Guinea: a brief description of the country. Guinea: a brief description of the country Fine arts and crafts
Guinea- a state in West Africa. In the north it borders with Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Mali, in the east and southeast - with Cote d'Ivoire, in the south - with Liberia and Sierra Leone. In the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The name of the country comes from the Berber iguawen - “dumb”.
Capital
Square
Population
7614 thousand people
Administrative division
The state is divided into 8 provinces.
Form of government
Republic.
Head of State
President, elected for a term of 5 years.
Supreme legislative body
A unicameral National Assembly (parliament) with a term of office of 5 years.
Supreme executive body
Government.
Big cities
Kankan, Labe, Nzerekore.
Official language
French.
Religion
85% are Sunni Muslims.
Ethnic composition
35% - Fulani, 30% - Malinke, 20% - Su-Su, 15% - other tribes.
Currency
Franc = 100 centimes.
Climate
The climate of Guinea varies depending on the topographic zones, predominantly subequatorial. In the coastal strip average annual temperature is + 27 °C, in Fouta Djallon - about + 20 °C, in Upper Guinea + 21 °C. The hottest month of the year is April, and the rainiest months are July and August. The rainy season lasts from April-May to October-November. On the coast, during 170 rainy days a year, up to 4300 mm of precipitation falls, in inland areas - no more than 1500 mm.
Flora
The vegetation in Guinea is quite diverse: dense mangrove forests, coconut palms, Guinean oil palms, and other exotic plants grow along the ocean shores. In the Upper Guinea region there is savanna, and in the Lower Guinea region there is impenetrable jungle.
Fauna
Representatives of the fauna of Guinea, quite rich - elephant, leopard, hippopotamus, wild boar, panther, antelope, many monkeys (especially baboons, living in herds). a large number of snakes and crocodiles, as well as parrots and banana-eaters (turaco).
Rivers and lakes. Largest rivers- Bafing, Gambia, Senegal, where the Niger (here called Djoliba) and Milo rivers originate.
Attractions
National Museum with a rich collection of exhibits, including historical and ethnographic ones.
Useful information for tourists
The Republic of Guinea primarily attracts visitors with its picturesque elevated landscapes of the Fouta Djallon highlands, an excellent road network by African standards (especially in the southeast) and the impressive contrast between the dry northern valleys and the endless jungle in the southern regions.
Nzerekore is the cheapest city in Guinea and the starting point for ecological excursions into the forest area, famous for its inhabitants - forest elephants, numerous primates, and it is also one of the few places in Africa where you can still meet the forest leopard. The local market is considered the largest transshipment base for goods from neighboring countries, so you can buy almost everything here at a modest price.
The state is located in West Africa. Guinea borders in the south with Liberia (border length 563 km) and Sierra Leone (652 km), in the east and southeast - with Cote d'Ivoire (610 km), in the north - with Guinea-Bissau (386 km) , Mali (858 km) and Senegal (330 km), in the west Guinea is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The total length of the border is 3,399 km, length coastline- 320 km.
The territory of Guinea receives the maximum amount of precipitation for all of West Africa (more than 3,000 mm per year). Two seasons are clearly visible here: a summer rainy season lasting up to 7 months and a dry winter season with drying dusty winds. average temperature air temperature all year round is about +26°С.
Story
The ancient history of Guinea has not been studied. In the Middle Ages, some parts of what is now Guinea were part of the empires of Ghana (8th-9th centuries) and Mali (13th-15th centuries). At that time, the territory of Guinea was inhabited by various tribes, the most numerous were the Mandinka, Dialonke, and Susu.
In the 16th century, nomadic Fulani herders settled on the Futa Djallon plateau. In the 1720s, the Islamized elite of the Fulani began a war against the Dialonke, as well as against the pagan Fulani. This war largely ended in the late 1770s. As a result, the early feudal Fulbe state was created - Futa Djallon.
In the 19th century, the French began to penetrate Guinea. They tried to organize trade relations with local residents, but this often ended in the destruction of European merchants. Since 1865, France began to build forts and fortified posts on the Pepper Coast (in southern Guinea) to protect traders. The French tried to conclude non-aggression treaties with the leaders of local tribes.
In 1897, France entered into a treaty with the ruler of Fouta Djallon for a protectorate. In 1898-1894. approximately on the territory of modern Guinea there was a French colony of Rivière du Sud.
At the end of the 19th century, French Guinea was colonized and since 1904 has been part of the federation of French West Africa.
French colonization of Guinea proceeded slowly. Only after the end of the First World War did the creation of banana, pineapple, and coffee plantations begin there. However, the plantation economy did not receive much development. Industry also developed slowly in Guinea - only on the eve of World War II the first mining enterprises and small manufacturing workshops appeared there.
In a referendum in 1958, the Guinean people voted for independence, which was declared on October 2. Guinea, like other French colonies that gained independence, was declared a Republic.
Ahmed Sekou Toure was elected President of the Republic, establishing a one-party system in the country, supported by a powerful repressive apparatus. In the field of foreign policy, he adhered to a moderately pro-Soviet course, and in the field of domestic policy he was an adherent of scientific socialism with African characteristics. The result of this strategy was the total socialization of property; at certain stages, even the number of traders in the bazaars was regulated by order. By the early 1980s, about a million people from the country had migrated abroad.
After the death of Ahmed Sekou Toure in 1984, power was seized by a group of military men who created the Military Committee for National Revival, led by Colonel Lansana Conte, who over the next three years eliminated the main competitors in the struggle for power. Under President Lansana Conte foreign policy was oriented towards greater cooperation with France, the USA, and Great Britain, the country began to enjoy the support of international financial organizations. Side effect The weakening of political control was accompanied by a powerful increase in corruption; during the reign of President Conte, Guinea became one of the world leaders in this indicator.
The process of democratization began in the late 1980s political life, elections have been held regularly since the beginning of the next decade. Lansana Conte won the presidential elections three times (in 1993, 1998, 2003), and his Party of Unity and Progress won the parliamentary elections, although each round was accompanied by powerful opposition protests, to which local power ministries traditionally react very harshly.
The continuing deterioration of the economic situation in the country led to mass protests in 2007 demanding the resignation of the government and the adoption of urgent measures to bring the country out of the crisis. As a result of negotiations between the authorities and the trade union movement, the post of prime minister was transferred to a compromise candidate with a mandate until the next elections, scheduled for mid-2008.
On Monday, December 22, 2008, the President of the Republic of Guinea, Lansana Conte, died suddenly and, according to the Constitution, his responsibilities passed to the President of the National Assembly (that is, to the Chairman of Parliament) Aboubakar Sompara, who was supposed to hold elections for a new President of the Republic within 60 days. However, on December 23, 2008, a few hours after the death of President Lansan Conté, a group of military personnel who declared themselves the National Council for Democracy and Development, CNDD (French Conseil national pour la d?mocratie et le d?veloppement, CNDD), committed a state coup. On December 24, 2008, the duties of the President of the Republic were transferred to Captain Moussa Dadi Camara by agreement between the government of Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare and the military, which created the National Council for Democracy and Development. Moussa Dadi Camara's term of office is set at two years, until the end of December 2010, when free elections should take place.
On September 28, 2009, the opposition organized a protest rally in the country's capital against Moussa Camara's intention to run for the 2010 presidential elections. The ruling junta suppressed the rally using tear gas and military weapon, resulting in 157 deaths and more than 1,200 injuries.
Sights of Guinea
Almost the entire surface of Guinea is covered with mountain peaks, various rivers and dense forests.
On the border of two states and rises 1000 meters Mount Nimba. By the way, this is where the Mount Nimba Nature Reserve is located.
This reserve would have been opened back in 1944 and, oddly enough, they mined here iron ore, which is in abundance here. However, already in 1981 a decree was issued banning any work in this territory, except scientific research. Therefore, the Mount Nimba Nature Reserve was included in UNESCO as a protected site that is in danger.
Biologists and zoologists are often present in this area and study these places.
On the slopes of Mount Nimba you can find dense forests and mountain meadows. This attraction is amazing because there are about 1000 plant species, of which 25 are not present anywhere on earth. There are also about 1000 species of fauna, and again most of them are not found on the planet. These include antelope, leopard, pygmy monkeys, etc.
Center Conakry quite modern and is a complex of office and banking buildings between the Roux du Niger and the Ave de la République. The National Museum has a large collection of masks, sculpture and national instruments, housed in a spacious exhibition building in the style of the Parisian Louvre. Opposite the Presidential Palace (the former headquarters of the OAU), there are about 50 picturesque Moorish-style villas, currently used as offices for a number of international organizations. The enormous People's Palace in the northern part of the Roux du Niger is home to traditional performances by the two local ballet theaters and hosts numerous festive ceremonies.
10 km. located from the capital Ile de Los- a group of small islands in the Atlantic Ocean, a favorite resort area for residents and guests of Conakry, with a completely modern water center and regular mini-cruises on boats to the picturesque beach in the Novotel area, and just a good place for a weekend getaway.
Futa Djallon Plateau- one of the main natural attractions of the country along with the Bafara Falls and Fuyama Rapids. Located 220 km. northeast of the capital and connected by a good road, it attracts thousands of tourists with its emerald green vegetation covering picturesque hills (up to 1000 m), the relative coolness of the local climate, charming villages with friendly residents and very high quality local cuisine. The most popular towns here are Mamu - the “gate of Futa Djallon”, Dalaba - a former colonial mountain resort with the D'Asuel health center.
Nzerekore is the cheapest city in Guinea, located on the border with Liberia. The local market is considered the largest base for goods from neighboring countries, so you can buy almost everything here at a modest price. It is also the starting point for ecological excursions into the forest area - one of the few places in Africa where leopards, elephants and numerous primates can still be found.
Guinean cuisine
The cuisine of the Republic of Guinea is not particularly sophisticated. Simplicity is characteristic of her. Guinean cuisine mainly includes a wide variety of porridges. In addition, various stews are prepared from corn, millet or rice. They are flavored with spices, vegetable seasonings and vegetable oil. Meat side dishes (and just meat) are rarely used in cooking. Seafood and fish are a much more familiar product for Guineans. The most popular drink in Guinea is milk, which is consumed fermented or fresh.
Guinea- a state in West Africa. In the north it borders with Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Mali, in the east and southeast - with Cote d'Ivoire, in the south - with Liberia and Sierra Leone. In the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The name of the country comes from the Berber iguawen - “dumb”.
Capital: Conakry.
Square: 245857 km2.
Population: 7614 thousand people
Administrative division: The state is divided into 8 provinces.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: President, elected for a term of 5 years.
Big cities: Kankan, Labe, Nzerekore.
Official language: French.
Religion: 85% are Sunni Muslims.
Ethnic composition: 35% - Fulani, 30% - Malinke, 20% - Su-Su, 15% - other tribes.
Currency: Franc = 100 centimes.
Climate
The climate of Guinea varies depending on the topographic zones, predominantly subequatorial. In the coastal strip the average annual temperature is + 27 °C, in Fouta Djallon - about + 20 °C, in upper Guinea + 21 °C. The hottest month of the year is April, and the rainiest months are July and August. The rainy season lasts from April-May to October-November. On the coast, during 170 rainy days a year, up to 4300 mm of precipitation falls, in inland areas - no more than 1500 mm.Flora
The vegetation in Guinea is quite diverse: dense mangrove forests, coconut palms, Guinean oil palms, and other exotic plants grow along the ocean shores. In the Upper Guinea region there is savanna, and in the Lower Guinea region there is impenetrable jungle.Fauna
Representatives of the fauna of Guinea, which is quite rich, include elephant, leopard, hippopotamus, wild boar, panther, antelope, many monkeys (especially baboons, living in herds). There are a large number of snakes and crocodiles, as well as parrots and banana-eaters (turaco).
Rivers and lakes. The largest rivers are Bafing, Gambia, Senegal, and the Niger (here called Djoliba) and Milo rivers originate here.
Attractions
National Museum with a rich collection of exhibits, including historical and ethnographic ones.Useful information for tourists
The Republic of Guinea primarily attracts visitors with its picturesque elevated landscapes of the Fouta Djallon highlands, an excellent road network by African standards (especially in the southeast) and the impressive contrast between the dry northern valleys and the endless jungle in the southern regions.
Nzerekore is the cheapest city in Guinea and the starting point for ecological excursions into the forest area, famous for its inhabitants - forest elephants, numerous primates, and it is also one of the few places in Africa where you can still meet the forest leopard. The local market is considered the largest transshipment base for goods from neighboring countries, so you can buy almost everything here at a modest price.
Capital: Conakry. Currency: Guinean franc.
Guinea is a West African country bordered by Senegal, Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Guinea attracts visitors with its picturesque elevated landscapes of the Fouta Djallon highlands, an excellent road network by African standards (especially in the southeast) and the impressive contrast between the dry northern valleys and the endless jungle in the southern regions. Of interest to Conakry tourists is the modern complex of office and bank buildings between the Roux du Niger and the Ave de la République. The National Museum of Guinea has a large collection of masks, sculptures and national instruments, housed in a spacious exhibition building in the style of the Parisian Louvre. Opposite the Presidential Palace (formerly the headquarters of the OAU), there are about 50 picturesque Moorish-style villas, currently used as offices for a number of international organizations. The enormous People's Palace in the northern part of the Roux du Niger is home to traditional performances by the two local ballet theaters and hosts numerous festive ceremonies.
Guinea. Basic information
Currency
Guinean franc
Visa
Entry with a foreign passport. Children: Power of attorney from parent(s) for children under 18 years of age. Visa issuance times are up to 3 days. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is recommended (not required).
Time
The time is 2 hours behind Kyiv.
Geography
Guinea is a country in West Africa. It borders on the north with Senegal, on the north and northeast on Mali, on the east on the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (formerly Ivory Coast), on the south on Liberia, on the southwest on Sierra Leone, on the north -west - with Guinea-Bissau. From the west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.
Main partners of the country
Cote d'Ivoire, France, Belgium, China, South Africa, Great Britain, Switzerland, Ukraine.
Attractions
National Park in the south of the country, in the mountain range of the same name, near the border with Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire. On the territory of the latter is located South part(5 thousand hectares) of this international protected area, while on the Guinean side the park area is 13 thousand hectares.
Biologists call the Nimba Mountains a “botanical paradise.” More than 2 thousand species of plants grow here, including many rare ones. However, from a zoological point of view, this area of Africa is also unique. Scientists have discovered more than 500 species of insects and other previously unknown animals here, 200 of which live only in the Nimba Mountains.
In the park you can find several species of dwarf duiker antelopes, a rare representative of the civet family, a relative of the mongoose - the spotted genet, and an amazing creature that refutes all ideas about amphibians - the viviparous toad.
The Futa Djallon plateau is one of the main attractions of the country, which attracts a large number of tourists. As well as attractions such as Bafara Falls and Fuyama Rapids. The plateau will amaze you with its emerald green vegetation covering the picturesque hills, relative coolness, charming villages with friendly residents and very tasty folk cuisine. The most popular towns here are Mamu - the 'gate of Futa Djallon'.
History of the country
At the end of the 19th century. Guinea was colonized by France and since 1904 has been part of the federation of French West Africa. In a referendum in 1958, the Guinean people voted for independence, which was proclaimed on October 2. A. Sekou Toure was elected president of the country. After his death in 1984, power passed to the Military Committee for National Revival. Its leader, Colonel Lansana Conte, became the president of the country. In 2007, mass demonstrations took place demanding the resignation of the government and urgent measures to bring the country out of the crisis.
How to get there
There is no direct connection from Ukraine to Guinea. A transfer is required at one of the European or African airports.
Climate
Equatorial monsoon, wet in summer, dry in winter. Average monthly air temperatures range from +18 C to +27 C, the hottest month is April (+30 C), the coldest month is August (+26 C). Precipitation falls mainly in summer, from May to October, but is distributed very unevenly across the country: on the coast, up to 4,300 mm falls during 170 rainy days a year. precipitation, and in inland areas separated from the ocean by a mountain range, no more than 1500 mm. In January-February, the “harmattan” blows - a dry, dusty wind from the north; in the coastal regions of the country its influence is practically not felt.
Credit cards
Accepted only in international hotels and in the capital.
Culture
Over the centuries, the material and spiritual culture of the Guinean peoples has evolved. To a greater or lesser extent, all the peoples of Guinea retained until recently or are still alive the customs and traditions of the communal tribal era.
The main social unit in the village was (or still is) a large family, uniting, under the leadership of the head patriarch, several small families of his adult children and younger brothers.
She collectively owned part of the communal land and jointly carried out labor-intensive work; at the same time, each small family lived on its own farm. In the new socio-economic conditions there is a rapid process of disintegration large families, identifying small families as independent units of society. Residential and utility buildings big family- its number sometimes reached a hundred people (among the Malinka, for example) - they formed one estate, fenced with a clay wall, wattle fence, and hedge. Almost the entire life of a peasant is spent in the open air; in their dwellings they only sleep at night, shelter from the rain and sometimes from the sun. The dwellings of almost all the peoples of Guinea are similar: it is usually a round structure (made of clay, straw, sometimes wood), without windows, with a cone-shaped or dome-shaped (among the Fulani) roof made of straw or foliage.
Visa to Guinea
Address of the foreign embassy/consulate in our country
There is no Embassy of the Republic of Guinea in Ukraine. The embassy is also located in Russian Federation:
Address: 119049 Moscow, Koroviy Val, 7, apt. 101-102 Telephone: (+7 495) 238-10-85 Fax: (+7 495) 238-97-68
Address of our embassy/consulate in the country
Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Guinea:
Republique de Guinee, Commune Calum, Corniche Nord, Quartier Camayenne B.P. 1350 PHONE: (8 10 224 30) 46 87 92 (8 10 224 30) 46 88 75 FAX: (8 10 224 30) 46 87 92
Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Entry into the country
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is recommended (not required).
For children
Children under 16 years old are included in the visa of their parents (mother). To travel with a child under 18 years of age you will need:
1. Child’s birth certificate;
2. International passport of the child or international passport of the parent in which the child is registered;
3. If a child is traveling accompanied by one of the parents, a notarized power of attorney for the child’s departure from the second parent is required
4. If a child is traveling accompanied by third parties, a notarized power of attorney for the child to travel is required from both parents
Documents for visa
1. 3 completed forms (issued at the Embassy)
2. 3 color photographs 3.5x4.5 cm, on a white background, without corners and ovals
3. Request for a visa and the original invitation, certified by the official seals of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guinea.
4. Certificate of employment on company letterhead, indicating the position, salary and start date of work in the company.
5. Copy of completed pages of the Russian passport 6. International passport
Border crossing
When crossing the border of Guinea, you must present a passport with a valid entry visa and an insert filled out in French, which indicates: full name, date and place of birth, citizenship, profession, address of permanent residence in Guinea, passport and visa numbers, departure point.
Visa validity period
The entry visa is valid for 30 days.
Visa processing times
from 2 working days
Visa cost
40 USD
| Area, sq. km | 245857 |
| Flag |  |
| Population, people | 11176026 (2013) |
| Capital | Conakry |
| Big cities | Conakry, Nzerekore, Kindia |
| Independence date | October 2, 1958 |
| Highest point | Nimba (1752 m) |
| Official language | French |
| Religion | Islam (Sunni) |
| Currency unit | Guinean franc |
| Political system | presidential republic |
| Telephone code | +224 |
| Domain zone | .gn |
Guinea is an African state located in the west of the continent. Neighboring states: Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Mali.
In the 19th century, Guinea was under the influence of France, which controlled almost the entire territory of West Africa. A protectorate was created, banana and coffee plantations were planted. However, the French faced intense opposition. The national liberation movement flared up, led by Sekou Turve. “Better is poverty in freedom than wealth in slavery,” said A. Sékou Touré, who became the first president of independent Guinea in 1958. The population of Guinea fought for complete liberation from the French, being ardent supporters of the theory of Pan-Africanism. As a result, on October 2, 1958, Guinea gained its long-awaited independence. The official language is French.
Guinea is home to ethnic groups who speak the Mande and Fulbe language groups. They have little in common, but ethnographically they open up a wide field for research. The Mande people are farmers, the Fulbe people are pastoralists. The largest ethnic group is the Fula, who live on the arid central plateau. The Malinke live in the savannah of Upper Guinea, while the Susu live in swampy coastal areas. There are forested mountains in the southeast of Guinea.
The majority of Guineans are Muslims; a small number of the population adheres to traditional beliefs and rituals.
Guinea's financial situation remains difficult, despite the huge reserves of bauxite and diamonds lying in the depths of the country. Guinea has many natural resources. The mining industry is very developed. Bauxite, diamonds, gold, ferrous and non-ferrous ores are mined here. Thanks to extensive water reserves, the hydropower industry is also developed. The economy is agricultural in nature, since the main activity remains Agriculture. Moreover, the economy is often focused not on commodity production, but on subsistence farming. Over 70% of the population is employed in the rural economy. They grow bananas, corn, cassava, rice, and cocoa. More than half of the state's territory is occupied by forests.
Guinea has a military form of government. The economy is controlled by the government. The head of state and government is the president.
The nature of this region is very picturesque due to the contrasts. Either vast arid lands spread out in front of you, or impenetrable evergreen jungles. The Futa-Djallon heights (more than 1500 m) attract the attention of tourists. The Bafara waterfall further adorns this naturally perfect plateau. Ile de Los is a group of islands in the Atlantic, not far from the mainland, designed for sophisticated tourists. All conditions for an excellent holiday are created here, including cruises. The wealth of biological species embellishes the already outlandish picture of the unique African landscape.
Friendly, hospitable people and a pleasant climate complement the advantages of Guinea.
History of Guinea
- XV century: the territory of Guinea was part of the early state formations of Ghana and Mali.
- XVIII century: in the center of the countries a military-theocratic state of the Fulani pastoral tribes Futa Djallon was formed.
- Second half of the 19th century: France captured the country. Europeans conducted a predatory slave trade, especially in coastal areas.
- 1889-1893: Guinea was declared a French colony, in 1895 it was separated into a separate colony called French Guinea.
- 1958: Guinea gained independence. President Sekou Toure established an authoritarian regime.
- 1979-1984: The country was called the Guinean People's Revolutionary Republic.
- 1984: after the death of C. Toure, the military came to power.
- 1990: A new constitution ends military rule. Establishment of a multi-party system.
The territory of modern Guinea has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the Middle Ages, the territory of modern Guinea was part of various African states. Then Europeans began to arrive here, and XVII century they were already selling Guineans into slavery on American plantations. From 1891 to 1958, Guinea was a colony of France. The government of Sékou Touré was unable to improve the standard of living of the population, and after his death, in 1984, power passed to the military government, headed by Colonel Lansana Conte. The first multi-party elections held in Guinea in 1993 again saw Conte's government win.
Interesting facts about Guinea:
- Huge reserves are concentrated in Guinea fresh water in West Africa in the form of the Niger River.
- Guinea is the world's largest supplier of bauxite.
- Sekou Toure is the man who ruled Guinea from 1958 to 1984.
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