Changes

|queen         =

|queen         =

|monarch-raw =

|monarch-raw =

|president =Sékouba Konaté (acting)

|president =Alpha Condé

|president-raw =

|president-raw =

|chancellor =

|chancellor =

|chancellor-raw =

|chancellor-raw =

|pm         =Jean-Marie Doré

|pm         =Mohamed Said Fofana

|pm-raw         =

|pm-raw         =

|area         =95,000 sq mi

|area         =95,000 sq mi

|pop         =8,444,559

|pop         =13,250,000 (2020)

|pop-basis =2002

|pop-basis =

|gdp         =$3.38 billion  

|gdp         =$3.38 billion  

|gdp-year =2005

|gdp-year =2005

The coastal region of Guinea and most of the inland have a tropical climate, with a rainy season lasting from April to November, relatively high and uniform temperatures, and high humidity. Conakry's year-round average high is 29^oC (85^oF), and the low is 23^oC (74^oF); its average annual rainfall is 430 centimeters (169 inches). Sahelian Upper Guinea has a shorter rainy season and greater daily temperature variations.  

The coastal region of Guinea and most of the inland have a tropical climate, with a rainy season lasting from April to November, relatively high and uniform temperatures, and high humidity. Conakry's year-round average high is 29^oC (85^oF), and the low is 23^oC (74^oF); its average annual rainfall is 430 centimeters (169 inches). Sahelian Upper Guinea has a shorter rainy season and greater daily temperature variations.  

*Area: 245,860 sq. km. (95,000 sq. mi.), about the size of Oregon.

*Area: 245,860 km². (95,000 sq. mi.), about the size of Oregon.

*Cities: Capital--Conakry. Other cities--Guéckédou, Boké, Kindia, N'Zérékoré, Macenta, Mamou, Kankan, Faranah, Siguiri, Dalaba, Labe, Pita, Kamsar.

*Cities: Capital—Conakry. Other cities—Guéckédou, Boké, Kindia, N'Zérékoré, Macenta, Mamou, Kankan, Faranah, Siguiri, Dalaba, Labe, Pita, Kamsar.

*Terrain: Generally flat along the coast and mountainous in the interior. The country's four geographic regions include a narrow coastal belt; pastoral highlands (the source of West Africa's major rivers); the northern savanna; and the southeastern rain forest.

*Terrain: Generally flat along the coast and mountainous in the interior. The country's four geographic regions include a narrow coastal belt; pastoral highlands (the source of West Africa's major rivers); the northern savanna; and the southeastern rain forest.

*Climate: Tropical.  

*Climate: Tropical.  

:Several small groups (Gerzé, Toma, etc.) in the forest region.  

:Several small groups (Gerzé, Toma, etc.) in the forest region.  

West Africans make up the largest non-Guinean population. Non-Africans total about 10,000 (mostly Lebanese, French, and other Europeans). Seven national languages are used extensively; major written languages are French, Peuhl, and Arabic.  

West Africans make up the largest non-Guinean population. Non-Africans total about 10,000 (mostly Lebanese, French, and other Europeans). Seven national languages are used extensively; major written languages are French, Peuhl, and Arabic.  

*Population (2002 census): 8,444,559, including refugees and foreign residents. Refugee population (2006 est.): 60,000 Liberians and Ivoiriens. *Population of Conakry: 2 million. Population of largest prefectures--Guéckédou (487,017), Boké (366,915), Kindia (361,117), N'Zérékoré (328,347), Macenta (365,559).

*Population (2002 census): 8,444,559, including refugees and foreign residents. Refugee population (2006 est.): 60,000 Liberians and Ivoiriens. *Population of Conakry: 2 million. Population of largest prefectures—Guéckédou (487,017), Boké (366,915), Kindia (361,117), N'Zérékoré (328,347), Macenta (365,559).

*Annual growth rate (2002 census): 3.5%.

*Annual growth rate (2002 census): 3.5%.

*Ethnic groups: Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, other ethnic groups 10%.

*Ethnic groups: Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, other ethnic groups 10%.

*Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, traditional beliefs 7%.

*Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, traditional beliefs 7%.

*Languages: French (official), national languages.

*Languages: French (official), national languages.

*Education: Years compulsory--8. Enrollment--primary school, 64.32% (male 78.71%, female 69.03%); secondary, 15%; and post secondary, 3%. *Literacy (total population over age 15 that can read and write)--44.2% (male 58.74%, female 26.38%).

*Education: Years compulsory—8. Enrollment—primary school, 64.32% (male 78.71%, female 69.03%); secondary, 15%; and post secondary, 3%. *Literacy (total population over age 15 that can read and write)--44.2% (male 58.74%, female 26.38%).

*Health (2002): Life expectancy--total population 54 years. Infant mortality rate (2002)--98/1000.

*Health (2002): Life expectancy—total population 54 years. Infant mortality rate (2002)--98/1000.

*Work force (2002, 4.5 million): Agriculture--76%; industry and commerce--18%; services--6%.  

*Work force (2002, 4.5 million): Agriculture—76%; industry and commerce—18%; services—6%.  

==Government and Political Conditions==

==Government and Political Conditions==

The failing health of President Conté has been a cause of continuing concern. In late 2003, Conté fell ill during a trip to Japan and had to receive medical treatment in Morocco. However, in December 2003 Conté easily won a third presidential term against a single, relatively unknown candidate after the opposition parties boycotted the elections. Despite two medical evacuations in 2006, Conté insisted in a late 2006 interview that despite his health he would remain in office until his term ended in 2010.  

The failing health of President Conté has been a cause of continuing concern. In late 2003, Conté fell ill during a trip to Japan and had to receive medical treatment in Morocco. However, in December 2003 Conté easily won a third presidential term against a single, relatively unknown candidate after the opposition parties boycotted the elections. Despite two medical evacuations in 2006, Conté insisted in a late 2006 interview that despite his health he would remain in office until his term ended in 2010.  

In December 2005 Guinea held nation-wide elections for local and rural councils. In preparation for the election the government maintained an open dialogue with the opposition parties, 16 of which participated in the elections. Opposition leaders were allowed to campaign freely, and were allowed equal access to government-run media. The ruling PUP won 31 of 38 municipalities and 241 of 303 local councils. Though viewed as flawed, the 2005 elections were much improved over previous elections due to the use of transparent ballot boxes and other reforms. Legislative elections previously scheduled for June 2007 have been repeatedly delayed. Currently elections are expected in late 2008.  

In December 2005 Guinea held nationwide elections for local and rural councils. In preparation for the election the government maintained an open dialogue with the opposition parties, 16 of which participated in the elections. Opposition leaders were allowed to campaign freely, and were allowed equal access to government-run media. The ruling PUP won 31 of 38 municipalities and 241 of 303 local councils. Though viewed as flawed, the 2005 elections were much improved over previous elections due to the use of transparent ballot boxes and other reforms. Legislative elections previously scheduled for June 2007 have been repeatedly delayed. Currently elections are expected in late 2008.  

In late February and early March 2006, Guinea's labor union alliance launched a historic general strike demanding wage increases and union participation in Guinea's economic and social policy. Though the unions only won a modest salary increases, the strike established them as a credible, unified, and powerful force in Guinea. Due in part to the government's inability to control Guinea's rising inflation, the trade unions launched a second general strike in June 2006. The second general strike was marked by more intense and widespread violence, resulting in the deaths of several protesters at the hands of security forces. The unions called for a third round of national strikes in January 2007, after President Conté personally intervened to save a close associate from charges of corruption.  

In late February and early March 2006, Guinea's labor union alliance launched a historic general strike demanding wage increases and union participation in Guinea's economic and social policy. Though the unions only won a modest salary increases, the strike established them as a credible, unified, and powerful force in Guinea. Due in part to the government's inability to control Guinea's rising inflation, the trade unions launched a second general strike in June 2006. The second general strike was marked by more intense and widespread violence, resulting in the deaths of several protesters at the hands of security forces. The unions called for a third round of national strikes in January 2007, after President Conté personally intervened to save a close associate from charges of corruption.  

===Principal Government Officials===  

===Principal Government Officials===  

*President--Sékouba Konaté (acting)

*President—Alpha Condé

*Prime Minister (Head of Government)--Jean-Marie Doré

*Prime Minister (Head of Government)--Mohamed Said Fofana

*Minister of Economy and Finance--Ousmane Doré

*Minister of Economy and Finance—Ousmane Doré

*Minister of Foreign Affairs--Abdoul Kabèlè Camara

*Minister of Foreign Affairs—Abdoul Kabèlè Camara

*Minster of the Interior and Security--Dr. Mamadou Beau Kéita

*Minster of the Interior and Security—Dr. Mamadou Beau Kéita

*Minister of National Education and Scientific Research--Dr. Ousmane Souaré

*Minister of National Education and Scientific Research—Dr. Ousmane Souaré

*Minister of Defense--vacant

*Minister of Defense—vacant

*Ambassador to the United Nations--Alpha Ibrahima Sow  

*Ambassador to the United Nations—Alpha Ibrahima Sow  

===Foreign Relations===

===Foreign Relations===

==Defense==

==Defense==

Guinea's armed forces are divided into four branches--army, navy, air force, and gendarmerie--whose chiefs report to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The 10,000-member army is the largest of the four services. The navy has about 900 personnel and operates several small patrol craft and barges. Air force personnel total about 700; its equipment includes several Russian-supplied fighter planes and transport planes. Several thousand gendarmes are responsible for internal security.  

Guinea's armed forces are divided into four branches—army, navy, air force, and gendarmerie—whose chiefs report to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The 10,000-member army is the largest of the four services. The navy has about 900 personnel and operates several small patrol craft and barges. Air force personnel total about 700; its equipment includes several Russian-supplied fighter planes and transport planes. Several thousand gendarmes are responsible for internal security.  

==Economy==

==Economy==

Richly endowed with minerals, Guinea possesses over 25 billion metric tons (MT) of bauxite--and perhaps up to one half of the world's reserves. In addition, Guinea's mineral wealth includes more than 4 billion tons of high-grade iron ore, significant diamond and gold deposits, and undetermined quantities of uranium. Guinea has considerable potential for growth in the agricultural and fishing sectors. Soil, water, and climatic conditions provide opportunities for large-scale irrigated farming and agro industry. Possibilities for investment and commercial activities exist in all these areas, but Guinea's poorly developed infrastructure and rampant corruption continue to present obstacles to large-scale investment projects.  

Richly endowed with minerals, Guinea possesses over 25 billion metric tons (MT) of bauxite—and perhaps up to one half of the world's reserves. In addition, Guinea's mineral wealth includes more than 4 billion tons of high-grade iron ore, significant diamond and gold deposits, and undetermined quantities of uranium. Guinea has considerable potential for growth in the agricultural and fishing sectors. Soil, water, and climatic conditions provide opportunities for large-scale irrigated farming and agro industry. Possibilities for investment and commercial activities exist in all these areas, but Guinea's poorly developed infrastructure and rampant corruption continue to present obstacles to large-scale investment projects.  

*GDP (2005 est.): $3.38 billion.

*GDP (2005 est.): $3.38 billion.

*Annual economic growth rate (2005 est.): 3.3%.

*Annual economic growth rate (2005 est.): 3.3%.

*Avg. inflation rate (2005): 30.9%.

*Avg. inflation rate (2005): 30.9%.

*Natural resources: Bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, water power, uranium, fisheries.

*Natural resources: Bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, water power, uranium, fisheries.

*Industry (30.9% of GDP): Types--mining, light manufacturing, construction.

*Industry (30.9% of GDP): Types—mining, light manufacturing, construction.

*Agriculture (19.5% of GDP): Products--rice, cassava, fonio, millet, corn, coffee, cocoa, bananas, palm products, pineapples, livestock, forestry. Arable land--35%. Cultivated land--4.5%.  

*Agriculture (19.5% of GDP): Products—rice, cassava, fonio, millet, corn, coffee, cocoa, bananas, palm products, pineapples, livestock, forestry. Arable land—35%. Cultivated land—4.5%.  

*Trade (45.1% of GDP): Exports (2005)--$806.6 million: bauxite, alumina, diamonds, gold, coffee, pineapples, bananas, palm products, coffee. Major markets--European Union, U.S., Commonwealth of Independent States, China, Eastern Europe, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco.

*Trade (45.1% of GDP): Exports (2005)--$806.6 million: bauxite, alumina, diamonds, gold, coffee, pineapples, bananas, palm products, coffee. Major markets—European Union, U.S., Commonwealth of Independent States, China, Eastern Europe, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco.

*Official exchange rate (May 2006): Approximately 4833 Guinean francs=U.S. $1.  

*Official exchange rate (May 2006): Approximately 4833 Guinean francs=U.S. $1.  

*Fiscal year: January 1-December 31.  

*Fiscal year: January 1-December 31.  

France negotiated Guinea's present boundaries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the British for Sierra Leone, the Portuguese for their Guinea colony (now Guinea-Bissau), and the Liberia. Under the French, the country formed the Territory of Guinea within French West Africa, administered by a governor general resident in Dakar. Lieutenant governors administered the individual colonies, including Guinea.  

France negotiated Guinea's present boundaries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the British for Sierra Leone, the Portuguese for their Guinea colony (now Guinea-Bissau), and the Liberia. Under the French, the country formed the Territory of Guinea within French West Africa, administered by a governor general resident in Dakar. Lieutenant governors administered the individual colonies, including Guinea.  

Led by Ahmed Sékou Touré, head of the Democratic Party of Guinea (PDG), which won 56 of 60 seats in 1957 territorial elections, the people of Guinea in a September 1958 plebiscite overwhelmingly rejected membership in the proposed French Community. The French withdrew quickly, and on October 2, 1958, Guinea proclaimed itself a sovereign and independent republic, with Sékou Touré as President.  

Led by [[Ahmed Sékou Touré]], head of the Democratic Party of Guinea (PDG), which won 56 of 60 seats in 1957 territorial elections, the people of Guinea in a September 1958 plebiscite overwhelmingly rejected membership in the proposed French Community. The French withdrew quickly, and on October 2, 1958, Guinea proclaimed itself a sovereign and independent republic, with Sékou Touré as President.  

Under Touré, Guinea became a one-party dictatorship, with a closed, socialized economy and no tolerance for human rights, free expression, or political opposition, which was ruthlessly suppressed. Originally credited for his advocacy of cross-ethnic nationalism, Touré gradually came to rely on his own Malinke ethnic group to fill positions in the party and government. Alleging plots and conspiracies against him at home and abroad, Touré's regime targeted real and imagined opponents, imprisoning many thousands in Soviet-style prison gulags, where hundreds perished. The regime's repression drove more than a million Guineans into exile, and Touré's paranoia ruined relations with foreign nations, including neighboring African states, increasing Guinea's isolation and further devastating its economy.  

Under Touré, Guinea became a one-party dictatorship, with a closed, socialized economy and no tolerance for human rights, free expression, or political opposition, which was ruthlessly suppressed. Originally credited for his advocacy of cross-ethnic nationalism, Touré gradually came to rely on his own Malinke ethnic group to fill positions in the party and government. Alleging plots and conspiracies against him at home and abroad, Touré's regime targeted real and imagined opponents, imprisoning many thousands in Soviet-style prison gulags, where hundreds perished. The regime's repression drove more than a million Guineans into exile, and Touré's paranoia ruined relations with foreign nations, including neighboring African states, increasing Guinea's isolation and further devastating its economy.  

Sékou Touré and the PDG remained in power until his death on April 3, 1984. A military junta--the Military Committee of National Recovery (CMRN)--headed by then-Lt. Col. Lansana Conte, seized power just one week after the death of Sékou Touré. The CMRN immediately abolished the constitution, the sole political party (PDG) and its mass youth and women's organizations, and announced the establishment of the Second Republic. In lieu of a constitution, the government was initially based on ordinances, decrees, and decisions issued by the president and various ministers.  

Sékou Touré and the PDG remained in power until his death on April 3, 1984. A military junta—the Military Committee of National Recovery (CMRN)--headed by then-Lt. Col. Lansana Conte, seized power just one week after the death of Sékou Touré. The CMRN immediately abolished the constitution, the sole political party (PDG) and its mass youth and women's organizations, and announced the establishment of the Second Republic. In lieu of a constitution, the government was initially based on ordinances, decrees, and decisions issued by the president and various ministers.  

Political parties were proscribed. The new government also released all prisoners and declared the protection of human rights as one of its primary objectives. It reorganized the judicial system and decentralized the administration. The CMRN also announced its intention to liberalize the economy, promote private enterprise, and encourage foreign investment in order to develop the country's rich natural resources.  

Political parties were proscribed. The new government also released all prisoners and declared the protection of human rights as one of its primary objectives. It reorganized the judicial system and decentralized the administration. The CMRN also announced its intention to liberalize the economy, promote private enterprise, and encourage foreign investment in order to develop the country's rich natural resources.  

The CMRN formed a transitional parliament, the "Transitional Council for National Recovery" (CTRN), which created a new constitution (La Loi Fundamental) and Supreme Court in 1990. The country's first multi-party presidential election took place in 1993. These elections were marred by irregularities and lack of transparency on the part of the government. Legislative and municipal elections were held in 1995. Conte's ruling Party for Unity and Progress (PUP) won 76 of 114 seats in the National Assembly, amid opposition claims of irregularities and government tampering. The new National Assembly held its first session in October 1995.  

The CMRN formed a transitional parliament, the "Transitional Council for National Recovery" (CTRN), which created a new constitution (La Loi Fundamental) and Supreme Court in 1990. The country's first multi-party presidential election took place in 1993. These elections were marred by irregularities and lack of transparency on the part of the government. Legislative and municipal elections were held in 1995. Conte's ruling Party for Unity and Progress (PUP) won 76 of 114 seats in the National Assembly, amid opposition claims of irregularities and government tampering. The new National Assembly held its first session in October 1995.  

Several thousand malcontent troops mutinied in Conakry in February 1996, destroying the presidential offices and killing several dozen civilians. Mid-level officers attempted, unsuccessfully, to turn the rebellion into a coup d'etat. The Government of Guinea made hundreds of arrests in connection to the mutiny, and put 98 soldiers and civilians on trial in 1998.  

Several thousand malcontent troops mutinied in Conakry in February 1996, destroying the presidential offices and killing several dozen civilians. Mid-level officers attempted, unsuccessfully, to turn the rebellion into a coup d'état. The Government of Guinea made hundreds of arrests in connection to the mutiny, and put 98 soldiers and civilians on trial in 1998.  

In mid-1996, in response to the coup attempt and a faltering economy, President Conté appointed a new government as part of a flurry of reform activity. He selected Sidya Touré, former chief of staff for the Prime Minster of the Cote d'Ivoire, as Prime Minister, and appointed other technically minded ministers. Touré was charged with coordinating all government action, taking charge of leadership and management, as well as economic planning and finance functions. In early 1997, Conté shifted many of the financial responsibilities to a newly named Minister of Budget and Finance.  

In mid-1996, in response to the coup attempt and a faltering economy, President Conté appointed a new government as part of a flurry of reform activity. He selected Sidya Touré, former chief of staff for the Prime Minister of the Côte d'Ivoire, as Prime Minister, and appointed other technically minded ministers. Touré was charged with coordinating all government action, taking charge of leadership and management, as well as economic planning and finance functions. In early 1997, Conté shifted many of the financial responsibilities to a newly named Minister of Budget and Finance.  

In December 1998, Conté was re-elected to another 5-year term in a flawed election that was, nevertheless, an improvement over 1993. Following his reelection and the improvement of economic conditions through 1999, Conté reversed direction, making wholesale and regressive changes to his cabinet. He replaced many technocrats and members of the Guinean Diaspora that had previously held important positions with "homegrown" ministers, particularly from his own Soussou ethnic group. These changes led to increased cronyism, corruption, and a retrenchment on economic and political reforms.  

In December 1998, Conté was re-elected to another 5-year term in a flawed election that was, nevertheless, an improvement over 1993. Following his reelection and the improvement of economic conditions through 1999, Conté reversed direction, making wholesale and regressive changes to his cabinet. He replaced many technocrats and members of the Guinean Diaspora that had previously held important positions with "homegrown" ministers, particularly from his own Soussou ethnic group. These changes led to increased cronyism, corruption, and a retrenchment on economic and political reforms.  

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[[Category:African Countries]]

{{African Countries}}