Guinea

Quick Facts

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Capital

Conakry

Population

9,800,000 ^[1]

Government

Republic

Religions

Islam, Christianity, Indigenous beliefs

Languages

Fuuta Jalon, French, Pular, Susu

Calling Code

+224

Currency

Guinean franc (GNF)

Time zone

GMT (UTC+0)

Nationality

Guinean

Local name

Guinée

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Introduction

Sunset at the lake

© All Rights Reserved Bevl78

Guinea is the world's second poorest country, has tourist facilities to prove it, but is a friendly destination for budget travellers looking for a West African holiday. When France offered its West African territories the option of independence or autonomy as part of a Franco-African community of nations, Guinea embarked down the road less travelled and took its independence. Alienation from France broke the country, suspending it in a downhill journey through socialism, gross human rights offences and terrible poverty. Democracy's been around for about a decade, but prospects remain dim.

Fouta Djalon is Guinea's nicest area, with rolling hills and tall peaks making for some fine Kodak moments. There's a couple of excellent beaches, though you'll probably have to make your own way there (on the plus side, that means they won't be too busy either). West Africa's largest market operates here - the market has the further distinction of being home to Guinea's only public toilet.

Regions

Guinea consists of 7 administrative regions.

• Boké Region
• Conakry Region
• Faranah Region
• Kankan Region
• Kindia Region
• Labé Region
• Mamou Region
• Nzérékoré Region

Cities

• Conakry - The capital
• Kankan
• Kindia
• Mamou
• Nzérékoré
• Kissidougou
• Faranah

Getting there

Plane

Conakry International Airport (CKY) near the capital of Guinea, Conakry receives all departing and arriving international flights. Destinations include those to and from Bamako (Slok Air, Air Ivoire, Benin Golf Air), Dakar (Benin Golf Air, Slok Air, Afrinat International Airlines), Freetown, Paris (Air France), Brussels, Abidjan and Lagos, among a few others.