Geography
Guinea is a small country (slightly smaller than Oregon) in SW West Africa. The capital is Conakry. It is often referred to as "Guinea-Conakry" to distinguish it from Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea. Neighboring countries are Guinea-Bissau to the northwest, Senegal and Mali to the north, the Ivory Coast to the east, Sierra Leone and Liberia to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest. There are four distinct regions: Lower Guinea, which is moist and coastal; the Fouta Djallon region which is cooler and hilly; Upper Guinea, mostly savannah; and the Forest Region in the southeast. The Fouta is the home of the Fulani (Pulaar) people, and Upper Guinea is primarily home to the Fulani and Malinke. The other regions are populated by a variety of ethnic groups. Two of West Africa's major rivers, the Niger and the Senegal (Bafing) have their sources in Guinea. The Konkoure is another major river.

Guinea has a tropical climate with two seasons, the wet season from April/May to October/November and a dry season from November to April. During the dry season the dust-laden Harmattan winds blow from the Sahara desert. Average temperature ranges from 72 to 92° Fahrenheit (22-32° Celsius). In the rainy season, it rains at least once a day. Average rainfall is 430 cm (169 in.).

Guinea was the first French colony in Africa to opt out of French rule, and has paid the price economically. Currently, it is the 2nd poorest country in the world, following neighboring Sierra Leone. The primary activities are agricultural, and the per-capita average income is about $500. Traditional farmers make a living raising livestock, such as cattle and goats, and growing rice, cassava, millet, and a variety of crops. Cash crops include bananas, citrus, pineapples, coffee, peanuts, tobacco, cotton, and seeds, on a small scale. Bauxite, diamonds, and gold are also important national products.

Guinea has repeatedly made the top-10 list of the most underdeveloped countries in the world, due largely to its low literacy rate and short life expectancy. The infant mortality rate is at 145 per 1000 live births (compared with an average of 10 per 1000 in developed countries).

History
In the 11th century A.D. the Arabs moved from northern Africa into the regions of the Sudan. From then on, it is believed, a number of kingdoms existed in the area, such as the kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Gao. At various times, the Fouta Djallon was part of these kingdoms.

The Portuguese came into the area sometime during the 14th century. However, they did not establish any lasting settlements in what is now Guinea. The French established trading posts along the Atlantic coast inland from Senegal. They developed commercial interests in Guinea in the 1850's. As they moved inland, they came into conflict with a kingdom created by Samory Toure. Toure led a brilliant campaign, but his forces were outnumbered and had to retreat. By 1896 Toure had lost much of his kingdom within Guinea. His memory is revered. After Toure's death, Guinea's history followed that of the other French West African colonies.

Until the end of World War II, French policy emphasized the differences between the ethnic groups in Guinea and those in other parts of French Africa. In the years following the war, a new sense of unity began to emerge among the educated Africans -- the sense of being African. A political party arose in Guinea that emphasized the similarities between Africans rather than the differences between ethnic groups. A leader of this party was Sekou Toure. He pointed out again and again that all men are brothers and all men are equal. The Guinea Democratic Party (PDG) soon emerged and began to move the country toward independence. This was achieved on October 2, 1958, after the Guinean people, following the leadership of the PDG, voted against association with France. Sekou Toure became the first president of the new Republic of Guinea.

In practice, Guinea became a one-party mobilization state. There was only open legal political party. The government took a very active role in the economy through state agencies and long term planning.

On March 27, 1984, Toure died of a heart ailment. Only a week later the armed forces staged a coup. After parliamentary elections planned for late 1992 and presidential elections in 1993, Guinea was to return to civilian rule.

Country description
Guinea is a developing West African country with minimal facilities for tourism. Travelers should make Conakry hotel reservations in advance.

Entry requirements
A passport and visa are required. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea, 2112 Leroy Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-9420, fax (202) 483-8688, e-mail: EMGUI@Sysnet.net. Overseas inquiries should be made to the nearest Guinean Embassy or Consulate.

Safety/security
Guinea has experienced occasional civil unrest in Conakry, the capital, and in larger towns in all regions of the country. However, U.S. citizens have not been targeted to date in any demonstration-related unrest. Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political rallies and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.

Instability in neighboring countries can create tense situations on Guinea's borders. Regions bordering Sierra Leone experienced cross-border incursions and attacks on Guinean villages by armed factions during the Sierra Leonean civil war that ended with a fragile peace agreement in July 1999. While the Guinean military attempts to maintain strict control of Guinea's borders with Liberia and Sierra Leone, these regions remain subject to sudden instability. U.S. citizens contemplating travel to regions bordering Liberia and Sierra Leone should consult the latest Consular Information Sheets for these countries. Crossing other borders requires complete paperwork and visas and may be difficult.

Crime issues
In an effort to counter urban crime, the Guinean government maintains countrywide roadblocks from midnight to 6 a.m. Residential and street crime is common. Banditry near the Sierra Leone and Liberia borders has also been reported. Criminals particularly target visitors at the airport, in the traditional markets, and near hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners. Visitors should avoid unsolicited offers of assistance at the airport or hotels as such persons may be seeking opportunities to steal luggage, purses or wallets. Travelers should arrange to be met at the airport by hotel personnel, family members or business contacts to reduce vulnerability to these crimes of opportunity. Commercial scams and disputes with local business partners have occasionally created legal difficulties for U.S. citizens. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to extricate U.S. citizens from illegal business deals is extremely limited.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy. The pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa," provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Medical facilities
Medical facilities are poorly equipped and extremely limited. Medicines are in short supply, sterility of equipment is questionable, and treatment is unreliable.

Medical insurance
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.

Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or auto fax: (202) 647-3000.

Additional health information
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international traveler's hotline at tel.: 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov.

Traffic and road conditions
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Guinea is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Guinea's road network, both paved and unpaved, is underdeveloped and unsafe. Roads and vehicles are poorly maintained. There are few road and traffic signs. Livestock and pedestrians create constant road hazards. Drivers are poorly trained and road safety rules are routinely ignored. Nighttime travel is inadvisable because of the large number of animals and people on the roads. Roads and vehicles are frequently unlit. Rental vehicles with drivers are available from agencies at major hotels in Conakry. Bush taxis, although available, are not considered a safe alternative.

Aviation safety oversight
As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Guinea, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Guinea's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Guinea's air carrier operations.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/iasa.pdf. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 256-4801.

Domestic air service
Domestic airlines offer services to most interior cities, often to rudimentary dirt landing strips.

Currency regulations
Travelers are prohibited from having more than 5,000 Guinean Francs (about $3.00 US) in their possession upon departure from Guinea.

Western Union has three offices in Conakry and Moneygram has an office downtown. Money transfers have worked successfully. Credit cards are accepted at some larger hotels in Conakry. Traveler's checks are accepted only at banks and some hotels. Credit card cash advances (VISA) are available at three "BICIGUI," a local bank, locations. Inter-bank fund transfers are possible at the Bicigui banks, but can be difficult and expensive.

Restictions on photography
Visitors are advised to restrict photography to private gatherings. Explicit permission from the Guinean government should be obtained before photographing military and transportation facilities, government buildings or public works. Taking a photograph without permission in any public area may provoke a response from security personnel or offend the people being photographed.

Telephones
everal cellular phone services are available. A number of public phones operate by locally purchased phone cards. Telephones are available in Conakry and in other major towns and hotels. However, while privatization has improved the communication system, disruptions in telephone service are common.

Criminal penalties
While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Guinean law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Guinea are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Embassy location/registration
U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Conakry, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Guinea. The U.S. Embassy is located at 2nd Blvd. and 9th Ave. in Conakry. The mailing address is B.P. 603, Conakry, Guinea, telephone: (224) 41-15-20/21/23, fax: (224) 41-15-22, and on the Internet at http://www.eti-bull.net/usembassy.

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Guinea dated September 14, 1999 to add or update information on Safety/Security, Medical Facilities, Medical Insurance, Domestic Air Service and Currency Regulations, and to remove Y2K information.

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

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

Terrain: generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior

Natural resources: bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish

Population: 7,538,953 (July 1999 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Guinean(s)
adjective: Guinean

Ethnic groups: Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller tribes 10%

Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Languages: French (official), each tribe has its own language

Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Guinea
conventional short form: Guinea
local long form: Republique de Guinee
local short form: Guinee
former: French Guinea

Capital: Conakry

Flag description: three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Rwanda, which has a large black letter R centered in the yellow band

Economy—overview: Guinea possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural resources, yet remains a poor underdeveloped nation. The agricultural sector employs 80% of the work force. Guinea possesses over 25% of the world's bauxite reserves and is the second largest bauxite producer. The mining sector accounted for about 75% of exports in 1998. Long-run improvements in government fiscal arrangements, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if the country is to move out of poverty. The government made encouraging progress in budget management in 1997-98. Except in the mining industry, foreign investment remains minimal but is expected to pick up in 1999.

Industries: bauxite, gold, diamonds; alumina refining; light manufacturing and agricultural processing industries

Agriculture—products: rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca), bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber

Exports—commodities: bauxite, alumina, diamonds, gold, coffee, fish, and agricultural products

Imports—commodities: petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment, textiles, grain and other foodstuffs (1997)

Currency: 1 Guinean franc (FG) = 100 centimes

Telephone system: poor to fair system of open-wire lines, small radiotelephone communication stations, and new microwave radio relay system
domestic: microwave radio relay and radiotelephone communication
international: satellite earth station—1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Railways:
total: 1,086 km
standard gauge: 279 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 807 km 1.000-m gauge (includes 662 km in common carrier service from Kankan to Conakry)

Highways:
total: 30,500 km
paved: 5,033 km
unpaved: 25,467 km (1996 est.)

Waterways: 1,295 km navigable by shallow-draft native craft

Airports: 15 (1998 est.)

Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Republican Guard, Presidential Guard, paramilitary National Gendarmerie, National Police Force (Surete National)