Guinea: In Brief

Guinea is one of three countries most affected by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which has affected the countrys economy, social relations, food security, and politics. A former French colony on West Africas Atlantic coast with a population of about 11 million, Guinea is rich innatural resources, but poverty is widespread. President Alpha Cond, a former opposition leader, was voted into office in 2010 in Guineas first ever presidential election organized by an independent electoral commission and without an incumbent candidate. His inauguration broughtan end to a turbulent period of military rule that followed the death in 2008 of longtime leader Lansana Cont (who himself came to power in a military coup).