Located in West Africa, the Republic of Guinea is squeezed between Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, and Guinea Bissau.
The country has rolling mountains, wildlife, and wide sandy beaches. Home to the rarest trees and the most incredible acrobats in the world, here are some fun facts about Guinea.
1. Guinea Has The 5th Largest Mosque In Africa
Islam is the dominant religion of the Republic of Guinea. 90% of the country’s population practices this religion.
The famous Grand Mosque situated in Conakry was built in 1982. It is the 5th largest Muslim shrine in the country of Africa.
2. Guinea Was Known As French Guinea
Guinea was called French Guinea after the French colonized the country.
Among the four countries Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Papua New Guinea, and Guinea, it has the largest population of 12.8 million.
3. Guinea Has The Largest Bauxite Reserve
Guinea is well known for its natural resources and has the largest bauxite reserve utilized in chemical industries and in making aluminum metal.
It also houses significant reserves of gold, iron, and diamond resources. Nevertheless, the per capita Gross Domestic Product of Guinea is $962 and is lower than the average of $1600 in the region.
4. The Country Has Several Beaches
Guinea consists of a 320km long coastline. The country features beautiful long stretches of sandy beaches.
Some of the famous beaches include Les des Los, Cape Verga, Bel Air beach, and Sobane Beach. If you visit Guinea, you can find beautiful bamboo beach huts here.
5. Centre d’Art Acrobatique Keita Fodeba/Acrobat Institute
One of the prestigious acrobat institutes of Guinea is Keita Fodeba Centre for Acrobatic Arts. The academy is located in Conakry and was established in 1988.
The institute recruits adults and children living on the streets. It trains them in contortionism and acrobatics and also provides literacy programs.
The acrobats often go on tours to join event groups and famous circuses such as Cirque du Soleil.
Students between ten to twenty years of age can join the program. The school is praised widely by UNICEF, NGOs, and activists.
6. Mt. Nimba Strict Nature Reserve Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guinea
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Guinea. The reserve shares the landmark with Cote d’Ivoire. The resource comprises grassy mountain Savanna and pastures, dense forests, and the Nimba Range.
Mount Nimba is 5748 feet high and consists of diverse fauna and flora with indigenous species such as chimpanzees and viviparous toads.
7. Guinea Is Popular For Traditional Healers
Guinea is famous for its traditional healers, especially for treating illness. 80% of first calls for sick Guineans come to healers.
8. “Talbotiella Cheekii” Is A Rare Tree In Guinea
The tree starts growing in a small specific area and then grows into large clusters along the streams and rocky hills. It produces white and red flowers by the end of April. However, it can be challenging to catch them since they have a brief flowering timeframe.
Xander Van der Burgt, a field officer and curator for Madagascar and Africa at the Royal Botanic Gardens, was the first to collect the flowers in 2017.
09. 26.6% Of Land in Guinea Includes Protected Wildlife & Forests
Guinea covers 6,544,000 square meters of land. However, 26.6% of the land is protected by forests and wildlife.
The protected part of the country consists of national parks such as the National Park of Upper Niger, Badiar National Park, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, Ziami Massif, and Nyalama Classified Forest.
10. Home To Three Main Rivers Of West Africa
The three main West African rivers, Senegal, Niger, and Gambia, originate from Guinea. Among these, Niger, rising from the Fouta Djallon, is the longest river at 4100 km.
11. Guinea Had No Fixed Telephone Or Broadband Lines Until 1990
Telephone communication is an integral part of development. However, Guinea was one of the four countries with no telephone lines until 1990.
12. Chimpanzees in Guinea Discovered How to Use Tools
In the Nimba Mountains in Guinea, chimpanzees were first seen using tools to chop their food into small pieces.
Then, for the first time in 2009, researchers found chimpanzees using wood, anvils, cleavers, and stones to chop Treculia fruits in small sites.
13. Don’t Miss The Badiar National Park In Guinea
Located 15 miles from Conakry city, the Badiar National Park in Guinea covers 100,000 acres of stunning nature.
If you plan to visit Guinea, don’t miss out on the beautiful park with magnificent waterfalls, and enjoy a unique experience.