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In
The News
Guinea is another nation in West Africa
which is blessed with abundance of natural resources. It has vast
reserves of Bauxite. About 30% of the known reserves of this mineral is
in the Republic of Guinea. Besides, Guinea
has Iron ore, Diamonds, gold and Uranium for mining.
75% of export earnings are from mining
sector. Other export commodities are
Coffee, Fish and Agricultural products.
Still 40% of the total population of 7.8
million live below poverty line. National
literacy level is only 36%. About 1.4% of
the adults are HIV positive. The country is one of the
Heavily Indebted Poor Countries in west Africa.
The defense costs are staggering. Foreign investors lose confidence
due to the instability in the
region which affects the operation of mines.
Contentious Issues
The reason for
the economic backwardness in Guinea is mainly the disputes
at the borders. Unrest in Sierra Leone and
Liberia has spilled over into Guinea, threatening stability and
creating a humanitarian emergency. The
borders mostly remain sealed.
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Capital: Conakry
Area: 245 860 km²
Population: 7 518 000
Currency: 1 US$ = 1230 Fr G
GDP: 153/1 103
HDI : 167/271
Languages: French, Malinke, Susu, Fulani, Kissi, Bassani, Loma,
Koniagi, Kpelle
Ethnic groups: Fulani 35%, Malinka 30%, Susu 20%
Religions: Muslim 85%, Animist 15% |
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