (2018 est.)
Languages
French (official), Pular, Maninka, Susu, other native languages
Religions
Muslim 85.2%, Christian 13.4%, animist 0.2%, none 1.2% (2018 est.)
Population growth rate
2.74% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Conakry
Executive branch
chief of state: President Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA (since 1 October 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Mamadou Oury BAH (since 27 February 2024)
Legislative branch
summary: Transitional National Council (81 seats, unelected)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Fatoumata KABA (since 19 April 2023)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Troy Damian FITRELL (since January 2022)
Economy
Economic overview
growing but primarily agrarian West African economy; major mining sector; improving fiscal and debt balances prior to COVID-19; economy increasingly vulnerable to climate change; slow infrastructure improvements; gender wealth and human capital gaps
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$56.655 billion (2023 est.)
$52.918 billion (2022 est.)
$50.543 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$4,000 (2023 est.)
$3,800 (2022 est.)
$3,700 (2021 est.)
Exports
$8.898 billion (2022 est.)
$10.266 billion (2021 est.)
$8.996 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners
China 37%, India 27%, UAE 25%, Switzerland 3%, Spain 2% (2022)
Exports - commodities
gold, aluminum ore, coconuts/Brazil nuts/cashews, cocoa beans, fish (2022)
Imports
$5.749 billion (2022 est.)
$5.353 billion (2021 est.)
$6.314 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners
China 37%, India 10%, Netherlands 8%, UAE 4%, Belgium 4% (2022)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, rice, garments, plastic products, wheat (2022)
Page last updated: Thursday, August 29, 2024
