A Cultural Overview
Guinea, located on the West African coast, is known for its rich mineral resources and diverse ethnic composition. Its cultural traditions are deeply rooted in the land and its history.
Ethnicity and Language: The major ethnic groups are the Fulani, Malinke, and Susu. French is the official language, with indigenous languages such as Pular (Fulani), Malinke, and Susu widely spoken.
Culture and Heritage: Guinean culture is known for its music, especially the djembe drum and balafon music, which have international acclaim. Traditional dance and masquerades play a significant role in ceremonies and festivals.
Social Fabric: The society in Guinea is organized around extended families and ethnic groups, with a strong emphasis on community cohesion and mutual aid. Despite political and ethnic tensions, the Guinean people maintain a strong sense of national identity and pride.
Where Guinea is on the Map of Africa
<> at a Glance
Independence: 2 October 1958
Capital: Conakry
Population: 12,414,293
Languages: Fula, Malinké, (N’ko), Susu, Kissi, Koro, Kpelle, Temne, Toma, Badyara, Baga, Bambara, Bassari, Dan, Dyula, Landoma
Area: 245,857 square kilometres
Provinces: Boké, Conakry, Faranah, Kankan, Kindia, Labé, Mamou and Nzérékoré
Ethnic groups: 33.4% Fula, 29.4% Mandinka, 21.2% Susu, 7.8% Kpelle, 6.2% Kissi, 5.6% others
Guinea is is a coastal country in West Africa. Guinea borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Guinea-Bissau to the northwest, Senegal to the north, Mali to the northeast, Cote d’Ivoire to the southeast, and Sierra Leone and Liberia to the south.