Guinea

Basic Indicators

Source: UNICEF: The State of the World's Children Report

Population: 10,069,000 (2009)
National language: French
Per capita income: US$ 370/year (2009)
Life expectancy: 58 (2009)
% of population using
improved drinking water sources: 71% (2008)
% of population using
adequate sanitation facilities: 19% (2008)
Under 5 Mortality Rate: 142/1,000 live births (2009)

Guinea is roughly the size of Oregon. Located in Western Africa, it borders Guinea-Bissau and Senegal on the north, Mali on the north and north-east, the Côte d'Ivoire on the south-east, Liberia on the south, and Sierra Leone on the west.

Mineral wealth accounts for most of the Guinea's exports. Bauxite and aluminum products, gold and diamonds are the country's most important resources. In fact, with nearly half the world’s reserves of bauxite (used in the production of aluminum), Guinea is the world’s second-largest producer of this metal. Despite these tremendous mineral reserves, however, 80 percent of workers in Guinea are farmers. Rice and yams are the main food crops, while coffee and cacao are grown as cash crops.

Plan Guinea works with more than 34,000 children and their families in 50 communities, helping to ensure a healthy and secure future for every child. Except in emergency situations, Plan does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

Hear from the children

An essential part of Plan's work is empowering children to discuss the issues that matter to them and to take part in decisions that affect their lives. To help you learn about these issues, the children in Plan communities have put together a series of publications called "See Our World": Read what the children have to say about their lives.