History

Guinea was once part of the massive Mali Empire, which ruled much of western Africa from the 13th century to the 15th. In 1891 the country was made a French colony.

In 1958 the fiercely independent Sékou Touré became the first leader of an independent Guinea. Touré rejected French influence and embarked on a radical project of revolutionary socialism. In part because of opposition by European powers, his project was a failure both politically and economically. Until his death, in 1984, Guinea experienced massive political repression, violence, and the collapse of agriculture and industry.

Following Touré’s death, a military coup installed Lansana Conté as president. Though Conté vowed to install a multiparty, democratic system, he instead used election fraud and constitutional reforms to ensure his continued rule. Though Guinea’s mining revenue increased, he was unable to reverse the country’s post-independence economic disintegration.

Conté’s death, in 2008, brought instability but also presented the first possibility of democratic, civilian rule since independence. After a year of chaotic military rule, in January 2010 the governing military junta set out a plan for presidential elections and a return to civilian rule within six months. 

The Top 5: Local Advice

1. Guinea is located in Western Africa, with the west coast facing the North Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

2. Conakry, on an island just off the coast, is the capital and the economic and administrative center.

3. French is the official and business language. It will help to learn a few phrases in French before you travel to Guinea.

4. Ninety percent of the population belongs to one of three main ethnic groups: Peuhl, Malinke, and Soussou.

5. Islam is the majority religion. Christianity and indigenous religions are also practiced.

Travel Video