• Guinea is a west African nation. Its bordering countries are Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Mali on the north; Liberia and Sierra Leone are on the south of Guinea, the Ivory Coast lies to the south east and the Atlantic Ocean is on the west. Guinea was under French rule until 1958 and was known as French Guinea until then.

• 1. Capital: Conakry
  2. Government: Republic
  3. Population: 9,947,814 (July 2007 est)
  4. Major Religion: Islam
  5. Currency: Guinean franc (GNF)
  6. Exchange Rate: 4,378.43
  7. Official Language: French
  8. International Dialing Code: +224
  9. Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time
  10. Climate: Hot and humid

• French Rule

  Guinea was ruled by France until 1958. After the first president's death in 1984, Lansana Conte became the second president. Guinea's first democratic election was in 1993. Conte was re-elected in 1998 and 2003. The outcome of the elections drew criticism. The public dissatisfaction over politics and corruption has sparked violent protests.

• Economy

  Guinea is one of the leading exporters of bauxite, an aluminum ore. Guinea also exports diamonds and gold. The lack of political stability in the region has put a damper on international trade.

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