guinea

Guinea, officially the Republic of Guinea, is a country in West Africa. It covers about 245,857 square kilometers and has an estimated population of around 13 million. Its capital and largest city is Conakry. It is bordered by Guinea-Bissau to the northwest, Senegal to the north, Mali to the northeast, Ivory Coast to the southeast, Liberia and Sierra Leone to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Geographically, Guinea features a varied landscape that includes the Fouta Djallon highlands, forested plains, and coastal mangroves. The climate is tropical, with a distinct wet season in the south and a drier interior. The economy is resource-driven, with mining forming a major sector; bauxite reserves are among the largest in the world, and the country also exports gold and diamonds. Agriculture employs a large portion of the population, including subsistence farming, and the informal sector is significant.

Historically, Guinea was part of the French colonial empire as French Guinea and gained independence in 1958 under Ahmed Sékou Touré. Since independence, the country has experienced periods of political instability, including military rule and transitions to civilian governments. In 2021, a military coup led by Mamady Doumbouya toppled President Alpha Condé, leading to transitional authorities and a plan for elections.

Culturally, Guinea is ethnically diverse, with major groups such as the Fula (Peul), Malinke, and Susu. French is the official language, with many local languages spoken. Islam is the predominant religion, with Christian and indigenous beliefs also present.