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Guinea is a former French colony that edges Guinea-Bissau and Senegal to the north, Mali on the north and north-east, Côte d'Ivoire to the east and Liberia and Sierra Leone to the south. Unrest in Sierra Leone has felled across the border, creating humanitarian emergencies and threatening the stability of this country. Talk: The official language is French. There are many racial languages, and the three most common are Susu, Pular(Foulah, Peuhl) and Malinke. Susu is spoken in the coastal area and in the capital city. Toma, Guerzé, Kissi and others are spoken in the interior (Sacred Forest) region edging on Mali, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Culture: Like other West African countries, Guinea has a rich melodic tradition. The group Bembeya Jazz became popular in the 1960s after Guinean independence. The Vancouver-based guitarist Alpha Yaya Diallo summons from Guinea and incorporates its traditional beats and melodies into his original compositions, for which he has won two Juno Awards. Sports: Guinea's main sport is football (soccer) and though the national team has by no means made the FIFA World Cup, it has emerged at eight African Nations Cup finals; it was a runner-up in 1976 and arrived the quarter-finals in 2004 and 2006. The current national coach is Robert Nouzaret. Swimming is popular near the capital, Conakry, and hiking is possible in the Fouta Djallon region. Buy: They do not sell a lot of ornaments in Guinea, but they do have wonderful clothing that you can purchase. The tailors there are very talented and can create an outfit very fast (approximately a day).

Food: Many alternatives are available for dining. For a mere 20,000 Guinean Francs (roughly $4 USD), you are able to dine on delicious cultural foods from Africa. If your taste buds would favor something international, many other choices are accessible as well. The beef in Guinea is very good, and is highly advised. Pork isn't served because of the religion. There are good restaurants that are Lebanese which has European styled breakfasts. Drink: Canned European beer is obtainable as well as a local "Skol" lager beer. The Mariador hotels that are run by the French are a good place to go. The prices are reasonable, service is excellent, and the staff is universally very friendly. You can stay there for as long as you like (they won't kick you out). Water bottled in the town of Coyah is obtainable everywhere for about US$ .50 per 1.5 liter bottle and is very good. Conakry's tap water (where there is such a thing) is from the same source and has occasionally proven to be perfectly safe.