Terrain
Generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior
Climate
Generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
People
Nationality: Guinean(s)
Population: 11,474,383 (July 2014 est.)
Languages: French (official); Note: each ethnic group has its own language
Religions
Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%
Economy
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.
Living Conditions
Because health care is not well developed and sanitation is poor, life expectancy at birth is forty-five years. Guinea's infant mortality rate is extremely high. In 1996, figures showed that about 13 percent of newborn babies would not live to reach their first birthday. In rural areas, houses usually are made of mud brick in round or rectangular form with thatched roofs. People who can afford sturdier structures build with concrete and iron roofing.
Government
Republic
US Military Presence/Support