October - December 2015 •
The Lion King
• 25
•
A relatively long rainy season,
extending for 5 to 8 months
depending on the region, with
annual rainfall ranging between
1,200 mm and 4,000 mm, and
providing about 400 billion m3 of
water
Agriculture
Agriculture is the main source of sub-
sistence for nearly 80% of the Guinean
population and the main source of
income for 57% rural habitants. It
remains a key sector for the achieve-
ment of poverty reduction and food
security in Guinea.
The contribution of agriculture to
gross domestic product (GDP) is esti-
mated at 14.2% (in 2010). It may be
noted that rice is the main food crop,
accounting for 67% of crops grown,
65% of the country’s cereal demand,
37% of the national labor force, 80%
of the agricultural labor force, 23% of
primary GDP and 6% of national GDP.
In addition, rice is the highest expen-
diture item for Guinean households,
representing an average of 20% of
their consumption budget, followed
by maize at about 12%.
An immeasurable
mining potential
The mining assets of Guinea are not
only important but very diverse.
Bauxite
The largest deposits in the world:
approximately 40 billion tons (alumina
content of above 40%) constituting
two thirds of the world’s deposits.
Iron Ore
Nimba (1 billion tons with iron content
between 63 and 68%) and Simandou
(more than 2 billion tons with iron con-
tent between 65 and 68%). Guinea
has iron resources estimated at 9 bil-
lion tons.
Gold
An annual production of 15 tons of a
potential of several hundreds of tons.
500 tons of confirmed deposits and
total resources estimated at 1000 tons.
Diamond
Potential reserves estimated at 30
million carats. Diamonds represent
the fourth most exported minerals in
Guinea, following bauxite, alumina
and gold.
Oil & Gas
There is a significant potential of oil
reserves to explore both offshore and
onshore.
Also, there are extensive reserves of
uranium, limestone, nickel, titanium,
graphite, precious stones, cobalt,
zinc discovered in several sites of the
national territory.
Culture
Guinea has four distinct natural
regions, within which 4 main ethnic
groups live. The cultural identities are
diverse.
The social life is not different from
the social life in other countries of
Africa. Family gatherings dominated
by meetings, and weddings.
On the other side, night life is very cul-
tural amongst the young working or
non-working young generation.
The Guinean hip-hop music scene is
also active. A Guinean musical group
Banlieuz’art was recently selected
for the finals of the famous franco-
phone music competition: Prix RFI
Conakry
