Guinea
AfricaGV September 17, 2025
Background
Guinea's deep Muslim heritage arrived via the neighboring Almoravid Empire in the 11th century. Following Almoravid decline, Guinea existed on the fringe of several African kingdoms, all competing for regional dominance. In the 13th century, the Mali Empire took control of Guinea and encouraged its already growing Muslim faith. After the fall of the West African empires, various smaller kingdoms controlled Guinea. In the 18th century, Fulani Muslims established an Islamic state in central Guinea that provided one of the earliest examples of a written constitution and alternating leadership. European traders first arrived in the 16th century, and the French secured colonial rule in the 19th century.
In 1958, Guinea achieved independence from France. Sekou TOURE became Guinea’s first post-independence president; he established a dictatorial regime and ruled until his death in 1984, after which General Lansana CONTE staged a coup and seized the government. He too established an authoritarian regime and manipulated presidential elections until his death in 2008, when Captain Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seized power, and suspended the constitution. In 2009, CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and was exiled to Burkina Faso. In 2010 and 2013 respectively, the country held its first free and fair presidential and legislative elections. Alpha CONDE won the 2010 and 2015 presidential elections, and his first cabinet was the first all-civilian government in Guinean history. CONDE won a third term in 2020 after a constitutional change to term limits. In 2021, Col Mamady DOUMBOUYA led another successful military coup, establishing the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development (CNRD), suspending the constitution, and dissolving the government and the legislature. DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transition president and appointed Mohamed BEAVOGUI as transition prime minister. The National Transition Council (CNT), which acts as the legislative body for the transition, was formed in 2022 and consists of appointed members representing a broad swath of Guinean society.
Geographic coordinates
11 00 N, 10 00 W
Natural hazards
hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Oregon; slightly larger than twice the size of Pennsylvania
Environmental issues
deforestation; inadequate potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing, overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices; water pollution; improper waste disposal
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
Coastline
320 km
Land boundaries
Total: 4,046 km
Border countries (6): Cote d'Ivoire 816 km; Guinea-Bissau 421 km; Liberia 590 km; Mali 1062 km; Senegal 363 km; Sierra Leone 794 km
Border countries (6): Cote d'Ivoire 816 km; Guinea-Bissau 421 km; Liberia 590 km; Mali 1062 km; Senegal 363 km; Sierra Leone 794 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 70% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 20.7% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 5.8% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 43.5% (2022 est.)
Forest: 24.9% (2022 est.)
Other: 5.2% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 20.7% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 5.8% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 43.5% (2022 est.)
Forest: 24.9% (2022 est.)
Other: 5.2% (2022 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Natural resources
bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, salt
Geography - note
the Niger and its important tributary, the Milo River, have their sources in the Guinean highlands
Terrain
generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
949 sq km (2017)
Total renewable water resources
226 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
areas of highest density are in the west and south; interior is sparsely populated, as shown in this population distribution map
Elevation
Highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 472 m
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 472 m
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Niger river source (shared with Mali, and Nigeria [m]) - 4,200 km; Gambie (Gambia) river source (shared with Senegal and The Gambia [m]) - 1,094 km
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Area
Total : 245,857 sq km
Land: 245,717 sq km
Water: 140 sq km
Land: 245,717 sq km
Water: 140 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 40.9% (male 2,884,146/female 2,835,794)
15-64 years: 55.1% (male 3,846,852/female 3,856,366)
65 years and over: 4% (2024 est.) (male 254,608/female 308,413)
15-64 years: 55.1% (male 3,846,852/female 3,856,366)
65 years and over: 4% (2024 est.) (male 254,608/female 308,413)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
Total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
Total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 40% (2018 est.)
Male: 54% (2018 est.)
Female: 28% (2018 est.)
Male: 54% (2018 est.)
Female: 28% (2018 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Guinean(s)
Adjective: Guinean
Adjective: Guinean
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 9 years (2021 est.)
Male: 9 years (2021 est.)
Female: 8 years (2021 est.)
Male: 9 years (2021 est.)
Female: 8 years (2021 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 38.1% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 92% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 59% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 71.5% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 8% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 41% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 28.5% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 92% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 59% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 71.5% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 8% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 41% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 28.5% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
2.111 million CONAKRY (capital) (2023)
Physician density
0.21 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Mother's mean age at first birth
19.9 years (2018 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 81.6 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 74.3 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 7.3 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 13.7 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 74.3 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 7.3 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 13.7 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 95.6% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 39.4% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 60.6% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 4.4% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 60.6% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 39.4% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 95.6% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 39.4% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 60.6% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 4.4% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 60.6% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 39.4% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Fulani (Peuhl) 33.4%, Malinke 29.4%, Susu 21.2%, Guerze 7.8%, Kissi 6.2%, Toma 1.6%, other/foreign 0.4% (2018 est.)
Religions
Muslim 85.2%, Christian 13.4%, animist 0.2%, none 1.2% (2018 est.)
Languages
French (official), Pular, Maninka, Susu, other native languages
Note: About 40 languages are spoken; each ethnic group has its own language
Note: About 40 languages are spoken; each ethnic group has its own language
Health expenditure
3.8% of GDP (2021)
5% of national budget (2022 est.)
5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 17% (2018)
Women married by age 18: 46.5% (2018)
Men married by age 18: 1.9% (2018)
Women married by age 18: 46.5% (2018)
Men married by age 18: 1.9% (2018)
Gross reproduction rate
2.36 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
68.7% (2023 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 7.1% (2024 est.)
Male: 6.2% (2024 est.)
Female: 8% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 6.2% (2024 est.)
Female: 8% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 19.4 years (2024 est.)
Male: 19.2 years
Female: 19.6 years
Male: 19.2 years
Female: 19.6 years
Maternal mortality ratio
494 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
4.78 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 13,986,179 (2024 est.)
Male: 6,985,606
Female: 7,000,573
Male: 6,985,606
Female: 7,000,573
Infant mortality rate
Total: 47 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 51.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 42.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 51.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 42.3 deaths/1,000 live births
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
7.7% (2016)
Death rate
7.8 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
35.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
16.3% (2018)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 0.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 64.6 years (2024 est.)
Male: 62.7 years
Female: 66.6 years
Male: 62.7 years
Female: 66.6 years
Education expenditure
1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
9.3% national budget (2024 est.)
9.3% national budget (2024 est.)
Population growth rate
2.74% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 230 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 60 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 600 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 60 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 600 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 596,900 tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23.9% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23.9% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
34.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
4.505 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 4.504 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 4.504 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
5.235 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Mary E. DASCHBACH (since 15 July 2025)
Embassy: Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry
Mailing address: 2110 Conakry Place, Washington DC 20521-2110
Telephone: [224] 65-10-40-00
FAX: [224] 65-10-42-97
Email address and website:
ConakryACS@state.gov
https://gn.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry
Mailing address: 2110 Conakry Place, Washington DC 20521-2110
Telephone: [224] 65-10-40-00
FAX: [224] 65-10-42-97
Email address and website:
ConakryACS@state.gov
https://gn.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
7 administrative regions (régions administratives, singular - région administrative) and 1 governorate (gouvenorat)*; Boke, Conakry*, Faranah, Kankan, Kindia, Labe, Mamou, N'Zerekore
Capital
Name: Conakry
Geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 13 42 W
Time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology:
Geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 13 42 W
Time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology:
The name derives from konakri, a Susu word meaning "over the water" and referring to the city's location on a peninsula; it was originally the name of a local village
Constitution
History: Previous 1958, 1990; 2010 and a referendum in 2020, which was suspended on 5 September 2021 via a coup d'état; on 27 September, the Transitional Charter was released, which supersedes the constitution until a new constitution is promulgated
Executive branch
Chief of state: Interim President Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA (since 1 October 2021)
Head of government: Prime Minister Amadou Oury BAH (since 27 February 2024)
Cabinet: Formerly the Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: Formerly, the president was directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term), and the prime minister was appointed by the president
Most recent election date: 18 October 2020
Election results:
2020: Alpha CONDE reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Alpha CONDE (RPG) 59.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO (UFDG) 33.5%, other 7%
2015: Alpha CONDE reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Alpha CONDE (RPG) 57.8%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO (UFDG) 31.4%, other 10.8%
Note 1: In 2021, the military arrested and detained the president, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the government and legislature
Note 2: The transitional government has not announced a new election timetable
Head of government: Prime Minister Amadou Oury BAH (since 27 February 2024)
Cabinet: Formerly the Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: Formerly, the president was directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term), and the prime minister was appointed by the president
Most recent election date: 18 October 2020
Election results:
2020: Alpha CONDE reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Alpha CONDE (RPG) 59.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO (UFDG) 33.5%, other 7%
2015: Alpha CONDE reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Alpha CONDE (RPG) 57.8%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO (UFDG) 31.4%, other 10.8%
Note 1: In 2021, the military arrested and detained the president, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the government and legislature
Note 2: The transitional government has not announced a new election timetable
Flag
Description: Three equal vertical bands of red (left side), yellow, and green
Meaning: Red stands for the people's sacrifice for liberation and work; yellow for the sun, the riches of the earth, and justice; green for the country's vegetation and unity
History: Uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
Note: the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal
Meaning: Red stands for the people's sacrifice for liberation and work; yellow for the sun, the riches of the earth, and justice; green for the country's vegetation and unity
History: Uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
Note: the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal
Independence
2 October 1958 (from France)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Suprême (organized into Administrative Chamber and Civil, Penal, and Social Chamber; court consists of the first president, 2 chamber presidents, 10 councilors, the solicitor general, and NA deputies); Constitutional Court - suspended on 5 September 2021
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court first president appointed by the national president after consultation with the National Assembly; other members appointed by presidential decree; members serve 9-year terms until age 65
Subordinate courts: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; High Court of Justice or Cour d'Assises; Court of Account (Court of Auditors); Courts of First Instance (Tribunal de Première Instance); labor court; military tribunal; justices of the peace; specialized courts
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court first president appointed by the national president after consultation with the National Assembly; other members appointed by presidential decree; members serve 9-year terms until age 65
Subordinate courts: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; High Court of Justice or Cour d'Assises; Court of Account (Court of Auditors); Courts of First Instance (Tribunal de Première Instance); labor court; military tribunal; justices of the peace; specialized courts
Legal system
civil law system based on the French model
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Transitional National Council (Conseil national de transition)
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 81 (all appointed)
Electoral system: Mixed system
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Most recent election date: 1/22/2022
Percentage of women in chamber: 29.6%
Expected date of next election: December 2025
Note: On 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government and People's National Assembly dissolved; in January 2022, an 81-member Transitional National Council was installed; in February 2024, Guinea's military leaders dissolved the government
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 81 (all appointed)
Electoral system: Mixed system
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Most recent election date: 1/22/2022
Percentage of women in chamber: 29.6%
Expected date of next election: December 2025
Note: On 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government and People's National Assembly dissolved; in January 2022, an 81-member Transitional National Council was installed; in February 2024, Guinea's military leaders dissolved the government
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 2 October (1958)
Political parties
African Congress for Democracy and Renewal or CADRE
Alliance for National Renewal or ARN
Alliance for National Renewal or ARENA
Bloc Liberal or BL
Citizen Generation or GECI
Citizen Party for the Defense of Collective Interests or PCDIC
Democratic Alliance for Renewal or ADR
Democratic National Movement or MND
Democratic Union for Renewal and Progress or UDRP
Democratic Union of Guinea or UDG
Democratic People's Movement of Guinea or MPDG
Democratic Workers' Party of Guinea or PDTG
Front for the National Alliance or FAN
Generation for Reconciliation Union and Prosperity or GRUP
Guinea for Democracy and Balance or GDE
Guinean Party for Peaceful Coexistence and Development or PGCD
Guinean Party for Solidarity and Democracy or PGSD
Guinean Union for Democracy and Development or UGDD
Guinean Rally for Development or RGD
Guinean Rally for Unity and Development or RGUD
Guinean Renaissance Party or PGR
Modern Guinea
Movement for Solidarity and Development or MSD
National Committee for Reconciliation and Development
National Front for Development or FND
National Union for Prosperity or UNP
National Party for Hope and Development or PEDN
New Democratic Forces or NFD
New Generation for the Republic or NGR
New Guinea or NG
New Political Generation or NGP
Party for Progress and Change or PPC
Party of Citizen Action through Labor or PACT
Party of Democrats for Hope or PADES
Party of Freedom and Progress or PLP
Party of Hope for National Development or PEDN
Rally for Renaissance and Development or RRD
Rally for the Guinean People or RPG
Rally for the Integrated Development of Guinea or RDIG
Rally for the Republic or RPR
Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea or UFDG
Union for Progress and Renewal or UPR
Union for the Defense of Republican Interests or UDIR
Union for the Progress of Guinea or UPG
Union of Democratic Forces or UFD a or UFDG
Union of Democrats for the Renaissance of Guinea or UDRG
Union of Republican Forces or UFR
Unity and Progress Party or PUP
Alliance for National Renewal or ARN
Alliance for National Renewal or ARENA
Bloc Liberal or BL
Citizen Generation or GECI
Citizen Party for the Defense of Collective Interests or PCDIC
Democratic Alliance for Renewal or ADR
Democratic National Movement or MND
Democratic Union for Renewal and Progress or UDRP
Democratic Union of Guinea or UDG
Democratic People's Movement of Guinea or MPDG
Democratic Workers' Party of Guinea or PDTG
Front for the National Alliance or FAN
Generation for Reconciliation Union and Prosperity or GRUP
Guinea for Democracy and Balance or GDE
Guinean Party for Peaceful Coexistence and Development or PGCD
Guinean Party for Solidarity and Democracy or PGSD
Guinean Union for Democracy and Development or UGDD
Guinean Rally for Development or RGD
Guinean Rally for Unity and Development or RGUD
Guinean Renaissance Party or PGR
Modern Guinea
Movement for Solidarity and Development or MSD
National Committee for Reconciliation and Development
National Front for Development or FND
National Union for Prosperity or UNP
National Party for Hope and Development or PEDN
New Democratic Forces or NFD
New Generation for the Republic or NGR
New Guinea or NG
New Political Generation or NGP
Party for Progress and Change or PPC
Party of Citizen Action through Labor or PACT
Party of Democrats for Hope or PADES
Party of Freedom and Progress or PLP
Party of Hope for National Development or PEDN
Rally for Renaissance and Development or RRD
Rally for the Guinean People or RPG
Rally for the Integrated Development of Guinea or RDIG
Rally for the Republic or RPR
Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea or UFDG
Union for Progress and Renewal or UPR
Union for the Defense of Republican Interests or UDIR
Union for the Progress of Guinea or UPG
Union of Democratic Forces or UFD a or UFDG
Union of Democrats for the Renaissance of Guinea or UDRG
Union of Republican Forces or UFR
Unity and Progress Party or PUP
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Republic of Guinea
Conventional short form: Guinea
Local long form: République de Guinée
Local short form: Guinée
Former: French Guinea
Etymology: The country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea, but the name itself derives from the Tuareg word aginaw, meaning "black people"
Conventional short form: Guinea
Local long form: République de Guinée
Local short form: Guinée
Former: French Guinea
Etymology: The country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea, but the name itself derives from the Tuareg word aginaw, meaning "black people"
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Fatoumata KABA (since 19 April 2023)
Chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300
FAX: [1] (202) 986-3800
Email address and website:
http://guineaembassyusa.org/en/welcome-to-the-embassy-of-guinea-washington-usa/
Consulate(s): Los Angelos
Chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300
FAX: [1] (202) 986-3800
Email address and website:
http://guineaembassyusa.org/en/welcome-to-the-embassy-of-guinea-washington-usa/
Consulate(s): Los Angelos
National anthem(s)
Title: "Liberté" (Liberty)
Lyrics/music: Unknown/Fodeba KEITA
History: Adopted 1958
Lyrics/music: Unknown/Fodeba KEITA
History: Adopted 1958
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
elephant
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Guinea
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: Na
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Guinea
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: Na
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
National color(s)
red, yellow, green
Population below poverty line
43.7% (2018 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 3.5% (2018 est.)
Highest 10%: 23.1% (2018 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 23.1% (2018 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
gold, aluminum ore, cocoa beans, crude petroleum, coconuts/brazil nuts/cashews (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
UAE 50%, China 36%, India 8%, Switzerland 1%, Spain 1% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
rice, cassava, maize, groundnuts, oil palm fruit, plantains, potatoes, fonio, yams, sweet potatoes (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $1.949 billion (2019 est.)
Expenditures: $2.014 billion (2019 est.)
Expenditures: $2.014 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, rice, garments, construction vehicles, cars (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Guinean francs (GNF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
9,565.082 (2020 est.)
9,183.876 (2019 est.)
9,011.134 (2018 est.)
9,088.319 (2017 est.)
8,967.927 (2016 est.)
Exchange rates:
9,565.082 (2020 est.)
9,183.876 (2019 est.)
9,011.134 (2018 est.)
9,088.319 (2017 est.)
8,967.927 (2016 est.)
Industries
bauxite, gold, diamonds, iron ore; light manufacturing, agricultural processing
Economic overview
growing but primarily agrarian West African economy; major mining sector; improving fiscal and debt balances prior to COVID-19; economy increasingly vulnerable to climate change; slow infrastructure improvements; gender wealth and human capital gaps
GDP (official exchange rate)
$25.334 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 67.4% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 13.4% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 32.1% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: -0.9% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 44% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -56.1% (2024 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 13.4% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 32.1% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: -0.9% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 44% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -56.1% (2024 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
China 39%, India 9%, Netherlands 7%, Belgium 6%, UAE 4% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Remittances
2.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
2.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
2% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
2.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
2% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
4.534 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$3.764 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$1.887 billion (2023 est.)
$2.11 billion (2022 est.)
$2.183 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$2.11 billion (2022 est.)
$2.183 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
5.3% (2024 est.)
5.3% (2023 est.)
5.3% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
5.3% (2023 est.)
5.3% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$59.439 billion (2024 est.)
$56.251 billion (2023 est.)
$53.297 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$56.251 billion (2023 est.)
$53.297 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
8.1% (2024 est.)
7.8% (2023 est.)
10.5% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
7.8% (2023 est.)
10.5% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$2.288 billion (2023 est.)
$3.35 billion (2022 est.)
$4.639 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$3.35 billion (2022 est.)
$4.639 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$4,000 (2024 est.)
$3,900 (2023 est.)
$3,800 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$3,900 (2023 est.)
$3,800 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$8.365 billion (2023 est.)
$5.749 billion (2022 est.)
$5.353 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$5.749 billion (2022 est.)
$5.353 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$12.008 billion (2023 est.)
$8.898 billion (2022 est.)
$10.266 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$8.898 billion (2022 est.)
$10.266 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
5.7% (2024 est.)
5.5% (2023 est.)
4% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
5.5% (2023 est.)
4% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
7.1% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 29.6% (2024 est.)
Industry: 25.3% (2024 est.)
Services: 37.5% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 25.3% (2024 est.)
Services: 37.5% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 47.7% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 91%
Electrification - rural areas: 21.3%
Electrification - urban areas: 91%
Electrification - rural areas: 21.3%
Coal
Imports: 400 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 25.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 74.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 74.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 32,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 1.06 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 3.624 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 424.356 million kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 3.624 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 424.356 million kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 27% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.gn
Broadcast media
government maintains control over broadcast media; single state-run TV station; state-run radio also operates several stations in rural areas; a dozen private TV stations; many privately owned radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community radio stations; foreign TV programming available via satellite and cable subscription services (2022)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 13.8 million (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 102 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 102 (2021 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 1,000 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 0 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Railways
Total: 1,086 km (2017)
Standard gauge: 279 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge
Narrow gauge: 807 km (2017) 1.000-m gauge
Standard gauge: 279 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge
Narrow gauge: 807 km (2017) 1.000-m gauge
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
3X
Airports
16 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 2 (2023)
By type: Other 2
By type: Other 2
Heliports
1 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary and selective conscripted service; 9-12 months of service (2023)
Military expenditures
2.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
2.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
2.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Guinean (or National) Armed Forces (Forces Armées Guinéennes): Army, Air Force, Navy, National Gendarmerie
Ministry of Security: National Police (2024)
Note: The Gendarmerie and National Police share responsibility for internal security; Guinea's military and security forces are sometimes collectively referred to as the Defense and Security Forces
Ministry of Security: National Police (2024)
Note: The Gendarmerie and National Police share responsibility for internal security; Guinea's military and security forces are sometimes collectively referred to as the Defense and Security Forces
Military - note
the Guinean military is responsible for territorial defense, but also has some domestic security responsibilities and has historically been involved in suppressing public protests; in 2021 the Army’s special forces led a military overthrow of the government; the military-led government has since been accused of cracking down on dissent, the media, and political opposition; border security is a key focus for the Guinean military, particularly a territorial dispute with Sierra Leone that dates back to 2001 (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 10-12,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Guinean military's inventory consists almost entirely of Soviet-era weapons and equipment along with small amounts of secondhand material from China, France, Russia, and South Africa (2024)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 2,343 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,160 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,160 (2024 est.)
Ports
Total ports: 4 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 1
Small: 0
Very small: 3
Ports with oil terminals: 2
Key ports: Benti, Conakry, Kamsar, Victoria
Large: 0
Medium: 1
Small: 0
Very small: 3
Ports with oil terminals: 2
Key ports: Benti, Conakry, Kamsar, Victoria
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
29.6 (2018 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality