Guinea

10th century CE – Early formation of the Mandinka kingdoms, part of the broader Malian Empire

1884 (Monday, May 28) – Guinea becomes a French colony

1958 (Sunday, October 2) – Guinea declares independence from France under Ahmed Sékou Touré

1967 (Friday, November 3) – Military coup leads to the removal of Ahmadou Ahidjo, followed by the rise of Sekou Toure

1984 (Tuesday, March 26) – Sekou Toure dies; Lansana Conté assumes power

2000 (Wednesday, January 12) – Guinea civil unrest: Protests against President Lansana Conté’s government

2007 (Tuesday, January 23) – General strikes and protests spark significant political turmoil and violent confrontations

2008 (Sunday, December 23) – Military coup ousts President Lansana Conté

2010 (Sunday, November 7) – Alpha Condé elected president of Guinea after democratic elections

2012 (Monday, November 5) – Flooding in Conakry causes extensive damage and displaces thousands of people

2014 (Friday, March 28) – Ebola outbreak: Guinea is one of the countries most affected by the Ebola epidemic, with thousands of deaths

2015 (Wednesday, October 28) – Tropical Storm causes widespread flooding in several regions

2021 (Tuesday, September 5) – Military coup ousts President Alpha Condé after he attempts to change the constitution for a third term

2022 (Thursday, April 28) – Flash floods in Conakry cause extensive property damage and loss of life

2023 (Saturday, May 20) – Earthquake measuring 6.3 magnitude strikes Guinea, resulting in injuries and structural damage

Continent: Africa (West Africa)
Location: Located in West Africa, bordered by Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
Capital: Conakry
Language: French (official), various indigenous languages (e.g., Susu, Pular, Maninka)
Currency: Guinean franc (GNF)
Population: ~14 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0)

Borders: Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone
Landscape: Mountains, plateaus, and coastal plains
Major Rivers: Niger River, Gambia River, Tinkisso River, Bafing River
Major Mountains: Mount Nimba (highest point), Fouta Djallon Mountains, Bambaya Mountains
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake St. Paul
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Mount Nimba – 1,752 m (5,748 ft)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean – 0 m (sea level)
Climate: Tropical climate with a distinct wet season (May to October) and a dry season (November to April). The highlands have a cooler and more temperate climate.
Geological Features: Guinea is part of the West African Craton, with a largely stable geology. The country has significant mineral deposits, including bauxite, gold, and diamonds. Its terrain is characterized by mountains, plateaus, and rivers.

Ethnic Groups: Fulani, Mandinka, Susu, Malinké, Kpelle, and others
Religion: Islam (~85%), Christianity (~8%), Indigenous religions (~7%)
Urban Population: ~40% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Guinea has a diverse population with numerous ethnic groups and a mix of religious practices. The country’s largest ethnic group is the Fulani, followed by the Malinké and Susu people.

Famous For: Rich cultural heritage, music, dance, and traditional ceremonies
Cuisine: Rice and stew, Poulet Yassa, Fufu, Jollof rice, Pounded yam, Vegetable stews
Arts: Traditional music (including drumming), dance, vibrant clothing, storytelling, and oral traditions
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, handball
Music: Guinean music is known for its distinctive rhythms, with the djembe drum and other traditional instruments playing an important role. Popular genres include Ballet, Guinean folk music, and Afrobeat.

Economy Type: Mixed economy with a significant public sector
GDP: Approx. $14 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Mining (bauxite, gold, diamonds), agriculture (rice, bananas, cassava), energy, services
Key Exports: Bauxite, gold, diamonds, agricultural products, aluminum
Unemployment Rate: ~6.1% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Guinea’s economy is largely dependent on mining activities in the interior, while Conakry is the commercial and industrial hub of the country.

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Mamadi Doumbouya (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Bernard Goumou (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly
Constitution: Constitution of Guinea, adopted in 2010 (revised in 2020)

Conakry: Breathtaking coastal views, markets, and vibrant urban culture
Mount Nimba: UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty
Fouta Djallon: The “Water Tower of West Africa” due to its many rivers and waterfalls
Siguiri: Known for its gold mines and historical sites
Kankan: Traditional culture, music, and dance
Lake St. Paul: A serene area for nature lovers and bird watchers
Tomb of Sekou Toure: Mausoleum of Guinea’s first president