Guinea

Guinea has had only two presidents since gaining its independence from France in 1958. Lansana CONTE came to power in 1984 when the military seized the government after the death of the first president, Sekou TOURE. Guinea did not hold democratic elections until 1993 when Gen. CONTE (head of the military government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was reelected in 1998 and again in 2003. Guinea has maintained its internal stability despite spillover effects from conflict in Sierra Leone and Liberia. As those countries have rebuilt, Guinea's own vulnerability to political and economic crisis has increased. In 2006, declining economic conditions and popular dissatisfaction with corruption and bad governance prompted two massive strikes that sparked urban unrest in many Guinean cities.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 9,947,814 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Guinean(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Guinean

Official Language(s): French

Major Languages Spoken: French, Fuuta Jalon, Kissi, Malinke, Mandingo

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Guinea

Country Name (short form): Guinea

Country Name (local long form): Republique de Guinee

Country Name (local short form): Guinee

Name of Capital: Conakry

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Guinea: Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau

Land Area: 245857 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Oregon

Total Land Boundry: 3,399 km

Coastline: 320 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 2 October (1958)

International Phone Code: 224

Currency Code: Guinean franc (GNF)

Internet Country Code: .gn

US Embassy Location: Koloma, Conakry, east of Hamdallaye Circle

US Embassy Mailing Address: B. P. 603, Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry