Introduction to Guinea

Quick Overview

This small West African state, sometimes also called "Guinea-Conakry," is known as the "water tower of Africa" thanks to its 1,300 waterways.

Key Facts

Type of place: country.

Location: on the Atlantic coast, just below Senegal.

Latitude/longitude: 9°30' N, 13°43' W.

Local time: Heure : 12255

Capital: Conakry.

Nature of the state:

Official language: French.

Currency: Guinean franc.

Population: 11,855,411 inhabitants (2018).

Area: 245,857 km².

Density: 48 inhabitants/km².

Highest point: Mount Nimba (1,752 m).

Lowest point: sea level.

Coastline:

Driving: on the right.

Tourism

The country is one of those destinations that remain largely unknown to tourists, with just 60,000 foreign visitors recorded in 2016. This is partly due to limited infrastructure and occasional security concerns. Yet Guinea boasts beautiful landscapes and plenty to delight those who enjoy "off-the-beaten-path" travel.

Travel Essentials

Destination: for somewhat experienced travelers.

By air: France-Conakry.

Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned return date + e-Visa + yellow fever vaccination.

Currency to bring: euros.

Exchange rate:

Daily "backpacker" budget:

Best for accommodation:

Best for getting around:

Risks:

Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/holidays /

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

"Quality of life": 175/188 (rank in 2018)

GDP per capita: $2,200 (2017)

Average monthly income: ()

Inflation: +8.9% (2017)

"Official" unemployment: ()

Population below the poverty line: ()

Life expectancy: 62.1 years (2018)

Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: 0 (2018)

Population growth: +2.75% (2018)

Literacy rate: 30.4% (2015)

Urban population: 36.1% (2018)

Press freedom: 104/180 (rank in 2017)

Political regime: authoritarian regime (136/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook