Guinea´ s History

Guinea is shaped as a large bend starting at the Atlantic Coast of West Africa and going deep into the West African backland. With a state territory of 246.000 square kilometres and a population of more than 7 million, it is almost as big as the former Federal Republic of Germany. Its population amounts to more than 7 million inhabitants.

An important chapter in the history of Guinea (Conakry) was under the government of the notorious President Sékou Touré between 2nd October 1958 until 1984. In 1958 Guinea became the first French colony in Black Africa to declare its independence. As a consequence however, it was punished with isolation and exclusion from the state alliance. 

Guinea supplies huge amounts of mineral resources, nevertheless, it is still considered to be one of the economically poorest countries in the world. Up to 70% of its inhabitants (> 15 years old) are illiterate, only aound 25% of children attend school.

It was President Sékou Tourés idea and merit to build relations with white nations with the country and its culture by means of a fantastic and unique national ballet consisting of the best drummers, artists and dancers.  His concept has so far proved to be very successful. Apart from that, however, hardly anybody seems to miss the authoritarian and dictatorial regime of Sékou Touré.