Country Profile: Guinea

Guinea is located in Western Africa along the North Atlantic Ocean, bordered by several countries including Liberia and Mali. The nation has a population of approximately 13.9 million, with a diverse demographic comprising various ethnic groups predominantly following Islam. Economically, Guinea is primarily agrarian with significant mining activities, particularly in bauxite and gold, but faces vulnerabilities due to climate change. The governance structure is currently a presidential republic, impacted by a series of military coups, with the latest transition government formed in 2021.

Geography

Guinea is situated in Western Africa, sharing its borders with Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. The country has a total area of 245,857 sq km, featuring varied terrain that includes a flat coastal plain and a mountainous interior, with the highest point being Mont Nimba at 1,752 m. Guinea's climate is generally hot and humid, characterized by a monsoonal rainy season from June to November.

320 km of coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean.
Total land boundaries measure 4,046 km.
73.2% of land is used for agriculture.
20.3% of the land is covered by forests.

People and Society

The population of Guinea is estimated at 13,986,179 as of 2024, predominantly consisting of ethnic groups such as the Fulani, Malinke, and Susu. The country remains heavily Muslim, with 85.2% of the population adhering to Islam. The median age is relatively young at 19.4 years, and urbanization has increased to about 38.1% of the population, concentrated mainly in the capital, Conakry.

40.9% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
The birth rate stands at 35.3 births per 1,000 population.
The literacy rate is relatively low at 39.6%.
2.111 million people live in Conakry (2023).

Economy

Guinea's economy is largely agrarian, with a notable mining sector contributing to its GDP. The real GDP (PPP) is projected at $59.439 billion for 2024, and growth rates are estimated to be around 5.7%. The economy is characterized by high agricultural reliance, with the sector contributing about 29.6% to the GDP.

5.3% unemployment rate as of 2024.
44% of GDP is generated through exports.
Main export commodities include gold, aluminum ore, and cocoa beans.
43.7% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Government

Guinea operates as a presidential republic. The government has undergone significant upheaval with a recent military coup in 2021 leading to the establishment of a transitional government. The capital is Conakry, and the legal system is based on civil law influenced by the French model. The most recent election was held in October 2020, with military oversight complicating subsequent governance.

Interim President: Col. Mamady Doumbouya (since October 2021).
The legislature, a Transitional National Council, has 81 appointed members.
Universal suffrage is granted at 18 years of age.

Military and Security

Guinea's military, comprising an army, air force, and navy, is estimated to have 10-12,000 active personnel. Military expenditures are projected at 2.1% of GDP for 2024. The armed forces have a historical role in internal security and have previously suppressed public dissent and protests.

Mandatory military service begins at 18 years of age for 9-12 months.
Military strategies focus on territorial defense and border security.

Energy

As of 2023, Guinea's electricity access remains limited, with 47.7% of the population having access. The country's electricity generation capacity is primarily from hydroelectric sources, accounting for 74.1% of total installed capacity.

1.06 million kW installed generating capacity (2023).
3.624 billion kWh electricity consumption (2023).
Only 21.3% of rural areas have access to electricity.

Environment

Guinea faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, inadequate access to clean water, and soil erosion. The country is involved in multiple international environmental agreements to combat these issues. The climate is characterized by a rainy season and significant biodiversity, particularly in its forests.

73.2% of land is agricultural; 20.3% is forested.
596,900 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
4.505 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023).

Transportation

Guinea has a developing transportation infrastructure, with a total of 1,086 km of railways and 16 airports projected by 2025. Its ports are significant for trade, including key locations like Conakry and Kamsar.

2 merchant marine vessels as of 2023.
4 ports, including one medium and three very small.

Communications

The telecommunications landscape in Guinea includes a limited number of fixed telephone lines but a growing mobile cellular subscription base at 13.8 million users, representing over 100 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Internet access stands at 27% of the population.

Over 1,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).
The government maintains control over broadcast media, with a mix of public and private stations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	13,986,179	2024 estimate
Area	245,857 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$59.439 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	5.3%	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	5.235 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	35.3 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	64.6 years	2024 estimate
Literacy Rate	39.6%	2018 estimate
Agriculture Land	73.2%	2023 estimate
CO2 Emissions	4.505 million metric tonnes	2023 estimate