198 TILG Guinea ceo networks

Guinea's mineral wealth makes it potentially one of Africa's richest countries, but its people are among the poorest in West Africa.

Experiments with socialism and a two-year rule by junta have taken a toll on the people of Guinea. The 2010 election ushered in civilian rule but led to violent ethnic clashes, as well.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of refugees from Liberia and Sierra Leone have strained Guinea's struggling economy.

The instability has generated suspicion and ethnic tension - as well as mutual accusations between neighbours of attempts at destabilisation and border attacks.

The Beautiful Guinea You Have to Visit to appreciate

The Republic of Guinea
Capital: Conakry
Population 10.5 million
Area 245,857 sq km (94,926 sq miles)
Languages French, Susu, Fulani, Mandingo
Religions Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs
Life expectancy 53 years (men), 56 years (women)
Currency Guinean franc

TRAVEL & ECONOMY

Guinea is richly endowed with minerals, possessing an estimated quarter of the world's proven reserves of bauxite, more than 1.8 billion metric tons ( 2.0 billion short tons ) of high-grade iron ore, significant diamond and gold deposits, and undetermined quantities of uranium.