Republic of Guinea

World Factbook as of November 2014: "Guinea is a poor country that possesses major mineral, hydropower, solar power, and agricultural resources. Guinea has historically been an exporter of agricultural commodities, but in recent years has shifted to importing the majority of food crops. Bauxite is Guinea's main mineral resource as well as its main source of foreign currency. Guinea is the second largest producer of bauxite in the world and has the largest reserves of bauxite, estimated at 29 billion tons. The country also has significant iron ore, gold, and diamond reserves. However, Guinea has been unable to profit from this potential, as rampant corruption, dilapidated infrastructure, and political uncertainty have drained investor confidence. In the time since a 2008 coup following the death of long-term President Lansana CONTE, international donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World Bank, significantly curtailed their development programs but, following the December 2010 presidential elections, the IMF approved a new 3-year ECF arrangement in 2012... Further international assistance and investment are contingent on the ability of the government to be transparent, combat corruption, reform its banking system, improve its business environment, and build infrastructure."

Economic growth rate
2011: 4%
2010: 1.9%
2009: minus 0.3%

Labor force in agriculture
2006: 76%

Oil production
2010: zero

Oil consumption
2010: 9,000 barrels per day

Export commodities
Bauxite, alumina, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural products

Export partners
2009: India 15.5%, Spain 8%, Chile 7.7%, Russia 6.8%, Ireland 6.1%, Ukraine 5.7%, US 5.2%, Denmark 4.2%, Germany 4.1%

Export/Import ratio
2011: exports $1.777 billion, imports $1.774 billion

Income Distribution – GINI index
Ranks 65th among 140 countries (lower rank number is less equal). Less equal than Britain, which ranks 94th, and more equal than the US, which ranks 45th.

Health expenditures
2009: 6.1% of GDP

People

Living in an urban area:
2010: 35%
2008: 34%

Ethnic groups
Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller ethnic groups 10%

Religions
Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Literacy (15 or older who can read and write)
2003: male 42.6%, female, 18.1%

Geography

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, north and east of Sierra Leone. Slightly smaller than Oregon. Generally hot and humid. Capital: Conakry.

History

World Factbook: "Guinea has had a history of authoritarian rule since gaining its independence from France in 1958."