Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$1,100 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

15% (2008 est.)

Population

10,057,975 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

D

Ease of Doing Business

171/181

Country Map

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Guinea : Introduction

Guinea has had a history of authoritarian rule since gaining its independence from France in 1958. Lansana Conte came to power in 1984 when the military seized the government after the death of the first president, Sekou Toure. Guinea did not hold democratic elections until 1993 when Gen. Conte (head of the military government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was reelected in 1998 and again in 2003, though all the polls were marred by irregularities. History repeated itself in December 2008 when following President Conte's death, Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara led a military coup, seizing power and suspending the constitution as well as political and union activity. Guinea has maintained some semblance of internal stability despite spillover effects from conflict in Sierra Leone and Liberia. As those countries have rebuilt, however, Guinea's own vulnerability to political and economic crisis has increased. Declining economic conditions and popular dissatisfaction with corruption and bad governance prompted two massive strikes in 2006, and a third nationwide strike in early 2007.

Guinea: Guinea News and Other Resources

This news site offers a business section with links to banks and trade organizations. It also has information about economy, news, government, etc. Site is available in French only.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (August 2009)