Capital: Conakry (1.597 million (2009))
Population:10,884,958 (July 2012 est.)
People groups: Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller ethnic groups 10%
Languages: French (official)
note: each ethnic group has its own language
Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%. Syncretism is common and widespread. Christianity is mainly in large urban areas.
All religious groups newly operating in the country are required to register with the Ministry of Territorial Administration. Unregistered religious groups are subject to government expulsion, a penalty with limited opportunity for legal appeal. In practice, no groups have been expelled. Like other religious groups seeking government recognition, missionary groups are required to apply and declare their aims and activities to the Ministry of Territorial Administration. Most new missionary groups join the Association of Churches and Missions in Guinea (AEMEG) and receive assistance in fulfilling the administrative requirements of the recognition process. With rare exceptions, foreign missionary groups and church-affiliated relief agencies operated freely in the country. Government continues to require foreign members of missionary and church groups, without diplomatic status, to pay a visa fee. The past policy of waiving visa fees for members of church groups no longer applies.
Government: Republic
Executive branch: chief of state: President Alpha CONDE (since 21 December 2010) head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Said FOFANA (since 24 December 2010) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president.
Legislative branch: the legislature was dissolved by junta leader Moussa Dadis CAMARA in December 2008 and in February 2010, the Transition Government appointed a 155 member National Transition Council (CNT) that has since acted in the legislature’s place. Elections are scheduled for 29th December, 2012.
Judicial branch: Constitutional Court; Court of First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Appeal or Cour d’Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme. Based on French judicial system.
Living conditions: Infant mortality rate: total: 59.04 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: 58.61 years. Literacy: 41%. 47% live below the poverty line.
Guinea is a poor country that possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural resources. The country has almost half of the world’s bauxite reserves and 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.
History: Beginning in 900AD, the Susu migrated from the north and began settling in the area that is now Guinea. The Susu civilization reached its height in the 13th century. Today the Susu make up about 20% of Guinea’s population. From the 16th to the 19th century, the Fulani empire dominated the region. In 1849, the French claimed it as a protectorate. First called Rivières du Sud, the protectorate was renamed French Guinea; finally, in 1895, it became part of French West Africa.
Guinea achieved independence on Oct. 2, 1958, and became an independent state with Sékou Touré as president. Under Touré, the country was the first avowedly Marxist state in Africa. Diplomatic relations with France were suspended in 1965, with the Soviet Union replacing France as the country’s chief source of economic and technical assistance. Coups and autocratic rule have followed until the election of President Conde who is trying to restore the nation.
Pray for:
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Peaceful elections in December.
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Men of Peace.
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Entry for CPM.
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Workers for the harvest field.
I have been unable to find any church contacts in Guinea.