Country Profile: Guinea

Guinea is located in Western Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and several neighboring countries, including Sierra Leone and Mali. The country is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes a flat coastal plain and hilly mountainous regions, with a population of approximately 14.4 million people predominantly comprising the Fulani, Malinke, and Susu ethnic groups. Economically, Guinea's growth is heavily driven by its agrarian sector and rich mineral resources, particularly bauxite and gold, while its political landscape has been marked by a series of authoritarian regimes and recent military coups. The current government is a transitional military administration, striving to navigate the complexities of governance amid ongoing social and economic challenges.

Geography

Guinea is situated in Western Africa, meeting the North Atlantic Ocean, and has a diverse geography that includes both coastal plains and mountainous interiors. The climate is predominantly hot and humid, with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May. The country boasts vital natural resources, including significant deposits of bauxite, gold, and diamonds.

Area: 245,857 sq km
Elevation: Highest point at Mont Nimba, 1,752 m above sea level
Climate: Generally hot and humid with a monsoonal-type rainy season

People and Society

With a population of approximately 14.4 million as of 2025, Guinea is marked by a youthful demographic, with a median age of just 19.5 years. The country is predominantly Muslim, with 85.2% of the population adhering to Islam. Ethnic diversity is prominent, with the largest groups being Fulani, Malinke, and Susu. However, the nation faces significant challenges in education and health, reflected by low literacy rates and high maternal mortality.

Population Growth Rate: 2.74% (2025 est.)
Literacy Rate: 39.6% (2018 est.)
Life Expectancy: 64.6 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Guinea's economy is primarily agrarian, with significant contributions from the mining sector, especially bauxite and other minerals. The government is working towards improving fiscal and debt balances while addressing vulnerabilities to climate change. As of 2023, the GDP is estimated at $56.251 billion, with a real GDP growth rate projected at 5.5%.

GDP: $25.334 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 5.3% (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: 43.7% of the population below the national poverty line (2018 est.)

Government

Guinea operates as a presidential republic, currently under a transitional military government established after a coup in 2021. The country has experienced significant political shifts including periods of authoritarian rule and military governance. The current leadership structure includes President Col. Mamady Doumbouya and Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah.

Capital: Conakry
Independence: 2 October 1958
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age

Military and Security

The Guinean Armed Forces, consisting of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and National Gendarmerie, are responsible for both national defense and internal security. Military expenditures have seen a slight increase, reaching 2.1% of GDP in 2024. The military has historically played a significant role in governance, particularly following the 2021 coup.

Active Personnel: Estimated 10,000 - 12,000 (2025)
Military Expenditures: 2.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Service Obligation: Voluntary and selective service at age 18

Energy

Guinea is heavily reliant on hydroelectric power, which constitutes 74.1% of its installed electricity generation capacity. However, electricity access remains limited, with only 47.7% of the population receiving electricity as of 2022.

Installed Capacity: 1.06 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity Access: 47.7% of the population (2022 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita: 5.235 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Environment

The country faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation, inadequate potable water, and soil erosion. Guinea is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, aiming to combat these pressing issues.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 4.505 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Population with Improved Drinking Water: 71.5% (2022 est.)

Transportation

Guinea has a developing transportation infrastructure with a railway network of 1,086 km and 16 airports. The port of Conakry serves as a crucial gateway for trade.

Ports: 4 total (2024)
Railways: 1,086 km (2017)

Communications

The communication landscape in Guinea features a mix of state-run and private media, with substantial reliance on mobile cellular subscriptions. Internet penetration remains low, with only 27% of the population estimated to be internet users in 2023.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 15.3 million (2022 est.)
Internet Users: 27% of the population (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	14,374,590 (2025 est.)
Area	245,857 sq km
GDP	$25.334 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	5.3% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	35.04 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	64.6 years (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	5.235 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity Access	47.7% of total population (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	39.6% (2018 est.)