Guinea

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Guinea is located in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. The capital is Conakry. Population was estimated at 9 million in 2003, and is growing at a rate of 2.37 percent. The Pehul, Malinke, and Soussou ethnic groups compose 90% of the population. French is the official language of Guinea, but each ethnic group has its own language.

Guinea possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural resources, yet remains an underdeveloped nation. The country possesses over 30% of the world's bauxite reserves and is the second-largest bauxite producer. Long-run improvements in government fiscal arrangements, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if the country is to move out of poverty. Fighting along the Sierra Leonean and Liberian borders has caused major economic disruptions. In addition to direct defense costs, the violence has led to a sharp decline in investor confidence. Foreign mining companies have reduced expatriate staff, while panic buying has created food shortages and inflation in local markets.

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