2017 Edition

CIA World Factbook 2017 Archive (HTML)

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Countries

268

Data Records

71,914

Guinea

2017 Edition · 316 data fields

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Introduction

Background

Guinea is at a turning point after decades of authoritarian rule since gaining its independence from France in 1958. Guinea held its first free and competitive democratic presidential and legislative elections in 2010 and 2013 respectively, and in October 2015 held a second consecutive presidential election. Alpha CONDE was reelected to a second five-year term as president in 2015, and the National Assembly was seated in January 2014. CONDE's first cabinet is the first all-civilian government in Guinea. The country held a successful political dialogue in August and September 2016 that brought together the government and opposition to address long-standing tensions. Likewise, President CONDE’s election as AU chairperson has instilled confidence in Guinea. Previously, Sekou TOURE ruled the country as president from independence to his death in 1984. Lansana CONTE came to power in 1984 when the military seized the government after TOURE's death. Gen. CONTE organized and won presidential elections in 1993, 1998, and 2003, though all the polls were rigged. Upon CONTE's death in December 2008, Capt. Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seizing power and suspending the constitution. His unwillingness to yield to domestic and international pressure to step down led to heightened political tensions that culminated in September 2009 when presidential guards opened fire on an opposition rally killing more than 150 people, and in early December 2009 when CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and exiled to Burkina Faso. A transitional government led by Gen. Sekouba KONATE paved the way for Guinea's transition to a fledgling democracy.

Geography

Area

245,857 sq km 245,717 sq km 140 sq km
land: 245,717 sq km
total: 245,857 sq km
water: 140 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Oregon

Climate

generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Coastline

320 km

Elevation

472 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m
elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m
mean elevation: 472 m

Environment - current issues

deforestation; inadequate potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing, overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices have led to environmental damage

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geographic coordinates

11 00 N, 10 00 W

Geography - note

the Niger and its important tributary the Milo River have their sources in the Guinean highlands

Irrigated land

950 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

4,046 km Cote d'Ivoire 816 km, Guinea-Bissau 421 km, Liberia 590 km, Mali 1,062 km, Senegal 363 km, Sierra Leone 794 km
border countries (6): Cote d'Ivoire 816 km, Guinea-Bissau 421 km, Liberia 590 km, Mali 1,062 km, Senegal 363 km, Sierra Leone 794 km
total: 4,046 km

Land use

58.1% arable land 11.8%; permanent crops 2.8%; permanent pasture 43.5% 26.5% 15.4% (2011 est.)
agricultural land: 58.1%
forest: 26.5%
other: 15.4% (2011 est.)

Location

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

Map references

Africa

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

Natural hazards

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season

Natural resources

bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, salt

Population - distribution

areas of highest density are in the west and south; interior is sparsely populated

Terrain

generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior

People and Society

Age structure

41.52% (male 2,603,506/female 2,550,714) 19.73% (male 1,236,092/female 1,212,936) 30.59% (male 1,905,249/female 1,892,638) 4.48% (male 266,848/female 289,697) 3.67% (male 201,598/female 254,589) (2017 est.)
0-14 years: 41.52% (male 2,603,506/female 2,550,714)
15-24 years: 19.73% (male 1,236,092/female 1,212,936)
25-54 years: 30.59% (male 1,905,249/female 1,892,638)
55-64 years: 4.48% (male 266,848/female 289,697)
65 years and over: 3.67% (male 201,598/female 254,589) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

35.1 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

18.7% (2012)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

5.6% (2012)

Death rate

9 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Demographic profile

Guinea’s strong population growth is a result of declining mortality rates and sustained elevated fertility. The population growth rate was somewhat tempered in the 2000s because of a period of net outmigration. Although life expectancy and mortality rates have improved over the last two decades, the nearly universal practice of female genital cutting continues to contribute to high infant and maternal mortality rates. Guinea’s total fertility remains high at about 5 children per woman because of the ongoing preference for larger families, low contraceptive usage and availability, a lack of educational attainment and empowerment among women, and poverty. A lack of literacy and vocational training programs limit job prospects for youths, but even those with university degrees often have no option but to work in the informal sector. About 60% of the country’s large youth population is unemployed. Tensions and refugees have spilled over Guinea’s borders with Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire. During the 1990s Guinea harbored as many as half a million refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia, more refugees than any other African country for much of that decade. About half sought refuge in the volatile “Parrot’s Beak” region of southwest Guinea, a wedge of land jutting into Sierra Leone near the Liberian border. Many were relocated within Guinea in the early 2000s because the area suffered repeated cross-border attacks from various government and rebel forces, as well as anti-refugee violence.

Dependency ratios

84.2 78.6 5.6 17.8 (2015 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.6
potential support ratio: 17.8 (2015 est.)
total dependency ratio: 84.2
youth dependency ratio: 78.6

Drinking water source

urban: 92.7% of population rural: 67.4% of population total: 76.8% of population urban: 7.3% of population rural: 32.6% of population total: 23.2% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 32.6% of population
total: 23.2% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 7.3% of population

Education expenditures

3.2% of GDP (2014)

Ethnic groups

Fulani (Peul) 32.1%, Malinke 29.8%, Susu 19.8%, Guerze 6.2%, Kissi 4.7%, Toma 2.8%, other/no answer 4.6% (2012 est.)

Health expenditures

5.6% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

1.5% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

5,800 (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

120,000 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

0.3 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

50 deaths/1,000 live births 52.6 deaths/1,000 live births 47.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
female: 47.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
male: 52.6 deaths/1,000 live births
total: 50 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

French (official) each ethnic group has its own language
note: each ethnic group has its own language

Life expectancy at birth

61 years 59.5 years 62.6 years (2017 est.)
female: 62.6 years (2017 est.)
male: 59.5 years
total population: 61 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 30.4% 38.1% 22.8% (2015 est.)
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
female: 22.8% (2015 est.)
male: 38.1%
total population: 30.4%

Major infectious diseases

very high bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever schistosomiasis Lassa fever rabies (2016)
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever
animal contact disease: rabies (2016)
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis

Major urban areas - population

CONAKRY (capital) 1.936 million (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

679 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

18.9 years 18.7 years 19.1 years (2017 est.)
female: 19.1 years (2017 est.)
male: 18.7 years
total: 18.9 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

18.9 years median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2012 est.)
note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2012 est.)

Nationality

Guinean(s) Guinean
adjective: Guinean
noun: Guinean(s)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

7.7% (2016)

Population

12,413,867 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

areas of highest density are in the west and south; interior is sparsely populated

Population growth rate

2.61% (2017 est.)

Religions

Muslim 86.7%, Christian 8.9%, animist/other/none 4.4% (2012 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 34.1% of population rural: 11.8% of population total: 20.1% of population urban: 65.9% of population rural: 88.2% of population total: 79.9% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 88.2% of population
total: 79.9% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 65.9% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

9 years 10 years 8 years (2014)
female: 8 years (2014)
male: 10 years
total: 9 years

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 0.92 male(s)/female 0.79 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

4.77 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

1% 1.5% 0.6% (2012 est.)
female: 0.6% (2012 est.)
male: 1.5%
total: 1%

Urbanization

38.2% of total population (2017) 3.73% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
rate of urbanization: 3.73% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
urban population: 38.2% of total population (2017)

Government

Administrative divisions

7 regions administrative and 1 gouvenorat*; Boke, Conakry*, Faranah, Kankan, Kindia, Labe, Mamou, N'Zerekore

Capital

Conakry 9 30 N, 13 42 W UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 13 42 W
name: Conakry
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of Guinea no na
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Guinea
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: na

Constitution

previous 1958, 1990; latest promulgated 19 April 2010, approved 7 May 2010 proposed by the National Assembly or by the president of the republic; consideration of proposals requires approval by simple majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires approval in referendum; the president can opt to submit amendments directly to the Assembly, in which case approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote (2017)
amendments: proposed by the National Assembly or by the president of the republic; consideration of proposals requires approval by simple majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires approval in referendum; the president can opt to submit amendments directly to the Assembly, in which case approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote (2017)
history: previous 1958, 1990; latest promulgated 19 April 2010, approved 7 May 2010

Country name

Republic of Guinea Guinea Republique de Guinee Guinee French Guinea the country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel
conventional long form: Republic of Guinea
conventional short form: Guinea
etymology: the country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel
former: French Guinea
local long form: Republique de Guinee
local short form: Guinee

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Dennis B. HANKINS (since December 2015) Koloma, Conakry, across from the Radio Television de Guinee P.O. Box 603, Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry [224] 655-10-40-00 [224] 655-10-42-97
chief of mission: Ambassador Dennis B. HANKINS (since December 2015)
embassy: Koloma, Conakry, across from the Radio Television de Guinee
FAX: [224] 655-10-42-97
mailing address: P.O. Box 603, Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry
telephone: [224] 655-10-40-00

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Mamady CONDE (since 14 July 2014) 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 986-4300 [1] (202) 986-3800
chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
chief of mission: Ambassador Mamady CONDE (since 14 July 2014)
FAX: [1] (202) 986-3800
telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300

Executive branch

President Alpha CONDE (since 21 December 2010) Prime Minister Mamady YOULA (since 26 December 2015) Council of Ministers appointed by the president president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 October 2015 (next scheduled for 2020); prime minister appointed by the president Alpha CONDE reelected president; percent of vote - Alpha CONDE (RPG) 57.8%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO (UFDG) 31.4%, other 10.8%
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
chief of state: President Alpha CONDE (since 21 December 2010)
election results: Alpha CONDE reelected president; percent of vote - Alpha CONDE (RPG) 57.8%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO (UFDG) 31.4%, other 10.8%
elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 October 2015 (next scheduled for 2020); prime minister appointed by the president
head of government: Prime Minister Mamady YOULA (since 26 December 2015)

Flag description

three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; red represents the people's sacrifice for liberation and work; yellow stands for the sun, for the riches of the earth, and for justice; green symbolizes the country's vegetation and unity uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal

Government type

presidential republic

Independence

2 October 1958 (from France)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (organized into Administrative Chamber and Civil, Penal, and Social Chamber; court consists of the first president, 2 chamber presidents, at least 4 councillors, the solicitor general, and NA deputies); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members) Supreme Court first president appointed by the national president after consultation with the National Assembly; other members appointed by presidential decree; members serve until age 65; Constitutional Court member appointments - 2 by the National Assembly and the president of the republic, 3 experienced judges designated by their peers, 1 experienced lawyer, 1 university professor with expertise in public law designated by peers, and 2 experienced representatives of the Independent National Institution of Human Rights; members serve single 9-year terms includes Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; courts of first instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; High Court of Justice or Cour d'Assises; labor court; military tribunal; justices of the peace; specialized courts
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (organized into Administrative Chamber and Civil, Penal, and Social Chamber; court consists of the first president, 2 chamber presidents, at least 4 councillors, the solicitor general, and NA deputies); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court first president appointed by the national president after consultation with the National Assembly; other members appointed by presidential decree; members serve until age 65; Constitutional Court member appointments - 2 by the National Assembly and the president of the republic, 3 experienced judges designated by their peers, 1 experienced lawyer, 1 university professor with expertise in public law designated by peers, and 2 experienced representatives of the Independent National Institution of Human Rights; members serve single 9-year terms
subordinate courts: includes Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; courts of first instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; High Court of Justice or Cour d'Assises; labor court; military tribunal; justices of the peace; specialized courts

Legal system

civil law system based on the French model

Legislative branch

unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale Populaire (114 seats; 76 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote and 38 directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms) last held on 28 September 2013 (next to be held in 2018) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RPG 53, UFDG 37, UFR 10, PEDN 2, UPG 2, other parties 10
description: unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale Populaire (114 seats; 76 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote and 38 directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RPG 53, UFDG 37, UFR 10, PEDN 2, UPG 2, other parties 10
elections: last held on 28 September 2013 (next to be held in 2018)

National anthem

"Liberte" (Liberty) unknown/Fodeba KEITA adopted 1958
lyrics/music: unknown/Fodeba KEITA
name: "Liberte" (Liberty)
note: adopted 1958

National holiday

Independence Day, 2 October (1958)

National symbol(s)

national colors: red, yellow, green
national colors: red, yellow, green

Political parties and leaders

Bloc Liberal or BL [Faya MILLIMONO] National Party for Hope and Development or PEDN [Lansana KOUYATE] Rally for the Guinean People or RPG [Alpha CONDE] Union for the Progress of Guinea or UPG Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea or UFDG [Cellou Dalein DIALLO] Union of Republican Forces or UFR [Sidya TOURE]

Political pressure groups and leaders

National Confederation of Guinean Workers-Labor Union of Guinean Workers or CNTG-USTG Alliance Syndicate of Guinean Teachers and Researchers or SLECG

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Economy

Agriculture - products

rice, coffee, pineapples, mangoes, palm kernels, cocoa, cassava (manioc, tapioca), bananas, potatoes, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber

Budget

$1.331 billion $1.588 billion (2016 est.)
expenditures: $1.588 billion (2016 est.)
revenues: $1.331 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

22.25% (31 December 2005)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

21.7% (31 December 2016 est.) 23% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$-2.706 billion (2016 est.) $-1.024 billion (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$1.462 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.389 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

39.4 (2007) 40.3 (1994)

Economy - overview

Guinea is a poor country of approximately 12.9 million people in 2016 that possesses the world's largest reserves of bauxite and largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserves, as well as gold and diamonds. In addition, Guinea has fertile soil, ample rainfall, and is the source of several West African rivers, including the Senegal, Niger, and Gambia. Guinea's hydro potential is enormous and the country could be a major exporter of electricity. The country also has tremendous agriculture potential. Gold, bauxite, and diamonds are Guinea’s main exports. International investors have shown interest in Guinea's unexplored mineral reserves, which have the potential to propel Guinea's future growth. Following the death of long-term President Lansana CONTE in 2008 and the coup that followed, international donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World Bank, significantly curtailed their development programs in Guinea. However, the IMF approved a 3-year Extended Credit Facility arrangement in 2012, following the December 2010 presidential elections. In September 2012, Guinea achieved Heavily Indebted Poor Countries completion point status. Future access to international assistance and investment will depend on the government’s ability to be transparent, combat corruption, reform its banking system, improve its business environment, and build infrastructure. In April 2013, the government amended its mining code to reduce taxes and royalties. In 2014, Guinea also complied with requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative by publishing its mining contracts and was found to be compliant. Guinea completed its program with the IMF in October 2016 even though some targeted reforms have been delayed. Currently Guinea is negotiating a new IMF program which will be based on Guinea’s new five-year economic plan, focusing on the development of higher value-added products, including from the agro-business sector and development of the rural economy. The biggest threats to Guinea’s economy are political instability, a reintroduction of the Ebola virus epidemic, and low international commodity prices. Economic recovery will be a long process while the government adjusts to lower inflows of international donor aid following the surge of Ebola-related emergency support. Ebola stalled promising economic growth in the 2014-15 period and impeded several projects, such as offshore oil exploration and the Simandou iron ore project. The economy, however, grew by 5.2% in 2016, mainly due to growth from bauxite mining and thermal energy generation as well as the resiliency of the agricultural sector. The economy is projected to grow by 4.6% in 2017. The 240-megawatt Kaleta Dam, inaugurated in September 2015, has expanded access to electricity for residents of Conakry. An enduring legacy of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of government transparency, combined with fears of Ebola virus, continue to undermine Guinea's economic viability. Guinea’s iron ore industry took a hit in 2016 when investors in the Simandou iron ore project announced plans to divest from the project. In 2017, agriculture output and public investment will boost economic growth while the mining sector continues to play a prominent role in economic performance. Successive governments have failed to address the country's crumbling infrastructure. Guinea suffers from chronic electricity shortages; poor roads, rail lines and bridges; and a lack of access to clean water - all of which continue to plague economic development. The present government, led by President Alpha CONDE, is working to create an environment to attract foreign investment and hopes to have greater participation from western countries and firms in Guinea's economic development.

Exchange rates

Guinean francs (GNF) per US dollar - 9,085 (2016 est.) 9,085 (2015 est.) 7,485.5 (2014 est.) 7,014.1 (2013 est.) 6,986 (2012 est.)

Exports

$1.954 billion (2016 est.) $1.558 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

bauxite, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural products

Exports - partners

China 24.6%, Ghana 17.9%, Switzerland 10.1%, UAE 7.7%, France 5.2%, Spain 4.3%, India 4.1% (2016)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

105.4% 7.3% 13.6% 0% 31.6% -57.8% (2016 est.)
exports of goods and services: 31.6%
government consumption: 7.3%
household consumption: 105.4%
imports of goods and services: -57.8% (2016 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 13.6%
investment in inventories: 0%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

19.9% 37.6% 42.5% (2016 est.)
agriculture: 19.9%
industry: 37.6%
services: 42.5% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$1,900 (2016 est.) $1,900 (2015 est.) $1,800 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars
note: data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

6.6% (2016 est.) 3.5% (2015 est.) 3.7% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$8.476 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$24.38 billion (2016 est.) $22.57 billion (2015 est.) $21.57 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars
note: data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

-6.7% of GDP (2016 est.) -8.1% of GDP (2015 est.) -7% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.7% 30.3% (2007)
highest 10%: 30.3% (2007)
lowest 10%: 2.7%

Imports

$2.109 billion (2016 est.) $2.192 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment, textiles, grain and other foodstuffs

Imports - partners

Netherlands 14.6%, China 13.5%, India 12.4%, Belgium 8.6%, France 6.9%, UAE 5.4%, Singapore 4.9% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

8.5% (2016 est.)

Industries

bauxite, gold, diamonds, iron ore; light manufacturing, agricultural processing

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

8.2% (2016 est.) 8.1% (2015 est.)

Labor force

6.138 million (2016 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

76% 24% (2006 est.)
agriculture: 76%
industry and services: 24% (2006 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$NA

Population below poverty line

47% (2006 est.)

Public debt

56% of GDP (2016 est.) 54.7% of GDP (2015 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$383.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) $339.3 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$2.12 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $2.222 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$69.19 million (31 December 2016 est.) $68.44 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$1.931 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $2.15 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$1.61 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.698 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

20.4% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

2.4% (2016 est.) 2.4% (2015 est.)

Broadcast media

government maintains marginal control over broadcast media; single state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also operates several stations in rural areas; a steadily increasing number of privately owned radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community radio stations; foreign TV programming available via satellite and cable subscription services (2011)

Internet country code

.gn

Internet users

1,185,148 9.8% (July 2016 est.)
percent of population: 9.8% (July 2016 est.)
total: 1,185,148

Telephone system

huge improvement over the last 10 years; the capital and the regional administrative centers have 3G access there is national coverage and Conakry is reasonably well-served; coverage elsewhere remains inadequate but is improving; fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is expanding rapidly and now approaches 90 per 100 persons country code - 224; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2017)
domestic: there is national coverage and Conakry is reasonably well-served; coverage elsewhere remains inadequate but is improving; fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is expanding rapidly and now approaches 90 per 100 persons
general assessment: huge improvement over the last 10 years; the capital and the regional administrative centers have 3G access
international: country code - 224; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2017)

Telephones - fixed lines

less than 1 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (July 2016 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular

10.8 million 89 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 89 (July 2016 est.)
total: 10.8 million

Transportation

Airports

16 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

3 (2017)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2017)
over 3,047 m: 1
total: 4

Airports - with unpaved runways

2 (2013)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 3
total: 12
under 914 m: 2 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

3X (2016)

Ports and terminals

Conakry, Kamsar
major seaport(s): Conakry, Kamsar

Railways

1,086 km 279 km 1.435-m gauge 807 km 1.000-m gauge (2017)
narrow gauge: 807 km 1.000-m gauge (2017)
standard gauge: 279 km 1.435-m gauge
total: 1,086 km

Roadways

44,348 km 4,342 km 40,006 km (2003)
paved: 4,342 km
total: 44,348 km
unpaved: 40,006 km (2003)

Waterways

1,300 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft in the northern part of the Niger River system) (2011)

Military and Security

Military branches

National Armed Forces: Army, Guinean Navy (Armee de Mer or Marine Guineenne, includes Marines), Guinean Air Force (Force Aerienne de Guinee) (2009)
National Armed Forces: Army, Guinean Navy (Armee de Mer or Marine Guineenne, includes Marines), Guinean Air Force (Force Aerienne de Guinee) (2009)

Military expenditures

2.49% of GDP (2016) 3.31% of GDP (2015) 2.97% of GDP (2014) 3.16% of GDP (2013) 2.98% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

no compulsory military service (2017)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international

Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa Rivers excessive and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands, including the hamlet of Yenga, occupied since 1998

Trafficking in persons

Guinea is a source, transit, and, to a lesser extent, a destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the majority of trafficking victims are Guinean children, and trafficking is more prevalent among Guineans than foreign national migrants; Guinean girls are subjected to domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation, while boys are forced to beg or to work as street vendors, shoe shiners, or miners; Guinea is a source country and transit point for West African children forced to work as miners in the region; Guinean women and girls are subjected to domestic servitude and sex trafficking in West Africa, the Middle East, the US, and increasingly Europe, while Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese women are forced into prostitution and some West Africans are forced into domestic servitude in Guinea Tier 2 Watch List – Guinea does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, Guinea was granted a waiver from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 because its government has a written plan that, if implemented would constitute making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; no new investigations were conducted in 2014, and the one ongoing case led to the prosecution of four offenders for forced child labor, three of whom were convicted but given inadequate sentences for the crime; the government did not identify or provide protective services to victims and did not support NGOs that assisted victims but continued to refer child victims to NGOs on an ad hoc basis; Guinean law does not prohibit all forms of trafficking, excluding, for example, debt bondage; the 2014 Ebolavirus outbreak negatively affected Guinea’s ability to address human trafficking (2015)
current situation: Guinea is a source, transit, and, to a lesser extent, a destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the majority of trafficking victims are Guinean children, and trafficking is more prevalent among Guineans than foreign national migrants; Guinean girls are subjected to domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation, while boys are forced to beg or to work as street vendors, shoe shiners, or miners; Guinea is a source country and transit point for West African children forced to work as miners in the region; Guinean women and girls are subjected to domestic servitude and sex trafficking in West Africa, the Middle East, the US, and increasingly Europe, while Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese women are forced into prostitution and some West Africans are forced into domestic servitude in Guinea
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List – Guinea does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, Guinea was granted a waiver from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 because its government has a written plan that, if implemented would constitute making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; no new investigations were conducted in 2014, and the one ongoing case led to the prosecution of four offenders for forced child labor, three of whom were convicted but given inadequate sentences for the crime; the government did not identify or provide protective services to victims and did not support NGOs that assisted victims but continued to refer child victims to NGOs on an ad hoc basis; Guinean law does not prohibit all forms of trafficking, excluding, for example, debt bondage; the 2014 Ebolavirus outbreak negatively affected Guinea’s ability to address human trafficking (2015)