About the Republic of Guinea

Discover the cultural richness, fascinating history, and natural beauty of our beautiful Republic of Guinea

Welcome to the Republic of Guinea

The Republic of Guinea, which we lovingly call Guinea Conakry, is much more than just a country - it's our home, our pride, and a true gem of West Africa. Located on the Atlantic coast, our nation spans 245,857 square kilometers of breathtaking landscapes.

With a population estimated between 14.5 to 15.8 million inhabitants (2024-2025, World Bank), Guinea culture is a harmonious blend of ancestral traditions and modernity. Our eight administrative regions - from the bustling capital of Conakry to the verdant mountains of Fouta Djallon - each offer a unique and authentic experience.

Since our independence on October 2, 1958, led by Ahmed Sékou Touré, we were the first French-speaking African country to say "No" to colonialism. Today, under the leadership of Transitional PresidentGeneral Mamadi Doumbouya (2025), we continue to build our future with determination.

Traditional Guinean village

Essential Facts About the Republic of Guinea

Area

245,857 km²

Population

14.5-15.8 million

Capital

Conakry

Independence

October 2, 1958

Leadership and Government

Guinean government

Head of State (2025): General Mamadi Doumbouya, Transitional President, who leads the country through a period of political and economic transformation.

Recent political history: After independence in 1958 under Ahmed Sékou Touré (1958-1984), the country experienced the era of Lansana Conté (1984-2008), then the coups of 2008 and 2021, leading to the current transition.

Our governmental system strives to build strong democratic institutions while preserving stability and promoting the country's economic development.

Leadership & Government

Guinea Flag

Head of State

Transitional President

General Mamadi Doumbouya

In office since September 2021

Prime Minister

Bernard Goumou

In office since July 2022

Presidential Palace

Government Structure

Executive

Transitional President and Council of Ministers

Judiciary

Supreme Court and regional courts

Transition

National Transitional Council (CNT)

Economy and Resources

Guinea's economy is primarily based on mining (bauxite, gold, iron ore - notably the Simandou project) and agriculture, which employs the majority of the population.

According to the World Bank, Guinea experienced strong GDP growth in 2023-2024, driven by investments in the mining sector and economic reforms.

Our main resources include the world's largest bauxite reserves, significant gold deposits, and enormous agricultural potential with fertile lands and a climate favorable to various crops.

The government emphasizes economic diversification, infrastructure development, and improving the business climate to attract foreign investment.

Guinean economy

Languages and People

Guinea's linguistic diversity reflects the richness of our cultural heritage. While French is our official language, a legacy of our colonial history, it's our national languages that truly bring our identity to life.

Pular (or Fulani) is spoken mainly in the Fouta Djallon by the Fulani, our traditional herders. Soussou dominates the coastal region, while Maninka resonates in Upper Guinea, keeping alive the tradition of the ancient Mali Empire.

Our four main ethnic groups - Fulani, Malinke, Soussou, and Forest peoples - coexist harmoniously, each bringing their traditions, music, and wisdom to our national mosaic. This diversity makes Guinea a true crossroads of West African cultures.

People and languages of Guinea

National Identity

Guinean national identity

Our tricolor flag - red, yellow, and green - tells the story of our struggle and aspirations. Red symbolizes the sacrifice of our heroes for independence, yellow represents our mineral wealth and the African sun, while green evokes our lush forests and agriculture.

Our national motto "Work, Justice, Solidarity" guides our vision of a united and prosperous country. The national anthem "Liberty" resonates in every Guinean heart, reminding us of our pride in being the first French-speaking African country to say "No" to colonialism in 1958.

This strong identity manifests in our love for music (the djembe was born here!), our respect for elders, and our legendary hospitality that makes every visitor quickly become a friend of the family.

Regions of Guinea

Conakry

Conakry

Our dynamic capital, economic and political heart, where tradition and modernity meet on the Kaloum peninsula.

Kindia

Kindia

Gateway to Fouta Djallon, mountainous region with cool climate, famous for spectacular landscapes and agriculture.

Labé

Labé

Heart of Fouta Djallon and Fulani culture, land of livestock and preserved ancestral traditions.

Kankan

Kankan

Second largest city, center of Mandingo culture and commercial crossroads of Upper Guinea.

N'Zérékoré

N'Zérékoré

Capital of Forest Guinea, rich in biodiversity and famous for its quality coffee and cocoa.

Boké

Boké

Coastal region rich in bauxite, gateway to Los Islands and center of mining industry.

Explore More About Guinea

History and heritage

History and Heritage

Discover Guinea's rich history and cultural heritage, from ancient empires to independence

Regions and cities

Regions and Cities

Explore Guinea's eight regions and major cities, each with its unique characteristics

People and languages

People and Languages

Meet the different ethnic groups and discover Guinea's linguistic richness

National symbols

National Symbols

Learn about the flag, anthem, and symbols that represent our national identity

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