Guinea Profile

Guinea’s current political, social, and economic climate is one of both hope and uncertainty. Decades of endemic corruption, weak governance, lack of protection for human rights, and persistent economic hardship have left the population disheartened and impoverished. The death of President Conte on December 23, 2008, ended 24-years of one-man. Though the military government that seized power following the President’s death has promised to hold free and fair presidential and national assembly elections, the outcome of the transition to civilian rule remains unclear. The country stands at a historic crossroad that will determine whether Guinea chooses democratic governance or continued autocratic rule. Many see this as the most significant opportunity in 50 years to advance democracy.

Although Guineans have traditionally been patient in terms of democratic progress, often placing a premium on political stability at the expense of democratic reform, this trend may be changing as the country’s younger population grows increasingly dissatisfied with the slow pace of change and lack of economic opportunity.

Problems that continue to impede Guinea’s development include a lack of accountability, and transparency, and mismanagement of financial resources. Corruption and weak rule of law are also significant factors as is slow progress on decentralization of services and low expenditures in health and education.

With life expectancy, literacy rates, and child and maternal mortality rates among the worst in the world, Guinea ranks 160 out of 177 countries covered in the United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Index.

Both maternal mortality and childhood stunting have increased since 1999. Life expectancy is 49.6 years at birth. Infant mortality rate (2005) is 91 out of 1000 live births and maternal mortality is 559 out of 100,000 live births.

Access to primary education has improved markedly during the past ten years, but there are serious shortfalls in children’s completion of primary school. The Guinean education system is increasingly unable to meet the growing demands of its population, and there are significant gaps in the equity and quality of schools.

Guinea has enormous potential for economic growth thanks to an abundance of mineral wealth and rich agricultural lands.

Guinea has over one thirds of the world’s bauxite reserves, and an estimated 1.8 billion metric tons of high-grade iron ore, enough to supply world markets into the next century, say experts. The country also possesses diamonds, gold and other precious minerals. There are even indications of offshore oil. The fishing and agriculture sectors also have considerable potential.
Every major West African river begins in Guinea, giving it the title “The Water Tower of West Africa.” This abundance of water brings the promise of more hydro-electric power to provide electricity to more Guineans.