Guinea: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Guinea

Guinea is on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. It has mangrove-lined coasts, the cool Fouta Djallon highlands and rainforests in the southeast. It is known as the 'water tower of West Africa' because several great rivers begin there.

About Conakry

Conakry is on the Atlantic coast of Guinea. The city began on the small island of Tombo and now spreads along the narrow Kaloum Peninsula; it is the country's largest city and main port.

Fun facts about Guinea

1. The Niger River, over 4,000 km long, begins in the highlands of Guinea.
2. The Fouta Djallon highlands are called the 'water tower of West Africa' because many rivers start there.
3. The Gambia and Senegal rivers also have their sources in Guinea's highlands.
4. Mount Nimba, the country's highest point at 1,752 metres, is part of a UNESCO nature reserve.
5. Chimpanzees near the village of Bossou are famous for using stones to crack open oil-palm nuts.
6. Guinea has some of the world's largest reserves of bauxite, the ore used to make aluminium.