History
In the past Guinea was controlled by three great West African empires: the "Ghana" Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Songhai Empire.

The Portuguese, the first Europeans to explore the West African coast, arrived in Guinea at the end of the fifteenth century.

French control of Guinea began in the middle of the nineteenth century; local resistance came to an end in 1898.

French Guinea became part of French West Africa.

The boundaries of present-day Guinea were set at the turn of the twentieth century by France, Britain and Portugal.

Guinea achieved independence from France in 1958.

Economy
A significant percentage of the working population earns a living from subsistence farming.

Agricultural products are bananas, pineapples, palm nuts, cassava, sweet potatoes, rice and coffee.

Livestock is reared and fish are exported.

Guinea is a major exporter of bauxite.

Other resources are iron, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower and salt. Industries include alumina refining and light manufacturing. (2008)

Arts
Local crafts are basketry, pottery, woodwork, musical instruments, leatherwork and batik. Traditional arts and sculptures can be seen in the National Museum.

Les Ballet Africains, Guinea's national dance troupe, perform locally and tour overseas. The Amazones Women Master Drummers also tour internationally.

Sport
Football is the most popular sport in Guinea. The national team has participated in the finals of the African Cup of Nations.

Holidays
All religious holy days are celebrated. Independence Day is on 2 October (from France - 1958).

News
News from Guinea is available from Newslink.

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