From the mangrove forests and verdant coastal plains, through the central highlands, to the headwaters of the great Niger River, the dry savanna of Haute Guinea, and the lush interior forest, one finds a country of deep cultural roots, regional historic importance, and beautiful scenery.
Three major and many smaller ethnic groups provide wide-ranging music, arts and traditions. With a history steeped in empires, colonialism, defiance and revolution, Guinea is struggling to transform itself into a market-based democracy. Between the 13th and 15th centuries, Guinea was part of the great West African empire of Mali stretching from Northern Nigeria to the coast of Senegal. It was during the late stages of this epoch that Fulani herders began migrating south into the highlands of the Fouta Djalon, bringing with them the Islamic faith that eventually spread and now dominates Guinea.
European traders also began arriving in the 15th century, bringing with them goods, arms, and the demand for slaves. In the French proclaimed the coastal region a French Protectorate, and throughout the 19th century slowly extended their influence and claims across the interior. In France offered Guinea and its other West African colonies two choices; autonomy as separate but unequal partners within a Franco-African community, or immediate and complete independence.
The French response was immediate and severe; withdrawal of French Administration and the removal of massive amounts of capital, infrastructure, equipment, and materials. A farm collectivization program followed that proved to be disastrous. Political repression, often violent and lethal, and worsening conditions overall drove over a million Guineans, almost one-quarter of the population, into exile. As a result the government began to loosen constraints on the economy.
Since , Guinea has been slowly transitioning from a dictatorial one-party state with a centralized economic plan in hopes of becoming a free market economy. Privatization of industry lurches along, though government retains control in strategic economic sectors.
