Guinea

Guinea is a country on the west coast of Africa. It is rich in minerals, especially bauxite, which is used to make aluminum. Guinea has mountains, forests, and savannas. Several of Africa's great rivers, including the Niger River, begin in Guinea's highlands.

Land and People

About 14 million people live in Guinea. The capital and largest city is Conakry. The Fouta Djallon highlands are a beautiful region of flat-topped mountains and deep valleys. The coast is swampy, while the interior has grasslands and forests.

Culture and Fun Facts

Guinea has some of the largest reserves of bauxite in the world. The country is known for its traditional West African music, especially drumming. The djembe drum, popular around the world, comes from Guinea and nearby countries. French is the official language.

Fun Facts

• Guinea has the largest reserves of bauxite in the world, the mineral used to make aluminum.
• The Niger, Senegal, and Gambia rivers all begin in the highlands of Guinea.
• The djembe drum, now popular worldwide, originally comes from Guinea and neighboring countries.

Did You Know?

Guinea's highlands are sometimes called the Water Tower of West Africa because so many important rivers start there, including the Niger, Senegal, and Gambia rivers.