Introduction
Background
Guinea is at a turning point after decades of authoritarian rule since gaining its independence from France in 1958. International investors have shown interest in Guinea's unexplored mineral reserves, which have the potential to propel Guinea's future growth.
Geography
Area
total: 245,857 sq km
land: 245,717 sq km
water: 140 sq km
Climate
generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
Natural resources
bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, salt
People and Society
Population
13,607,249 (2023 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.)
Languages
French (official), Pular, Maninka, Susu, other native languages
Religions
Muslim 89.1%, Christian 6.8%, animist 1.6%, other 0.1%, none 2.4% (2014 est.)
Population growth rate
2.75% (2023 est.)
Government
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Conakry
Executive branch
chief of state: President Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA (since 1 October 2021); 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; on 1 October 2021, DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transitional president
head of government: Prime Minister Bernard GOMOU (since 20 August 2022); note - GOMOU had been acting prime minister since 16 July 2022 replacing Mohamed BEAVOGUI who stepped down due to health reasons
Legislative branch
description: formerly the People's National Assembly; 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; on 22 January 2022, an 81-member Transitional National Council was installed
Economy
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
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$35.729 billion (2021 est.)
$34.388 billion (2020 est.)
$32.775 billion (2019 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$2,600 (2021 est.)
$2,600 (2020 est.)
$2,500 (2019 est.)
Agricultural products
rice, cassava, groundnuts, maize, oil palm fruit, fonio, plantains, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, vegetables
Industries
bauxite, gold, diamonds, iron ore; light manufacturing, agricultural processing
Remittances
2.14% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.16% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.18% of GDP (2019 est.)
Exports
$10.266 billion (2021 est.)
$8.996 billion (2020 est.)
$4.041 billion (2019 est.)
Exports - partners
United Arab Emirates 39%, China 36%, India 6% (2019)
Exports - commodities
gold, aluminum ores and oxide, iron ores, cocoa beans, cashews, frozen fish (2021)
Imports
$5.353 billion (2021 est.)
$6.314 billion (2020 est.)
$4.32 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - partners
China 39%, India 8%, Netherlands 6%, Belgium 5%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities
rice, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, delivery trucks, cars (2019)
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.)
Page last updated: Tuesday, December 12, 2023
