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Full country name: Republic of Guinea
Area: 245,855 sq km (95,883 sq mi)
Population: 7.269 million
Capital city: Conakry (pop 1.743 million)
People: Malinké (Mandingo), Fula (Fulani), Susu and 15 other ethnic groups.
Language: French (official), Malinké, Fula and Susu
Religion: Muslim
Government: Military republic
President: General Lansana Conté

GDP: US$8.3 billion
GDP per head: US$1100
Annual growth: 4.8%
Inflation: 3.5%
Major industries: Mining: bauxite, diamonds, gold; alumina refining; light manufacturing and agricultural processing
Major trading partners: Europe, USA

The main events celebrated in Guinea are tied to the Muslim (lunar) calendar, and the dates vary from year to year. Tabaski, also known as Eid-al-Kabir, is the most important celebration, when Muslims kill a sheep in commemoration of the time God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, then interceded at the last moment and suggested a sheep instead. The second major Islamic holiday is the end of Ramadan, or Eid-al-Fitr. Mohammed's Birthday, about three months after Tabaski, is also celebrated.

Traveling Guidelines

Visas: Everyone needs a visa, and they cost between US$25 and US$50
Health risks: Diarrhoea, hepatitis, AIDS/HIV
Time: GMT/UTC time + 0 hours
Electricity: 220/240V
Weights & measures: Metric

The cool, dry period between November and February is the best time.