Country Profile: Guinea

Guinea, located in Western Africa, boasts a rich history shaped by its deep Muslim heritage and colonial influences. The country achieved independence from France in 1958 and has since experienced a series of authoritarian regimes and military coups that have impacted its governance. With a population of over 14 million, Guinea's economy is primarily agrarian, relying heavily on its significant natural resources, including bauxite and gold. The governance structure has seen recent shifts towards military leadership, with ongoing efforts to establish a more stable democratic framework.

Geography

Guinea is positioned along the North Atlantic Ocean, bordered by Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone, with a generally hot and humid climate. The terrain varies from flat coastal plains to mountainous interiors, with the highest point being Mont Nimba at 1,752 meters. The country is rich in natural resources, including bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, and gold, which are crucial to its economy.

245,857 sq km: Total area of Guinea.
4,046 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
320 km: Length of Guinea's coastline.

People and Society

As of 2025, Guinea has an estimated population of approximately 14.4 million, with a youthful median age of 19.5 years. The society is diverse, consisting mainly of Fulani, Malinke, and Susu ethnic groups, and is predominantly Muslim. Urbanization is underway, with significant population growth and a high birth rate, reflecting the vibrant culture and family structures typical of the region.

14.4 million: Estimated population in 2025.
85.2%: Proportion of the population practicing Islam.
40.9%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years.

Economy

Guinea's economy leans heavily on agriculture and mining, with increasing vulnerability to climate change. The GDP has shown competitiveness, with a forecasted growth rate of 5.7% for 2024. Key agricultural products include rice, maize, and oil palm, while the mining industry is a significant contributor to exports.

$59.4 billion: Estimated real GDP (PPP) in 2024.
29.6%: Share of agriculture in the GDP for 2024.
43.7%: Percentage of the population living below the poverty line as of 2018.

Government

Guinea is a presidential republic marked by a turbulent political history involving multiple changes in leadership, especially through military coups. The latest coup occurred in 2021, leading to the establishment of the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development. The current government aims to stabilize the country through new elections and a redefined constitutional framework.

18 years: Minimum voting age in Guinea.
President Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA: Assumed office on January 17, 2026.
81: Total members in the Transitional National Council.

Military and Security

The Guinean Armed Forces, encompassing the Army, Air Force, and Navy, play a crucial role in the nation's defense and internal security. With approximately 10-12,000 active personnel, the military is equipped largely with older Soviet-era weapons. Recent years have seen a focus on addressing domestic unrest and border security issues.

2.1% of GDP: Military expenditures estimated for 2024.
18 years: Age for voluntary military service.
10-12,000: Estimated active military personnel.

Energy

Access to electricity in Guinea is limited, with only 47.7% of the population connected as of 2022. The majority of the generated electricity comes from hydroelectric sources, reflecting the country's substantial water resources. Despite these challenges, there is potential for growth in the energy sector, particularly in renewable sources.

1.06 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity in 2023.
74.1%: Percentage of electricity generated from hydroelectricity.
3.624 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption in 2023.

Environment

Guinea faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, inadequate potable water, and soil erosion. The government is a party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues, including those focused on biodiversity and climate change.

73.2%: Percentage of agricultural land as of 2023.
226 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources in 2022.
596,900 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually in 2024.

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Guinea includes a mixture of roads, railways, and ports, although the network is still developing. The capital, Conakry, serves as a hub, with multiple ports facilitating trade. Air transport is available but limited compared to regional standards.

1,086 km: Total railway length as of 2017.
16: Number of airports in the country by 2025.
4: Total number of ports, with significant ones including Conakry and Kamsar.

Communications

Guinea has a developing telecommunications sector, which includes mobile cellular services, although fixed-line subscriptions are negligible. Internet access is limited, with efforts underway to expand connectivity throughout urban and rural areas.

15.3 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2022.
27%: Proportion of the population using the internet in 2023.
1,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions in 2022.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	14,374,590	Estimated for 2025
Area	245,857 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$59.439 billion	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption	5.235 million Btu/person	Per capita for 2023
Birth Rate	35.04 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Unemployment Rate	5.3%	Estimated for 2023 and 2024
Life Expectancy at Birth	64.6 years	Estimated for 2024