Western Africa · AfricaGuinea
Discover Guinea - West Africa's water tower where the Niger, Senegal, and Gambia rivers are born, with rich bauxite reserves and a vibrant musical heritage.
Where Is Guinea?
Guinea is a country in Western Africa. Its capital is Conakry.
- Capital Conakry
- Population 15.1M
- Area 245,857 km²
Guinea is often called the water tower of West Africa, and for good reason. The Niger, Senegal, and Gambia rivers all begin their journeys in Guinea's Fouta Djallon highlands, a dramatic plateau of sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys that feeds water to half the region. The country also sits on roughly a third of the world's known bauxite reserves - the raw material for aluminum - making it one of the most mineral-rich nations on the planet.
Guinea was the first French colony in Africa to vote for independence, saying a decisive "Non" to Charles de Gaulle in 1958. The French left in a hurry, reportedly ripping out telephone wires and smashing china as they went. Despite decades of political turbulence since, Guinean culture has thrived. The country's musical traditions are legendary - Bembeya Jazz and the balafon orchestras of the Mandinka people influenced African popular music far beyond Guinea's borders. Conakry, the capital, is a chaotic, humid peninsula city where the sounds of djembe drumming mix with car horns and the call to prayer.
At a glance
Largest cities in Guinea
Conakry
Nzerekore
Kankan
Kindia
Famous people from Guinea
Ahmed Sekou Toure
PoliticsFirst president of Guinea who led the country to independence in 1958 with a famous 'No' to continued French colonial association
Miriam Makeba
MusicSouth African singer known as Mama Africa who lived in exile in Guinea for years under Sekou Toure's protection
Djibril Tamsir Niane
LiteratureHistorian who transcribed the Sundiata epic, preserving the founding legend of the Mali Empire for the modern world
Naby Keita
SportMidfielder who starred at RB Leipzig and Liverpool, one of the most talented Guinean footballers to play in Europe's top leagues
Traditional cuisine of Guinea
- Riz Gras
- Guinea's beloved one-pot rice dish cooked with palm oil, meat, and vegetables - hearty, oily, and deeply satisfying
- Fouti
- Thick pounded fonio or rice served as the base for rich peanut or palm nut sauces with meat or fish
- Mafe
- Peanut butter stew with meat and vegetables in a thick groundnut sauce, a West African staple beloved in Guinea
- Poulet Yassa
- Marinated grilled chicken smothered in caramelized onion and lemon sauce, adopted from Senegalese cuisine and widely popular
- Toh
- Stiff porridge made from cassava or corn flour, served with a variety of leaf-based sauces and stews
Nature and landmarks in Guinea
- Fouta DjallonMountain
- Dramatic sandstone plateau and the source of West Africa's major rivers, with waterfalls, gorges, and cool highland climate
- Mount NimbaMountain
- UNESCO World Heritage Site at 1,752 meters on the borders with Ivory Coast and Liberia, home to viviparous toads found nowhere else
- Niger River SourceRiver
- The mighty Niger River begins as a small stream in the Guinean highlands near Tembakounda before flowing 4,180 km to the sea
- Iles de LosIsland
- Small archipelago off the coast of Conakry with sandy beaches and colonial-era ruins, a popular weekend escape
Sports in Guinea
- Football
- Syli Nationale have been competitive in African Cup of Nations tournaments, producing talented players who play across European leagues
- Basketball
- Growing basketball culture with players competing in international African competitions and NCAA programs
- Cycling
- Tour de Guinee is one of West Africa's cycling events, reflecting a growing interest in competitive cycling
Did you know?
Guinea holds roughly one-third of the world's known bauxite reserves, the ore used to make aluminum
The Niger, Senegal, and Gambia rivers all originate in Guinea's Fouta Djallon highlands, earning it the nickname 'Water Tower of West Africa'
Guinea was the first French colony in Africa to gain independence, voting 'No' to de Gaulle's referendum in 1958
The country's djembe drum originated with the Mandinka people of Guinea and has become one of the most recognized instruments worldwide
Guinea has one of the youngest populations in the world, with a median age of around 18 years
Mount Nimba's high-altitude grasslands are home to a unique viviparous toad that gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs
Can you find Guinea on a map?
Drop a pin where you think it is and see how close you got. A few rounds and you will place Guinea and its neighbours without a second thought.
