Guinea, officially known as the Republic of Guinea, is a West African nation situated on the Atlantic coast. It shares borders with Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. To avoid confusion with similarly named regions, it is often called Guinea-Conakry, after its capital city. Spanning 245,857 square kilometers (94,926 sq mi), Guinea has a population of 14 million.
Construction work commenced on a railway line designed to connect Conakry, the capital of Guinea, to Kankan via Kouroussa in 1904, signifying a significant infrastructure project aimed at facilitating transportation and trade within the country.
The railway line connecting Conakry to Kankan, passing through Kouroussa, was completed in 1910, marking the culmination of a major infrastructure project that aimed to improve connectivity and economic activity in Guinea.
The Democratic Party of Guinea-African Democratic Rally (PDG), led by Ahmed Sékou Touré, won a significant majority in the 1957 territorial elections, securing their path towards independence.
In September 1958, Guinea held a referendum where citizens voted overwhelmingly for independence from France, rejecting the option of autonomy within the French Community.
Guinea declared independence from France on October 2, 1958, marking the end of French colonial rule.
Guinea officially proclaimed itself a sovereign and independent republic on October 2, 1958, with Ahmed Sékou Touré as its first president.
Guinea gained independence from France in 1958 after decades of French rule.
In 1960, President Touré declared PDG as the only legal political party in Guinea, solidifying his control over the government and curtailing political dissent.
The Guinean Football Federation, responsible for overseeing football operations in Guinea, was founded in 1960, marking a significant milestone in the development of the sport in the country.
In 1962, the Guinean Football Federation became affiliated with FIFA, the international governing body of football, signifying Guinea's integration into the global football community.
The Guinea national football team, known as the Syli nationale (National Elephants), played their first international match in 1962 against East Germany, marking their entry into the world of international football.
The Guinean Football Federation joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1963, further solidifying its presence in the African football landscape.
The Guinée Championnat National, the top division of Guinean football, was established in 1965, laying the foundation for professional club football in the country.
Portuguese forces launched Operation Green Sea in November 1970, a raid on Conakry aimed at overthrowing President Touré and weakening the PAIGC independence movement.
Guinea was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 1972-1973 term, gaining recognition on the international stage.
Hafia FC, a prominent Guinean football club, achieved continental glory by winning the prestigious African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1972, marking a historic moment for Guinean football.
In 1975, Hafia FC continued their dominance in African club football by clinching their second African Cup of Champions Clubs title, solidifying their status as one of the continent's top teams.
In 1976, the Guinea national football team achieved their best-ever finish in the Africa Cup of Nations, securing second place after a hard-fought battle against Morocco in the final.
Hafia FC completed a remarkable hat-trick of African Cup of Champions Clubs titles in 1977, cementing their legacy as one of the most successful clubs in the tournament's history.
The Market Women's Revolt of 1977, a series of anti-government protests driven by economic hardship, pushed President Touré towards implementing economic reforms and improving relations with France.
Horoya AC added to Guinea's continental trophy cabinet by winning the African Cup Winners' Cup in 1978, showcasing the strength and competitiveness of Guinean clubs on the African stage.
Reflecting the country's socialist ideology, Guinea was renamed the People's Revolutionary Republic of Guinea in 1978.
President Ahmed Sékou Touré died on March 26, 1984, after a heart operation in the United States, ending his long reign and leading to a power vacuum in Guinea.
Hours before the ruling party was set to elect a new leader, Colonels Lansana Conté and Diarra Traoré seized power in a bloodless coup in April 1984, marking the beginning of a new era of military rule.
Following the death of President Ahmed Sékou Touré, the country's name was changed back to the Republic of Guinea in 1984.
Starting in 1985, Guinea's foreign relations, including those with its West African neighbors, showed signs of steady improvement, as acknowledged by the US Department of State in a February 2009 statement.
In 1990, Guinea's maternal mortality rate stood at 964.7 per 100,000 births, illustrating the significant improvements in maternal health over the following decades.
President Conté announced a transition back to civilian rule in 1992, raising hopes for democratic reforms after years of military governance.
Guinea held a presidential election in 1993 as part of its transition towards civilian rule, with Conté consolidating his power.
Parliamentary elections were held in 1995, with Conté's Party of Unity and Progress winning a majority of seats, further strengthening his grip on power.
The railway line from Conakry to Kankan, which had been operational for several decades, ceased operations in 1995. This event marked the decline of a once vital transportation route, highlighting challenges related to infrastructure maintenance and economic viability.
In 1999, primary school attendance in Guinea stood at 40%, indicating significant challenges in ensuring universal primary education. Girls, in particular, faced obstacles to education, often being kept out of school to help with domestic chores, work on farms, or due to early marriage.
Guinea faced spillover effects from regional conflicts in 2000, as rebels crossed borders from Liberia and Sierra Leone, threatening the country's stability.
Opposition leader Alpha Condé was arrested in September 2001 on charges of endangering state security, highlighting the ongoing political tensions and suppression of dissent.
From 2001 to 2002, HIV transmission in Guinea was primarily attributed to multiple-partner intercourse, with people aged 15 to 24 identified as the most vulnerable group. Surveillance data from this period highlighted particularly high HIV rates among commercial sex workers, active military personnel, truck drivers and bush taxi drivers, miners, and adults with tuberculosis.
President Conté orchestrated a referendum in 2001 to extend the presidential term, solidifying his hold on power and raising concerns about democratic backsliding.
Surveillance surveys conducted in 2001 revealed higher rates of HIV in urban areas of Guinea compared to rural areas, with Conakry and cities in the Forest Guinea region bordering Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone showing the highest prevalence.
Between 2001 and 2002, HIV surveillance figures in Guinea indicated that men and women faced nearly equal risks of infection, with the highest vulnerability observed among those aged 15 to 24. This period also saw alarmingly high HIV rates among specific groups, including commercial sex workers (42%), active military personnel (6.6%), truck drivers and bush taxi drivers (7.3%), miners (4.7%), and adults with tuberculosis (8.6%).
In 2002, surveillance surveys continued to monitor HIV prevalence in Guinea, showing particularly high rates among commercial sex workers, active military personnel, truck drivers, bush taxi drivers, miners, and adults with tuberculosis.
Conté began his third term as president in 2003 after an election that was boycotted by the opposition, further entrenching his rule but raising questions about the legitimacy of the process.
Guinea joined forces with neighboring countries in 2003 to address the cross-border insurgency, demonstrating a commitment to regional security cooperation.
In 2004, the Alumina Compagnie de Guinée (ACG), formerly the Friguia Consortium, produced approximately 2.4 million tonnes of bauxite. This bauxite served as the raw material for ACG's alumina refinery, which played a significant role in Guinea's bauxite industry by exporting alumina.
By the end of 2004, an estimated 170,000 adults and children in Guinea were infected with HIV, highlighting the significant impact of the virus on the population.
President Conté survived a suspected assassination attempt in January 2005, highlighting the volatile political climate and the challenges to his authority.
The Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2005 revealed a strikingly high prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Guinea, with 96% of women reported to have experienced the procedure.
In 2006, the government of Guinea signed a production sharing agreement with Hyperdynamics Corporation, a Houston-based company, granting them rights to explore an offshore tract for oil. At the time, Hyperdynamics was in partnership with Dana Petroleum PLC, headquartered in Aberdeen, United Kingdom, marking the beginning of exploration activities in Guinea's offshore waters.
A nationwide general strike in 2007, driven by economic grievances and demands for political reform, forced President Conté to appoint a new prime minister, signaling a concession to public pressure.
By 2007, the railway line linking Conakry to Kankan had been entirely dismantled, with the rails being stolen or sold for scrap. This event illustrated the challenges of infrastructure preservation and the potential for theft and vandalism, especially in the absence of adequate security measures.
Since 2007, elections in Guinea had been repeatedly postponed, indicating a period of political uncertainty and potential instability.
Following the death of President Lansana Conté, Moussa Dadis Camara seized power in a coup in December 2008, plunging Guinea back into military rule.
Following a military coup in December 2008, the National Assembly of Guinea, the country's legislative body, was dissolved.
In 2008, protesters in Guinea blocked the railway tracks used by Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG) due to dissatisfaction with inadequate electrical services. This event highlighted the significance of CBG to Guinea's economy, as it provided a substantial portion of the country's foreign exchange reserves through its bauxite mining and alumina operations.
The United States condemned the military coup d'etat that took place in Guinea in 2008, as stated by the US Department of State in their October 2018 report.
The maternal mortality rate in Guinea was recorded as 859.9 per 100,000 births in 2008, providing insight into the historical context of maternal health in the country.
In February 2009, the U.S. Department of State released a statement acknowledging the steady improvement in Guinea's foreign relations, including ties with its West African neighbors, since 1985.
In a brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters, Camara's junta ordered soldiers to attack a demonstration in September 2009, resulting in the deaths of 157 people and widespread international condemnation.
Camara was shot by an aide in December 2009, leading to his departure for medical treatment and the transfer of power to Vice-President Sékouba Konaté.
As of 2009, Guinea had one of the world's highest rates of female genital mutilation (FGM), with over 98% of women having undergone the procedure, as reported by experts Anastasia Gage and Ronan van Rossem.
Following mediation efforts, Camara, Konaté, and regional leaders agreed in January 2010 to a framework for a return to civilian rule within six months, offering a path towards democratic transition.
In March 2010, Rio Tinto Group, an Anglo-Australian corporation, and its largest shareholder, Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (Chinalco), reached a preliminary agreement to develop Rio Tinto's iron ore project at the Simandou mine in Guinea. This marked a significant step towards the development of one of the world's largest untapped iron ore reserves.
After decades of authoritarian rule, Guinea held its first democratic election in 2010, marking a shift towards a multi-party system.
By 2010, the adult literacy rate in Guinea was estimated to be 41%, with a notable gender gap as 52% of males were literate compared to only 30% of females. This data highlighted the persistent challenges in improving literacy rates, particularly among women, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to bridge the gender gap in education.
Following Guinea's presidential elections in 2010, the United States re-established strong diplomatic relations with the Guinean government, as acknowledged by the US Department of State in their October 2018 statement.
In 2010, the maternal mortality rate in Guinea was 680 per 100,000 births, highlighting the challenges and progress made in maternal health over time.
In 2010, the prime minister of Guinea made a statement declaring that he does not recognize sexual orientation as a legitimate human right, highlighting the challenging situation faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
Plans for the rehabilitation of the defunct Conakry-Kankan passenger railway line were announced in 2010. The project was intended to be part of a comprehensive iron-ore development master plan, demonstrating the potential for infrastructure revitalization to support economic growth, however, it was later paused due to corruption charges.
The 2010 presidential election marked a turning point for Guinea, as it transitioned from decades of autocratic rule to a more democratic system.
The Sabu-1 well, located in an offshore tract in approximately 700 meters of water, was scheduled to begin drilling in October 2011. This marked a significant milestone in Guinea's offshore oil exploration efforts as it was the first exploratory well in the area, targeting potential oil reserves in upper Cretaceous sands.
In 2011, the United States government raised concerns about human rights violations in Guinea, highlighting issues such as torture by security forces and abuse of women and children.
In April 2012, President Alpha Condé announced the indefinite postponement of elections in Guinea. He cited the necessity of guaranteeing "transparent and democratic" elections as the reason for this decision.
Following the completion of exploratory drilling in 2012, Hyperdynamics subsidiary, SCS, reached an agreement to sell a 40% stake in the offshore concession to Tullow Oil. This agreement restructured the ownership shares, with Hyperdynamics holding 37%, Tullow Oil acquiring 40%, and Dana Petroleum remaining at 23%, reflecting a strategic move in the exploration of the Guinea offshore tract.
In 2012, a study revealed concerning malnutrition rates in Guinea, with regional variations ranging from 34% to 40%. Acute malnutrition rates surpassed 10% in Upper Guinea's mining zones. The study identified several contributing factors, including degradation of care practices, limited access to medical services, inadequate hygiene practices, and a lack of food diversity.
In February 2013, political violence erupted in Guinea following street protests over the transparency of the upcoming May elections. The protests were sparked by the opposition coalition's withdrawal from the elections in protest of the lack of transparency in the election preparations.
On March 26, 2013, the opposition party in Guinea withdrew from negotiations with the government regarding the election. They cited the government's disrespect and breach of agreements as the reason for their withdrawal.
Tragic ethno-religious clashes occurred in the city of Nzerekore in July 2013, resulting in at least 54 fatalities. The violence stemmed from tensions between the predominantly Christian or animist Kpelle ethnic group and the predominantly Muslim Konianke ethnic group, highlighting the volatility of inter-communal relations and the devastating consequences of religious and ethnic intolerance.
The first case of the Ebola outbreak in Guinea is believed to be Emile Ouamouno, a 2-year-old boy from the village of Meliandou, who fell ill on December 2, 2013, and died on December 6, 2013.
After a period of political instability and postponements since 2007, the Guinean legislative election was finally held on September 24, 2013.
The United States expressed support for the legislative elections held in Guinea in 2013, considering it a positive step towards democratic reform, as indicated in the October 2018 statement by the US Department of State.
On March 25, 2014, the World Health Organization reported that Guinea's Ministry of Health had declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the country.
In June 2014, the Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea spread to neighboring countries Sierra Leone and Liberia, prompting concern and international response efforts.
In August 2014, as the Ebola virus continued to spread, Guinea closed its borders with Sierra Leone and Liberia in an attempt to contain the outbreak, as more cases were being reported in those countries.
Tragically, on September 18, 2014, eight members of an Ebola education healthcare team were murdered by villagers in Womey, Guinea.
In March 2016, viral sequencing confirmed that one of the new Ebola cases was linked to the outbreak that originated in November 2014, raising concerns about continued transmission chains.
In 2014, the total fertility rate (TFR) in Guinea was estimated to be 4.93 children born per woman, indicating a high fertility rate and contributing to the country's rapid population growth.
By November 1, 2015, Guinea had recorded a grim total of 3,810 Ebola cases and 2,536 deaths from the disease.
The United States showed support for the presidential election held in Guinea in 2015, viewing it as a sign of progress towards democratic reform, as indicated by the US Department of State in their October 2018 statement.
In 2015, Guinea was reported to have one of the highest rates of child marriage globally. This practice deprived young girls of their childhood, education, and opportunities, posing significant challenges to their well-being and future prospects.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for Ebola on March 29, 2016, new cases continued to emerge, with the Ebola Situation Report on March 30 confirming five additional cases in the preceding two weeks, indicating ongoing transmission.
According to the agreement in place, Hyperdynamics had until September 2016 to commence drilling at their next selected site, the Fatala Cenomanian turbidite fan prospect. This deadline highlighted the time sensitivity and contractual obligations associated with offshore oil exploration, emphasizing the need for timely exploration and development activities.
Horoya AC emerged as champions of the Guinée Coupe Nationale in the 2017-2018 season, further solidifying their position as one of the most successful clubs in Guinean football history.
In 2017, Guinea was home to approximately 10,000 non-African residents, primarily Lebanese, French, and other Europeans. This presence of non-African residents reflected Guinea's connections with other parts of the world through historical ties, economic activities, and cultural exchange.
The United Kingdom's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) initiated a formal investigation into the business and mining practices of Rio Tinto Group in Guinea in 2017. This investigation focused on potential irregularities related to Rio Tinto's operations in the country, raising concerns about transparency and ethical conduct in the mining sector.
In October 2018, the U.S. Department of State issued a statement recognizing the close relations between the United States and Guinea, despite condemning the 2008 military coup d'etat in the country.
In 2018, language diversity in Guinea was evident with Pular being the native language for 33.9% of the population, followed by Mandingo at 29.4%, and Susu at 21.2%. French remained the official language, highlighting the linguistic legacy of colonialism.
In the 2017-2018 season, Horoya AC secured victory in the Guinée Coupe Nationale, showcasing their dominance in Guinean club football.
On October 14, 2019, widespread civil unrest and violent protests erupted in Guinea, targeting the rule of President Alpha Condé and proposed constitutional changes.
In October 2019, a feasibility study explored an alternative route for a railway line intended to transport iron ore from the Simandou mine. This alternative route considered extending the line south to the port of Buchanan in Liberia instead of the initially proposed route to Matakong on the Atlantic coast of Guinea. The consideration of this alternative route highlighted the complexities of infrastructure planning and the need for comprehensive assessments of economic viability and regional considerations.
In 2019, Guinea's Forest Landscape Integrity Index reflected a mean score of 4.9 out of 10, positioning the country at 114th place globally among 172 nations.
On March 13, 2020, Guinea confirmed its first case of COVID-19, marking the beginning of the pandemic's impact on the country.
In March 2020, a constitutional referendum took place in Guinea, which was claimed to allow President Alpha Condé to seek a third term, despite a two-term limit. This move was met with accusations of fraud from the opposition.
While generally prohibited by law in Guinea, polygamy is permitted under certain exceptions. In 2020, it was estimated that approximately 26% of marriages in the country were polygamous, with higher prevalence observed among Muslim (29%) and Christian (10%) communities.
The Ebola virus re-emerged in Guinea between January and February 2021, prompting renewed public health concerns and response efforts.
In March 2021, the U.S. Department of State released a report criticizing extensive human rights violations by the government, security forces, and businesses in Guinea.
On September 5, 2021, following intense gunfire near the presidential palace in Conakry, Lieutenant Colonel Mamady Doumbouya orchestrated a coup, seizing control of state television to announce the dissolution of President Alpha Condé's government and the closure of the nation's borders. By September 6, the military had asserted full control over state administration, initiating the replacement of civilian officials with their military counterparts.
Despite international condemnation and calls for the release of President Condé, Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of the September 2021 coup in Guinea, was sworn in as the interim President on October 1, 2021.
A military faction overthrew President Alpha Condé in 2021, suspending the constitution and raising concerns about the future of democracy in Guinea.
Guinea's population was estimated to be around 13.5 million in 2021, highlighting the country's continued population growth and the challenges associated with providing essential services and infrastructure for a growing population.
In 2021, Guinea had a maternal mortality rate of 576 per 100,000 births, an under-5 mortality rate of 146 per 1,000 births, and a neonatal mortality rate of 29% of under-5 mortality. The country also faced challenges in maternal healthcare, with only one midwife per 1,000 live births and a lifetime risk of death for pregnant women of 1 in 26.
In 2021, an isolated incident of violence took place in Kendoumaya, Lower Guinea, primarily centered around a dispute over land rights between the local community and a monastery. This event underscored the sensitivity surrounding land ownership and the potential for conflicts to arise from competing claims and interests.
The 2021 coup in Guinea drew swift condemnation from the United Nations and some of Guinea's allies, highlighting the international disapproval of the military takeover.
On May 11, 2023, anti-government demonstrations in various cities across Guinea turned deadly as at least seven people were shot and killed. The protests were part of a movement advocating for an end to military rule and a transition to democracy in the country.
A devastating explosion occurred at Guinea's primary oil depot in Conakry on December 18, 2023, resulting in the loss of 24 lives and triggering severe fuel shortages across the nation in the ensuing weeks. This disaster exacerbated existing civil and economic unrest, leading to clashes between protesters and police in Conakry, inflated fuel and travel costs, and widespread price hikes throughout the country.
According to the Association of Religion Date Archives (ARDA), the religious landscape of Guinea in 2023 consisted of Muslims comprising 86.8% of the population, Christians accounting for 3.52%, and Animists making up 9.42%. This data highlighted the prevalence of Islam in Guinea, while also acknowledging the presence of other religious groups.
In 2023, Guinea held the 128th position out of 132 countries in the Global Innovation Index, indicating relatively weak innovation performance and highlighting the need for improvements in areas such as research and development, technological infrastructure, and knowledge-based industries.
The Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG) holds exclusive rights to bauxite reserves and resources in north-western Guinea until 2038. This agreement with the Guinean government highlights the long-term investment and partnership between the two entities in the exploitation of Guinea's valuable bauxite resources.