Where is Guinea Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated May 30, 2025

Where is Guinea located on the map? Guinea is an independent nation located in Western Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Guinea on maps.

Guinea Location in World Map

Location Information of Guinea

Guinea is a West African country located on the Atlantic coast. It is bordered by Guinea-Bissau to the northwest, Senegal to the north, Mali to the northeast, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to the east, and Liberia and Sierra Leone to the south. The country covers a large area of land with diverse geography, including mountains, savannahs, and river basins. Guinea is an important player in the regional economy and culture of West Africa.

Latitude and Longitude

Guinea lies approximately between 7.5° N to 12.5° N latitude and 7° W to 15° W longitude. The country’s location near the equator means it experiences a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The diversity in its landscape and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean contributes to the richness of the country’s natural environment, making it one of the wealthiest regions in terms of mineral resources.

Capital City and Major Cities

Conakry (Capital City)

The capital of Guinea is Conakry, located on the country’s Atlantic coast. Conakry is the largest city in Guinea and serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub. The city has a population of about 2 million people and is situated on Tombo Island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Conakry is an important port city, facilitating trade, particularly in the export of Guinea’s major natural resources, such as bauxite, gold, and diamonds.

Port of Conakry: The largest port in the country, it is crucial for Guinea’s trade, linking the country with international markets.
Grand Mosque of Conakry: One of the largest mosques in West Africa, the Grand Mosque is an important religious and cultural site in the capital.
National Museum of Guinea: Located in Conakry, this museum showcases the history and culture of Guinea, including traditional artifacts, musical instruments, and artwork.

The city is also home to Conakry International Airport (CKY), which connects Guinea with the rest of the world.

Other Major Cities

Nzérékoré: Located in the southeast of the country, Nzérékoré is Guinea’s second-largest city, with a population of about 200,000 people. It is situated in the forested region of Guinea, near the borders with Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. The city is an important center for agriculture, particularly rice, cassava, and cocoa. Nzérékoré is also a key point for travelers heading into Guinea’s forest region, which is known for its biodiversity.
Kankan: Kankan, in the eastern part of Guinea, is the capital of the Kankan Region and is one of the largest cities in the country. It has a population of around 500,000 people. Kankan is a major trading hub for agricultural products, including millet, corn, and groundnuts. It is also culturally significant and has long been a center for the Malinke people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Guinea.
Faranah: Located near the Gambia River, Faranah is a major city in the Faranah Region of Guinea. The city plays an important role in the country’s agricultural sector, particularly in the production of rice, millet, and vegetables. With a population of around 100,000, Faranah is also an important regional administrative center.
Kindia: Located to the north of Conakry, Kindia is a city of about 200,000 people, known for its agricultural activities, particularly in the production of bananas, pineapples, and coffee. It is the gateway to Guinea’s Upper Guinea region and is strategically positioned along the road to the Mali border.

Time Zone

Guinea is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so it remains on UTC +0 year-round. This time zone is shared with neighboring countries such as Senegal, The Gambia, and Ivory Coast.

Climate

Guinea has a tropical climate, characterized by a distinct wet season and dry season. The climate varies depending on the region, with coastal areas experiencing higher humidity and rainfall, while inland areas tend to be hotter and drier.

Wet Season (May to October)

The wet season in Guinea typically lasts from May to October, with heavy rainfall occurring during these months. The country’s coastal areas, including Conakry, receive 1,500 to 4,000 millimeters (59 to 157 inches) of rainfall annually, making it one of the rainiest regions in West Africa. The rainy season is crucial for the agriculture of Guinea, as it supports the growth of staple crops such as rice, cassava, and corn.

Dry Season (November to April)

The dry season lasts from November to April, with the months of December to February being particularly dry. During this time, the country experiences cooler temperatures, particularly in the coastal regions. However, inland areas can still experience hot and dry conditions, with temperatures rising above 30°C (86°F). The Harmattan winds, which originate from the Sahara Desert, can occasionally blow through Guinea during the dry season, bringing dry air and dust.

Economic Status

Guinea is rich in natural resources, with its economy largely centered on agriculture, mining, and services. However, Guinea remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with significant challenges in terms of infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Mining

Guinea is one of the world’s leading producers of bauxite, which is the primary ore used to produce aluminum. The country has vast bauxite reserves, and mining is the main contributor to Guinea’s export revenue. Guinea also has significant deposits of gold, diamonds, and iron ore, although these industries are less developed. The mining sector is the backbone of Guinea’s economy, contributing a substantial portion of the country’s GDP and export earnings.

Agriculture

The agricultural sector in Guinea is vital to the country’s economy, employing around 70% of the population. Key agricultural products include rice, cassava, groundnuts, corn, coffee, and cocoa. Agriculture remains primarily subsistence-based, with limited industrial farming. Despite this, Guinea has the potential for agricultural development, particularly in areas such as irrigation and agro-processing.

Services and Industry

The services sector in Guinea includes banking, telecommunications, and trade. The country is gradually developing its infrastructure, with improvements in road networks, telecommunications, and electricity generation. However, much of Guinea’s infrastructure remains underdeveloped due to political instability and lack of investment.

The industrial sector is underdeveloped, with limited manufacturing beyond basic consumer goods. However, the government has been making efforts to improve the country’s industrial capacity, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.

Economic Challenges

Guinea faces several economic challenges, including poverty, political instability, and limited access to education and healthcare. While the country has vast natural resources, it lacks the infrastructure and human capital necessary to fully exploit these resources. Foreign aid and investment are critical to Guinea’s development, though political instability has at times hampered efforts for economic reform.

Tourist Attractions

Guinea is not traditionally known as a major tourist destination, but it offers a variety of attractions for those interested in nature, history, and culture. The country’s landscapes, national parks, and cultural heritage sites provide unique experiences for adventurous travelers.

Fouta Djallon Highlands: Located in central Guinea, the Fouta Djallon mountain range is one of the country’s most scenic areas. The region is famous for its waterfalls, cascading rivers, and rugged terrain, making it ideal for hiking and eco-tourism. The region is also home to many traditional Fulani villages, where visitors can experience local customs and lifestyles.
Niandankoro Waterfalls: The Niandankoro Waterfalls are located in the Fouta Djallon region. These waterfalls are a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering stunning views and opportunities for hiking.
Tomb of Sory Gnakry: This historic site is located in the capital city of Conakry. It marks the final resting place of Sory Gnakry, a famous Guinean historical figure, and is a place of cultural and historical significance.
Badiar National Park: Located in the Guinea Forest Region, Badiar National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and various species of monkeys. The park is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
Kassonké River: The Kassonké River is one of Guinea’s most significant rivers and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploration of the natural beauty along its banks.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens traveling to Guinea for tourism or business need to obtain a visa before entering the country. The visa application process involves submitting the following:

A valid U.S. passport with at least six months’ validity.
A completed visa application form.
Passport-sized photos.
A visa fee (the amount varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay).
Proof of onward travel or a return ticket.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required for entry).

Visas can be obtained from the Embassy of Guinea in Washington, D.C., or other consular offices. For longer stays, such as for work or study, U.S. citizens must apply for the appropriate visa category.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

New York City to Conakry: The distance from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City to Conakry’s International Airport (CKY) is approximately 4,500 miles (7,242 kilometers). The flight duration is typically around 7 to 9 hours, depending on layovers and the specific flight route.
Los Angeles to Conakry: The distance from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Conakry is approximately 5,800 miles (9,300 kilometers). The flight duration is typically around 11 to 12 hours, depending on the number of layovers.

Guinea Facts

Size	245,857 km²
Residents	12.41 million
Language	French (official language)
Capital	Conakry
Longest river	Tinkisso (570 km)
Highest mountain	Mont Richard-Molard, also called Mount Nimba (1,752 m high)
Currency	Guinea Franc (Guinea Franc)