GUINEA
Republic of Guinea
Location
Guinea is located in Western Africa. It's right on the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone.
Size
slightly smaller than Oregon
Coastline
Guinea's western shore is on the North Atlantic Ocean.
Terrain
Guinea has a flat coastal plain and a hilly, mountainous interior.
Land use
6% of Chad is fertile and can be used to grow crops.
None of the land is used for permanent crops.
12% is taken up by pastures and meadows.
42% of the land is made up of forests.
40% is left over for other uses.
Capital
Conakry is Guinea's capital.
Independence
On 2 October, 1958 Guinea gained independence from France.
National holiday
Anniversary of the Second Republic, 3 April (1984)
Languages
French is the official language of Guinea. Each tribe has its own language
Population
6.5 million (July 1995 est.)
Age
44% of all Guineans are between 0-14 years of age.
53% of the population is between 15-64 years old.
The remaining 3% are 65 years and over.
Life expectancy at birth
Male Guineans are expected to live to be 42.
Female Guineans are expected to live to be 47.
Total fertility rate
Women have an average of 5-6 children each.
Ethnic divisions
Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller tribes 10%
Religions
Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, native beliefs 7%
Literacy
Only 24% of all Guineans are literate.
35% of males can read and write.
13% of females can read and write.
