Topic: Photos of Guinea

Topic: Introduction
Background: Guinea's deep Muslim heritage arrived via the neighboring Almoravid Empire in the 11th century. Following Almoravid decline, Guinea existed on the fringe of several African kingdoms, all competing for regional dominance. In the 13th century, the Mali Empire took control of Guinea, encouraging its already growing Muslim faith. After the fall of the West African empires, various smaller kingdoms controlled Guinea. In the 18th century, Fulani Muslims established an Islamic state in central Guinea that represents one of the earliest examples of a written constitution and alternating leadership. While European traders first arrived in the 16th century, it was the French who secured colonial rule in the 19th century. In 1958, Guinea achieved independence from France. Sekou TOURE became Guinea’s first post-independence president; he established a dictatorial regime and ruled until his death in 1984, after which General Lansana CONTE staged a coup and seized the government. He too established an authoritarian regime and manipulated presidential elections until his death in December 2008, when Captain Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seized power, and suspended the constitution. In September 2009, presidential guards opened fire on an opposition rally, killing more than 150 people in Conakry, the capital. In early December 2009, CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and exiled to Burkina Faso. In 2010 and 2013 respectively, the country held its first free and fair presidential and legislative elections. Alpha CONDE won the 2010 and 2015 presidential elections. CONDE's first cabinet was the first all-civilian government in Guinean history. In March 2020, Guinea passed a new constitution in a national referendum that changed presidential term limit rules. CONDE argued that, given this change, he was allowed to run for a third term, which he then won in October 2020. On 5 September 2021, Col Mamady DOUMBOUYA led special forces troops in a successful military coup, ousting and detaining CONDE and establishing the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development (CNRD). DOUMBOUYA and the CNRD suspended the constitution and dissolved the government and the legislature. DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transition president on 1 October 2021, and appointed Mohamed BEAVOGUI as transition prime minister a week later. BEAVOGUI subsequently formed a largely technocratic cabinet. The National Transition Council (CNT), which acts as the legislative body for the transition, was formed on January 22, 2022. The 81-member CNT is led by Dr. Dansa KOUROUMA and consists of appointed members representing a broad swath of Guinean society.

Guinea's deep Muslim heritage arrived via the neighboring Almoravid Empire in the 11th century. Following Almoravid decline, Guinea existed on the fringe of several African kingdoms, all competing for regional dominance. In the 13th century, the Mali Empire took control of Guinea, encouraging its already growing Muslim faith. After the fall of the West African empires, various smaller kingdoms controlled Guinea. In the 18th century, Fulani Muslims established an Islamic state in central Guinea that represents one of the earliest examples of a written constitution and alternating leadership. While European traders first arrived in the 16th century, it was the French who secured colonial rule in the 19th century.In 1958, Guinea achieved independence from France. Sekou TOURE became Guinea’s first post-independence president; he established a dictatorial regime and ruled until his death in 1984, after which General Lansana CONTE staged a coup and seized the government. He too established an authoritarian regime and manipulated presidential elections until his death in December 2008, when Captain Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seized power, and suspended the constitution. In September 2009, presidential guards opened fire on an opposition rally, killing more than 150 people in Conakry, the capital. In early December 2009, CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and exiled to Burkina Faso. In 2010 and 2013 respectively, the country held its first free and fair presidential and legislative elections. Alpha CONDE won the 2010 and 2015 presidential elections. CONDE's first cabinet was the first all-civilian government in Guinean history. In March 2020, Guinea passed a new constitution in a national referendum that changed presidential term limit rules. CONDE argued that, given this change, he was allowed to run for a third term, which he then won in October 2020. On 5 September 2021, Col Mamady DOUMBOUYA led special forces troops in a successful military coup, ousting and detaining CONDE and establishing the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development (CNRD). DOUMBOUYA and the CNRD suspended the constitution and dissolved the government and the legislature. DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transition president on 1 October 2021, and appointed Mohamed BEAVOGUI as transition prime minister a week later. BEAVOGUI subsequently formed a largely technocratic cabinet. The National Transition Council (CNT), which acts as the legislative body for the transition, was formed on January 22, 2022. The 81-member CNT is led by Dr. Dansa KOUROUMA and consists of appointed members representing a broad swath of Guinean society.

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Topic: Geography
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone
Geographic coordinates: 11 00 N, 10 00 W
Map references: Africa
Area: total: 245,857 sq km

land: 245,717 sq km

water: 140 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Oregon; slightly larger than twice the size of Pennsylvania
Land boundaries: total: 4,046 km

border countries (6): Cote d'Ivoire 816 km; Guinea-Bissau 421 km; Liberia 590 km; Mali 1062 km; Senegal 363 km; Sierra Leone 794 km
Coastline: 320 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
Terrain: generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior
Elevation: highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 472 m
Natural resources: bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, salt
Land use: agricultural land: 58.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 2.8% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 43.5% (2018 est.)

forest: 26.5% (2018 est.)

other: 15.4% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 950 sq km (2012)
Major rivers (by length in km): Niger river source (shared with Mali, and Nigeria [m]) - 4,200 km; Gambia river source (shared with Senegal and The Gambia [m]) - 1,094 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km)
Population distribution: areas of highest density are in the west and south; interior is sparsely populated as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season
Geography - note: the Niger and its important tributary the Milo River have their sources in the Guinean highlands

Topic: People and Society
Population: 13,237,832 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean
Ethnic groups: Fulani (Peuhl) 33.4%, Malinke 29.4%, Susu 21.2%, Guerze 7.8%, Kissi 6.2%, Toma 1.6%, other/foreign 0.4% (2018 est.)
Languages: French (official), Pular, Maninka, Susu, other native languages

note: about 40 languages are spoken; each ethnic group has its own language
Religions: Muslim 89.1%, Christian 6.8%, animist 1.6%, other 0.1%, none 2.4% (2014 est.)
Demographic profile: Guinea’s strong population growth is a result of declining mortality rates and sustained elevated fertility. The population growth rate was somewhat tempered in the 2000s because of a period of net outmigration. Although life expectancy and mortality rates have improved over the last two decades, the nearly universal practice of female genital cutting continues to contribute to high infant and maternal mortality rates. Guinea’s total fertility remains high at about 5 children per woman because of the ongoing preference for larger families, low contraceptive usage and availability, a lack of educational attainment and empowerment among women, and poverty. A lack of literacy and vocational training programs limit job prospects for youths, but even those with university degrees often have no option but to work in the informal sector. About 60% of the country’s large youth population is unemployed.Tensions and refugees have spilled over Guinea’s borders with Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire. During the 1990s Guinea harbored as many as half a million refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia, more refugees than any other African country for much of that decade. About half sought refuge in the volatile "Parrot’s Beak" region of southwest Guinea, a wedge of land jutting into Sierra Leone near the Liberian border. Many were relocated within Guinea in the early 2000s because the area suffered repeated cross-border attacks from various government and rebel forces, as well as anti-refugee violence.Guinea’s strong population growth is a result of declining mortality rates and sustained elevated fertility. The population growth rate was somewhat tempered in the 2000s because of a period of net outmigration. Although life expectancy and mortality rates have improved over the last two decades, the nearly universal practice of female genital cutting continues to contribute to high infant and maternal mortality rates. Guinea’s total fertility remains high at about 5 children per woman because of the ongoing preference for larger families, low contraceptive usage and availability, a lack of educational attainment and empowerment among women, and poverty. A lack of literacy and vocational training programs limit job prospects for youths, but even those with university degrees often have no option but to work in the informal sector. About 60% of the country’s large youth population is unemployed.Tensions and refugees have spilled over Guinea’s borders with Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire. During the 1990s Guinea harbored as many as half a million refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia, more refugees than any other African country for much of that decade. About half sought refuge in the volatile "Parrot’s Beak" region of southwest Guinea, a wedge of land jutting into Sierra Leone near the Liberian border. Many were relocated within Guinea in the early 2000s because the area suffered repeated cross-border attacks from various government and rebel forces, as well as anti-refugee violence.
Age structure: 0-14 years: 41.2% (male 2,601,221/female 2,559,918)

15-24 years: 19.32% (male 1,215,654/female 1,204,366)

25-54 years: 30.85% (male 1,933,141/female 1,930,977)

55-64 years: 4.73% (male 287,448/female 305,420)

65 years and over: 3.91% (male 218,803/female 270,492) (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 85.2

youth dependency ratio: 79.7

elderly dependency ratio: 5.5

potential support ratio: 18.3 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 19.1 years

male: 18.9 years

female: 19.4 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.76% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 35.67 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 8.12 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: areas of highest density are in the west and south; interior is sparsely populated as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization: urban population: 37.7% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 2.049 million CONAKRY (capital) (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.9 years (2018 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49
Maternal mortality ratio: 576 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 49.63 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 54.39 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 44.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.9 years

male: 62.04 years

female: 65.82 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.85 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 10.9% (2018)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.5% of population

rural: 76.9% of population

total: 85.2% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population

rural: 23.1% of population

total: 14.8% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 4% (2019)
Physicians density: 0.08 physicians/1,000 population (2016)
Hospital bed density: 0.3 beds/1,000 population (2011)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 90.9% of population

rural: 38.7% of population

total: 58% of population

unimproved: urban: 9.1% of population

rural: 61.3% of population

total: 42% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.4% (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 110,000 (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 3,300 (2020 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis

animal contact diseases: rabies

aerosolized dust or soil contact diseases: Lassa fever (2016)

note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Guinea is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 7.7% (2016)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 16.3% (2018)
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 17% (2018)

women married by age 18: 46.5% (2018)

men married by age 18: 1.9% (2018 est.)
Education expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2020)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 39.6%

male: 54.4%

female: 27.7% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 9 years

male: 10 years

female: 8 years (2014)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 7.1%

male: 6.1%

female: 7.9% (2019 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: deforestation; inadequate potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing, overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices lead to environmental damage; water pollution; improper waste disposal
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 22.43 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 3 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 11.13 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds
Land use: agricultural land: 58.1% (2018 est.)

arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 2.8% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 43.5% (2018 est.)

forest: 26.5% (2018 est.)

other: 15.4% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 37.7% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 4.81% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis

animal contact diseases: rabies

aerosolized dust or soil contact diseases: Lassa fever (2016)

note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Guinea is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine
Food insecurity: severe localized food insecurity: due to localized shortfalls of cereal production - despite overall favorable food security conditions, the most vulnerable households still need external food assistance; the aggregate number of severely food insecure people was estimated at 267,000 during the lean season between June and August 2020;  it is very likely that the number of food insecure population increased with the impact of COVID‑19 (2021)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 596,911 tons (1996 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 29,846 tons (2005 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5% (2005 est.)
Major rivers (by length in km): Niger river source (shared with Mali, and Nigeria [m]) - 4,200 km; Gambia river source (shared with Senegal and The Gambia [m]) - 1,094 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km)
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 224.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 56.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 292.9 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 226 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Guinea

conventional short form: Guinea

local long form: Republique de Guinee

local short form: Guinee

former: French Guinea

etymology: the country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel
Government type: presidential republic
Capital: name: Conakry

geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 13 42 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: according to tradition, the name derives from the fusion of the name "Cona," a Baga wine and cheese producer who lived on Tombo Island (the original site of the present-day capital), and the word "nakiri," which in Susu means "the other bank" or "the other side"; supposedly, Baga's palm grove produced the best wine on the island and people traveling to sample his vintage, would say: "I am going to Cona, on the other bank (Cona-nakiri)," which over time became Conakry
Administrative divisions: 7 regions administrative and 1 gouvenorat*; Boke, Conakry*, Faranah, Kankan, Kindia, Labe, Mamou, N'Zerekore
Independence: 2 October 1958 (from France)
National holiday: Independence Day, 2 October (1958)
Constitution: history: currently suspended on September 5, 2021 via t coup d’etat. On September 27, 2021 the Transitional Charter was released.  It supersedes the constitution until a new constitution is promulgated. previous 1958, 1990, and 2010

amendments: proposed by the National Assembly or by the president of the republic; consideration of proposals requires approval by simple majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires approval in referendum; the president can opt to submit amendments directly to the Assembly, in which case approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote; revised in 2020
Legal system: civil law system based on the French model
International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Guinea

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: na
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA (since 1 October 2021); note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government and People's National Assembly dissolved; on 1 October 2021, DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transitional president

head of government: formerly, Prime Minister Mohamed BEAVOGUI (since 6 October 2021); note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government of Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory FOFANA dissolved

cabinet: formerly, the Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note: on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup on 5 September 2021 in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government and legislature dissolved

elections/appointments: formerly, the president was directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term) and the prime minister appointed by the president; election last held on 18 October 2020; note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, and on 1 October 2021,Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transitional president

election results: in the election of 18 October 2020, Alpha CONDE reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Alpha CONDE (RPG) 59.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO (UFDG) 33.5%, other 7%; note - following the military coup of 5 September 2021, coup leader Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transitional president on 1 October 2021
Legislative branch: description: formerly the People's National Assembly;  note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government and People's National Assembly dissolved; on 22 January 2022, an 81-member Transitional National Council was installed

elections: 81 members to the Transitional National Council were appointed by the transitional president Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA on 22 January 2022; elections for a permanent legislature had not been announced as of late January 2022

election results: 81 members of the National Transitional Council appointed on 22 January 2022 by the transitional president; the members represent all of the country's socio-professional organizations and political parties
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (organized into Administrative Chamber and Civil, Penal, and Social Chamber; court consists of the first president, 2 chamber presidents, 10 councilors, the solicitor general, and NA deputies).

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court first president appointed by the national president after consultation with the National Assembly; other members appointed by presidential decree; members serve until age 65; members serve single 9-year terms

subordinate courts: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; High Court of Justice or Cour d'Assises; Court of Account (Court of Auditors); Courts of First Instance (Tribunal de Premiere Instance); labor court; military tribunal; justices of the peace; specialized courts
Political parties and leaders: Bloc Liberal or BL [Faya MILLIMONO]
National Party for Hope and Development or PEDN [Lansana KOUYATE]
Rally for the Guinean People or RPG [Vacant]
Union for the Progress of Guinea or UPG (Jacques GBONIMY)
Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea or UFDG [Cellou Dalein DIALLO]
Union of Republican Forces or UFR [Sidya TOURE]
Democratic Alliance for Renewal or ADR [Alpha Oumar Taran DIALLO]
Modern Guinea [Thierno Yaya DIALLO]
Party for Progress and Change or PPC [Aboubacar Biro SOUMAH]
Rally for the Republic or RPR [Diabaty DORE]
Democratic Union for Renewal and Progress or UDRP [Edouard Zoutomou KPOGHOMOU]
Guinean Union for Democracy and Development or UGDD [Francis HABA]
National Union for Prosperity or UNP [Alpha Mady SOUMAH]
Citizen Party for the Defense of Collective Interests or PCDIC [Hamidou BARRY]
Democratic Union of Guinea or UDG [Mamadou SYLLA]
Union of Democrats for the Renaissance of Guinea or UDRG [Amadou Oury BAH]
Party of Citizen Action through Labor or PACT [Makale TRAORE]
Union for the Defense of Republican Interests or UDIR [Bouya KONATE]
Front for the National Alliance or FAN [Makale CAMARA]
Alliance for National Renewal or ARN [Pepe Koulemou KOULEMOU]
Democratic Workers' Party of Guinea or PDTG [Talibi Dos CAMARA]
Party of Freedom and Progress or PLP [Laye Souleymane DIALLO]
Movement for Solidarity and Development or MSD [Abdoulaye DIALLO]
New Guinea or NG [Mohamed CISSE]
Guinean Party for Peaceful Coexistence and Development or PGCD [Nene Moussa Maleya CAMARA]
Guinean Rally for Unity and Development or RGUD [Abraham BOURE]
Guinean Party for Solidarity and Democracy or PGSD [Elie KAMANO]
New Political Generation or NGP [Badra KONE]
African Congress for Democracy and Renewal or CADRE [Daniel KOLIE]
Party of Democrats for Hope or PADES [Ousmane KABA]
Rally for Renaissance and Development or RRD [Abdoulaye KOUROUMA]
Democratic National Movement or MND [Ousmane DORE]
New Generation for the Republic or NGR [Abbe SYLLA]
Generation for Reconciliation Union and Prosperity or GRUP [Papa Koly KOUROUMA]
New Democratic Forces or NFD [Mouctar DIALLO]
Union for Progress and Renewal or UPR [Ousmane BAH]
National Front for Development or FND [Alhousseine Makanera KAKE]
Unity and Progress Party or PUP [Fode BANGOURA]
Rally for the Integrated Development of Guinea or RDIG [Jean Marc TELIANO]
Alliance for National Renewal or ARENA [Sekou Koureissy CONDE
Guinean Rally for Development or RGD [Abdoul Kabele CAMARA]
Guinean Renaissance Party or PGR [Ibrahima Sory CONDE]
Party of Hope for National Development or PEDN [Lansana KOUYATE]
Citizen Generation or GECI [Mohamed SOUMAH]
Union of Democratic Forces or UFD [Mamadou Baadiko BAH]
Democratic People's Movement of Guinea or MPDG [Siaka BARRY]
Guinea for Democracy and Balance or GDE [Aboubacar SOUMAH]

Ruling party

Guinea is currently lead by the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development, the transition government
(Comité national du rassemblement et du développement, CNRD)

Opposition parties

Ruling party

Guinea is currently lead by the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development, the transition government
(Comité national du rassemblement et du développement, CNRD):

Opposition parties

:
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) Chargé d’Affaires (vacant)

chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300

FAX: [1] (202) 986-3800

email address and website:
http://guineaembassyusa.org/en/welcome-to-the-embassy-of-guinea-washington-usa/
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Troy FITRELL (since January 2022)

embassy: Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry

mailing address: 2110 Conakry Place, Washington DC  20521-2110

telephone: [224] 65-10-40-00

FAX: [224] 65-10-42-97

email address and website:
ConakryACS@state.gov

https://gn.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; red represents the people's sacrifice for liberation and work; yellow stands for the sun, for the riches of the earth, and for justice; green symbolizes the country's vegetation and unity

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal
National symbol(s): elephant; national colors: red, yellow, green
National anthem: name: "Liberte" (Liberty)

lyrics/music: unknown/Fodeba KEITA

note: adopted 1958
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Guinea is a poor country of approximately 12.9 million people in 2016 that possesses the world's largest reserves of bauxite and largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserves, as well as gold and diamonds. In addition, Guinea has fertile soil, ample rainfall, and is the source of several West African rivers, including the Senegal, Niger, and Gambia. Guinea's hydro potential is enormous and the country could be a major exporter of electricity. The country also has tremendous agriculture potential. Gold, bauxite, and diamonds are Guinea’s main exports. International investors have shown interest in Guinea's unexplored mineral reserves, which have the potential to propel Guinea's future growth.Following the death of long-term President Lansana CONTE in 2008 and the coup that followed, international donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World Bank, significantly curtailed their development programs in Guinea. However, the IMF approved a 3-year Extended Credit Facility arrangement in 2012, following the December 2010 presidential elections. In September 2012, Guinea achieved Heavily Indebted Poor Countries completion point status. Future access to international assistance and investment will depend on the government’s ability to be transparent, combat corruption, reform its banking system, improve its business environment, and build infrastructure. In April 2013, the government amended its mining code to reduce taxes and royalties. In 2014, Guinea complied with requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative by publishing its mining contracts. Guinea completed its program with the IMF in October 2016 even though some targeted reforms have been delayed. Currently Guinea is negotiating a new IMF program which will be based on Guinea’s new five-year economic plan, focusing on the development of higher value-added products, including from the agro-business sector and development of the rural economy.Political instability, a reintroduction of the Ebola virus epidemic, low international commodity prices, and an enduring legacy of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of government transparency are factors that could impact Guinea’s future growth. Economic recovery will be a long process while the government adjusts to lower inflows of international donor aid following the surge of Ebola-related emergency support. Ebola stalled promising economic growth in the 2014-15 period and impeded several projects, such as offshore oil exploration and the Simandou iron ore project. The economy, however, grew by 6.6% in 2016 and 6.7% in 2017, mainly due to growth from bauxite mining and thermal energy generation as well as the resiliency of the agricultural sector. The 240-megawatt Kaleta Dam, inaugurated in September 2015, has expanded access to electricity for residents of Conakry. An combined with fears of Ebola virus, continue to undermine Guinea's economic viability.Guinea’s iron ore industry took a hit in 2016 when investors in the Simandou iron ore project announced plans to divest from the project. In 2017, agriculture output and public investment boosted economic growth, while the mining sector continued to play a prominent role in economic performance.Successive governments have failed to address the country's crumbling infrastructure. Guinea suffers from chronic electricity shortages; poor roads, rail lines and bridges; and a lack of access to clean water - all of which continue to plague economic development. The present government, led by President Alpha CONDE, is working to create an environment to attract foreign investment and hopes to have greater participation from western countries and firms in Guinea's economic development.Guinea is a poor country of approximately 12.9 million people in 2016 that possesses the world's largest reserves of bauxite and largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserves, as well as gold and diamonds. In addition, Guinea has fertile soil, ample rainfall, and is the source of several West African rivers, including the Senegal, Niger, and Gambia. Guinea's hydro potential is enormous and the country could be a major exporter of electricity. The country also has tremendous agriculture potential. Gold, bauxite, and diamonds are Guinea’s main exports. International investors have shown interest in Guinea's unexplored mineral reserves, which have the potential to propel Guinea's future growth.Following the death of long-term President Lansana CONTE in 2008 and the coup that followed, international donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World Bank, significantly curtailed their development programs in Guinea. However, the IMF approved a 3-year Extended Credit Facility arrangement in 2012, following the December 2010 presidential elections. In September 2012, Guinea achieved Heavily Indebted Poor Countries completion point status. Future access to international assistance and investment will depend on the government’s ability to be transparent, combat corruption, reform its banking system, improve its business environment, and build infrastructure. In April 2013, the government amended its mining code to reduce taxes and royalties. In 2014, Guinea complied with requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative by publishing its mining contracts. Guinea completed its program with the IMF in October 2016 even though some targeted reforms have been delayed. Currently Guinea is negotiating a new IMF program which will be based on Guinea’s new five-year economic plan, focusing on the development of higher value-added products, including from the agro-business sector and development of the rural economy.Political instability, a reintroduction of the Ebola virus epidemic, low international commodity prices, and an enduring legacy of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of government transparency are factors that could impact Guinea’s future growth. Economic recovery will be a long process while the government adjusts to lower inflows of international donor aid following the surge of Ebola-related emergency support. Ebola stalled promising economic growth in the 2014-15 period and impeded several projects, such as offshore oil exploration and the Simandou iron ore project. The economy, however, grew by 6.6% in 2016 and 6.7% in 2017, mainly due to growth from bauxite mining and thermal energy generation as well as the resiliency of the agricultural sector. The 240-megawatt Kaleta Dam, inaugurated in September 2015, has expanded access to electricity for residents of Conakry. An combined with fears of Ebola virus, continue to undermine Guinea's economic viability.Guinea’s iron ore industry took a hit in 2016 when investors in the Simandou iron ore project announced plans to divest from the project. In 2017, agriculture output and public investment boosted economic growth, while the mining sector continued to play a prominent role in economic performance.Successive governments have failed to address the country's crumbling infrastructure. Guinea suffers from chronic electricity shortages; poor roads, rail lines and bridges; and a lack of access to clean water - all of which continue to plague economic development. The present government, led by President Alpha CONDE, is working to create an environment to attract foreign investment and hopes to have greater participation from western countries and firms in Guinea's economic development.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $35.08 billion (2020 est.)

$32.78 billion (2019 est.)

$31.03 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 8.2% (2017 est.)

10.5% (2016 est.)

3.8% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $2,700 (2020 est.)

$2,600 (2019 est.)

$2,500 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $13.55 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.4% (2019 est.)

9.8% (2018 est.)

8.9% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 19.8% (2017 est.)

industry: 32.1% (2017 est.)

services: 48.1% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 80.8% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 6.6% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 9.1% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 18.5% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 21.9% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -36.9% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: rice, cassava, groundnuts, maize, oil palm fruit, fonio, plantains, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, vegetables
Industries: bauxite, gold, diamonds, iron ore; light manufacturing, agricultural processing
Industrial production growth rate: 11% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 5.558 million (2017 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 76%

industry: 24% (2006 est.)
Unemployment rate: 2.7% (2017 est.)

2.8% (2016 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 7.1%

male: 6.1%

female: 7.9% (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line: 43.7% (2018 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 33.7 (2012 est.)

40.3 (1994)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 30.3% (2007)
Budget: revenues: 1.7 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 1.748 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 37.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

41.8% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 16.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: -$705 million (2017 est.)

-$2.705 billion (2016 est.)
Exports: $4.04 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2019 est.)

$4.08 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2018 est.)

$4.733 billion (2017 est.)
Exports - partners: United Arab Emirates 39%, China 36%, India 6% (2019)
Exports - commodities: aluminum, gold, bauxite, diamonds, fish, cashews (2019)
Imports: $4.32 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2019 est.)

$4.18 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2018 est.)

$7.317 billion (2017 est.)
Imports - partners: China 39%, India 8%, Netherlands 6%, Belgium 5%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: rice, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, delivery trucks, cars (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $331.8 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$383.4 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $1.458 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.462 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: Guinean francs (GNF) per US dollar -

9,953 (2020 est.)

9,542.5 (2019 est.)

9,092 (2018 est.)

7,485.5 (2014 est.)

7,014.1 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 46% (2019)

electrification - urban areas: 84% (2019)

electrification - rural areas: 24% (2019)
Electricity - production: 598 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 556.1 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 550,000 kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 33% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 67% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 19,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 18,460 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 0 (2018)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2018 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 14.01 million (2022)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 102.4 (2022 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Guinea’s mobile subscribership growing through investment of South African telecom operators and Chinese Huawei management; m-transactions supported commerce; broadband still limited and expensive though submarine cable and IXP improved reliability of infrastructure; 4G Wi-Fi in the capital; National Backbone Network will connect regional administrative centers; ECOWAS countries to launch free roaming; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020)

domestic: there is national coverage and Conakry is reasonably well-served; coverage elsewhere remains inadequate but is improving; fixed-line teledensity is less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is just over 100 per 100 persons (2019)

international: country code - 224; ACE submarine cable connecting Guinea with 20 landing points in Western and South Africa and Europe; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: Government maintains marginal control over broadcast media; single state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also operates several stations in rural areas; a dozen private television stations; a steadily increasing number of privately owned radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community radio stations; foreign TV programming available via satellite and cable subscription services  (2022)Government maintains marginal control over broadcast media; single state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also operates several stations in rural areas; a dozen private television stations; a steadily increasing number of privately owned radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community radio stations; foreign TV programming available via satellite and cable subscription services
Internet country code: .gn
Internet users: total: 3.15 million (2022 est.)

percent of population: 23% (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,000 (2021 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.01 less than 1 (2021)

Topic: Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 3X
Airports: total: 16 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2021)
Railways: total: 1,086 km (2017)

standard gauge: 279 km 1.435-m gauge (2017)

narrow gauge: 807 km 1.000-m gauge (2017)
Roadways: total: 44,301 km (2018)

paved: 3,346 km (2018)

unpaved: 40,955 km (2018)
Waterways: 1,300 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft in the northern part of the Niger River system) (2011)
Merchant marine: total: 2

by type: other 2 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Conakry, Kamsar

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: National Armed Forces: Army, Guinean Navy (Armee de Mer or Marine Guineenne), Guinean Air Force (Force Aerienne de Guinee), Presidential Security Battalion (Battailon Autonome de la Sécurité Presidentielle, BASP), Gendarmerie (2021)

note - the National Gendarmerie is overseen by the Ministry of Defense, while the National Police is under the Ministry of Security; the Gendarmerie and National Police share responsibility for internal security, but only the Gendarmerie can arrest police or military officials
Military expenditures: 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)

1.6% of GDP (approximately $270 million) (2019 est.)

1.8% of GDP (approximately $280 million) (2018 est.)

1.8% of GDP (approximately $260 million) (2017 est.)

1.9% of GDP (approximately $240 million) (2016 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths: Guinean National Armed Forces are comprised of approximately 12,000 active personnel
(9,000 Army; 400 Navy; 800 Air Force; 300 BASP; 1,500 Gendarmerie) (2021)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Guinean military consists largely of ageing and outdated (mostly Soviet-era) equipment; since 2010, it has received small amounts of equipment from China, France, Russia, and South Africa (2021)
Military service age and obligation: Voluntary and selective conscripted service, 9-24 mos (2021)
Military deployments: 670 Mali (MINUSMA) (Jan 2022)
Military - note: the Army is responsible for external defense, but also has some domestic security responsibilities; piracy and natural resource protection in the Gulf of Guinea are key areas of concern for the small Navy, which possesses only a few patrol boatsthe Army is responsible for external defense, but also has some domestic security responsibilities; piracy and natural resource protection in the Gulf of Guinea are key areas of concern for the small Navy, which possesses only a few patrol boats
Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea remain a very high risk for piracy and armed robbery of ships; in 2021, there were 34 reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea region; although a significant decrease from the total number of 81 incidents in 2020, it included the one hijacking and three of five ships fired upon worldwide; while boarding and attempted boarding to steal valuables from ships and crews are the most common types of incidents, almost a third of all incidents involve a hijacking and/or kidnapping; in 2021, 57 crew members were kidnapped in seven separate incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, representing 100% of kidnappings worldwide; Nigerian pirates in particular are well armed and very aggressive, operating as far as 200 nm offshore; the Maritime Administration of the US Department of Transportation has issued a Maritime Advisory (2022-001 - Gulf of Guinea-Piracy/Armed Robbery/Kidnapping for Ransom) effective 4 January 2022, which states in part, "Piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom continue to serve as significant threats to US-flagged vessels transiting or operating in the Gulf of Guinea"

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa Rivers excessive and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands, including the hamlet of Yenga, occupied since 1998Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa Rivers excessive and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands, including the hamlet of Yenga, occupied since 1998
Trafficking in persons: current situation: Guinea is a source, transit, and, to a lesser extent, a destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the majority of trafficking victims are Guinean children; Guinean girls are subjected to domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation, while boys are forced to beg, work as street vendors, shoe shiners, or miners; some Guinean children are forced to mine in Senegal, Mali, and possibly other West African countries; Guinean women and girls are subjected to domestic servitude and sex trafficking in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Senegal, Greece, and Spain, while Chinese and Vietnamese women are reportedly forced into prostitution in Guinea

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Guinea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however it is making significant efforts to do so; the government  drafted a new anti-trafficking action plan, provided support to eight victims exploited in the Middle East, and incorporated anti-trafficking training into the law enforcement curriculum; however, the government did not overall increase efforts compared to the last rating period; investigations and prosecutions of trafficking crimes decreased, victim identification was inadequate, and NGO’s providing victim services did not receive government support; for the fourth year, resources for the anti-trafficking committee or the Office for the Protection of Gender, Children and Morals were inadequate; a Quranic teacher was not prosecuted for allegedly forcing child begging; Guinea was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020)


This entry, which appears only in the European Union, Government category, provides the full name and abbreviation for the European Union.

Topic: European Unionconventional long form: European Union

abbreviation: EU


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Chad due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate: [235] 2251-5017; US Embassy N’Djamena, B.P. 413, N’Djamena, Chad; https://td.usembassy.gov/; NdjamenaACS@state.gov
Telephone Code: 235
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 997; Fire: 998; Police: 999
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical in south, desert in north
Currency (Code): Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Central francs (Central African CFA franc, XAF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, E, F

Major Languages: French , Arabic, Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects
Major Religions: Muslim 52.1%, Protestant 23.9%, Roman Catholic 20%, animist 0.3%, other Christian 0.2%
Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Chad National Museum; Zakouma National Park; Lakes of Ounianga; Ennedi Massif
Major Sports: Soccer, boxing, wrestling
Cultural Practices: All photography requires a government permit. Taking photos of military sites, official buildings, and airports is strictly prohibited, even with a permit.
Tipping Guidelines: Service charges are not usually included in restaurants and tips of 10% for waiters are acceptable. Taxi fares should be rounded up if the service is good.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, March 30, 2022


Topic: Photos of British Indian Ocean Territory

Topic: Introduction
Background: Formerly administered as part of the British Crown Colony of Mauritius, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was established as an overseas territory of the UK in 1965. A number of the islands of the territory were later transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. Only Diego Garcia, the largest and most southerly of the islands, is inhabited. It contains a joint UK-US naval support facility and hosts one of four dedicated ground antennas that assist in the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system (the others are on Kwajalein (Marshall Islands), at Cape Canaveral, Florida (US), and on Ascension Island (Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha)). The US Air Force also operates a telescope array on Diego Garcia as part of the Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance System (GEODSS) for tracking orbital debris, which can be a hazard to spacecraft and astronauts. Between 1967 and 1973, former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius, but also to the Seychelles. Negotiations between 1971 and 1982 resulted in the establishment of a trust fund by the British Government as compensation for the displaced islanders, known as Chagossians. Beginning in 1998, the islanders pursued a series of lawsuits against the British Government seeking further compensation and the right to return to the territory. In 2006 and 2007, British court rulings invalidated the immigration policies contained in the 2004 BIOT Constitution Order that had excluded the islanders from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia. In 2008, the House of Lords, as the final court of appeal in the UK, ruled in favor of the British Government by overturning the lower court rulings and finding no right of return for the Chagossians. In March 2015, the Permanent Court of Arbitration unanimously held that the marine protected area (MPA) that the UK declared around the Chagos Archipelago in April 2010 was in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

In February 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled in an advisory opinion that Britain’s decolonization of Mauritius was not completed lawfully because of continued Chagossian claims. A non-binding May 2019 UN General Assembly vote demanded that Britain end its “colonial administration” of the Chagos Archipelago and that it be returned to Mauritius. UK officials defend Britain's sovereignty over the islands and argue that the issue is a bilateral dispute between Mauritius and the UK that does not warrant international intervention.

Formerly administered as part of the British Crown Colony of Mauritius, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was established as an overseas territory of the UK in 1965. A number of the islands of the territory were later transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. Only Diego Garcia, the largest and most southerly of the islands, is inhabited. It contains a joint UK-US naval support facility and hosts one of four dedicated ground antennas that assist in the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system (the others are on Kwajalein (Marshall Islands), at Cape Canaveral, Florida (US), and on Ascension Island (Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha)). The US Air Force also operates a telescope array on Diego Garcia as part of the Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance System (GEODSS) for tracking orbital debris, which can be a hazard to spacecraft and astronauts.Between 1967 and 1973, former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius, but also to the Seychelles. Negotiations between 1971 and 1982 resulted in the establishment of a trust fund by the British Government as compensation for the displaced islanders, known as Chagossians. Beginning in 1998, the islanders pursued a series of lawsuits against the British Government seeking further compensation and the right to return to the territory. In 2006 and 2007, British court rulings invalidated the immigration policies contained in the 2004 BIOT Constitution Order that had excluded the islanders from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia. In 2008, the House of Lords, as the final court of appeal in the UK, ruled in favor of the British Government by overturning the lower court rulings and finding no right of return for the Chagossians. In March 2015, the Permanent Court of Arbitration unanimously held that the marine protected area (MPA) that the UK declared around the Chagos Archipelago in April 2010 was in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

In February 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled in an advisory opinion that Britain’s decolonization of Mauritius was not completed lawfully because of continued Chagossian claims. A non-binding May 2019 UN General Assembly vote demanded that Britain end its “colonial administration” of the Chagos Archipelago and that it be returned to Mauritius. UK officials defend Britain's sovereignty over the islands and argue that the issue is a bilateral dispute between Mauritius and the UK that does not warrant international intervention.

Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: archipelago in the Indian Ocean, south of India, about halfway between Africa and Indonesia
Geographic coordinates: 6 00 S, 71 30 E;note - Diego Garcia 7 20 S, 72 25 E
Map references: Political Map of the World
Area: total: 60 sq km

land: 60 sq km (44 Diego Garcia)

water: 54,340 sq km

note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago of 55 islands
Area - comparative: land area is about one-third the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 698 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

Environment (Protection and Preservation) Zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds
Terrain: flat and low (most areas do not exceed two m in elevation)
Elevation: highest point: ocean-side dunes on Diego Garcia 9 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Natural resources: coconuts, fish, sugarcane
Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.)

arable land: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)

forest: 0% (2018 est.)

other: 100% (2018 est.)
Natural hazards: none; located outside routes of Indian Ocean cyclones
Geography - note: note 1: archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, the largest and southernmost island, occupies a strategic location in the central Indian Ocean; the island is the site of a joint US-UK military facility note 2: Diego Garcia is the only inhabited island of the BIOT and one of only two British territories where traffic drives on the right, the other being Gibraltarnote 1: archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, the largest and southernmost island, occupies a strategic location in the central Indian Ocean; the island is the site of a joint US-UK military facilitynote 2: Diego Garcia is the only inhabited island of the BIOT and one of only two British territories where traffic drives on the right, the other being Gibraltar

Topic: People and Society
Population: no indigenous inhabitants

note: approximately 1,200 former agricultural workers resident in the Chagos Archipelago, often referred to as Chagossians or Ilois, were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles in the 1960s and 1970s; approximately 3,000 UK and US military personnel and civilian contractors living on the island of Diego Garcia (2018)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA

15-24 years: NA

25-54 years: NA

55-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA

youth dependency ratio: NA

elderly dependency ratio: NA

potential support ratio: NA
Birth rate: NA
Death rate: NA
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA
Current Health Expenditure: NA
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: NA

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: wastewater discharge into the lagoon on Diego Garcia
Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds
Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.)

arable land: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)

forest: 0% (2018 est.)

other: 100% (2018 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: British Indian Ocean Territory

conventional short form: none

abbreviation: BIOT

etymology: self-descriptive name specifying the territory's affiliation and location
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London
Legal system: the laws of the UK apply where applicable
Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Commissioner Ben MERRICK (since August 2017); Administrator Kit PYMAN; note - both reside in the UK and are represented by Commander Steven R. DRYSDALE, RN, commanding British Forces on Diego Garcia (since 19 February 2021)

cabinet: NA

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; commissioner and administrator appointed by the monarch
International organization participation: UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK)
Flag description: white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown (the symbols of the territory) centered on the outer half of the flag; the wavy stripes represent the Indian Ocean; although not officially described, the six blue stripes may stand for the six main atolls of the archipelago

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where a joint UK-US military facility is located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installation are performed by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. Some of the natural resources found in this territory include coconuts, fish, and sugarcane.
Exchange rates: the US dollar is usedthe US dollar is used

Topic: Communications
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: separate facilities for military and public needs are available (2018)

domestic: all commercial telephone services are available, including connection to the Internet (2018)

international: country code (Diego Garcia) - 246; landing point for the SAFE submarine cable that provides direct connectivity to Africa, Asia and near-by Indian Ocean island countries; international telephone service is carried by satellite (2019)
Broadcast media: Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) broadcasts over 3 separate frequencies for US and UK military personnel stationed on the islands
Internet country code: .io
Communications - note: Diego Garcia hosts one of four dedicated ground antennas that assist in the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system (the others are on Kwajalein (Marshall Islands), at Cape Canaveral, Florida (US), and on Ascension Island (Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha))

Topic: Transportation
Airports: total: 1 (2020)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2019)
Roadways: note: short section of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcianote: short section of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Diego Garcia

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular military forces
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK; in November 2016, the UK extended the US lease on Diego Garcia for 20 years; the lease now expires in December 2036

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Mauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Islands; negotiations between 1971 and 1982 resulted in the establishment of a trust fund by the British Government as compensation for the displaced islanders, known as Chagossians, who were evicted between 1967-73; in 2001, the former inhabitants of the archipelago were granted UK citizenship and the right of return; in 2006 and 2007, British court rulings invalidated the immigration policies contained in the 2004 BIOT Constitution Order that had excluded the islanders from the archipelago; in 2008 a House of Lords' decision overturned lower court rulings, once again denying the right of return to Chagossians; in addition, the UK created the world's largest marine protection area around the Chagos islands prohibiting the extraction of any natural resources thereinMauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Islands; negotiations between 1971 and 1982 resulted in the establishment of a trust fund by the British Government as compensation for the displaced islanders, known as Chagossians, who were evicted between 1967-73; in 2001, the former inhabitants of the archipelago were granted UK citizenship and the right of return; in 2006 and 2007, British court rulings invalidated the immigration policies contained in the 2004 BIOT Constitution Order that had excluded the islanders from the archipelago; in 2008 a House of Lords' decision overturned lower court rulings, once again denying the right of return to Chagossians; in addition, the UK created the world's largest marine protection area around the Chagos islands prohibiting the extraction of any natural resources therein


This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the centroid or center point of a country expressed in degrees and minutes; it is based on the locations provided in the Geographic Names Server (GNS), maintained by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency on behalf of the US Board on Geographic Names.

Topic: Afghanistan33 00 N, 65 00 E

Topic: Akrotiri34 37 N, 32 58 E

Topic: Albania41 00 N, 20 00 E

Topic: Algeria28 00 N, 3 00 E

Topic: American Samoa14 20 S, 170 00 W

Topic: Andorra42 30 N, 1 30 E

Topic: Angola12 30 S, 18 30 E

Topic: Anguilla18 15 N, 63 10 W

Topic: Antarctica90 00 S, 0 00 E

Topic: Antigua and Barbuda17 03 N, 61 48 W

Topic: Arctic Ocean90 00 N, 0 00 E

Topic: Argentina34 00 S, 64 00 W

Topic: Armenia40 00 N, 45 00 E

Topic: Aruba12 30 N, 69 58 W

Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islands12 25 S, 123 20 E

note - Ashmore Reef - 12 14 S, 123 05 E; Cartier Islet - 12 32 S, 123 32 E

Topic: Atlantic Ocean0 00 N, 25 00 W

Topic: Australia27 00 S, 133 00 E

Topic: Austria47 20 N, 13 20 E

Topic: Azerbaijan40 30 N, 47 30 E

Topic: Bahamas, The24 15 N, 76 00 W

Topic: Bahrain26 00 N, 50 33 E

Topic: Bangladesh24 00 N, 90 00 E

Topic: Barbados13 10 N, 59 32 W

Topic: Belarus53 00 N, 28 00 E

Topic: Belgium50 50 N, 4 00 E

Topic: Belize17 15 N, 88 45 W

Topic: Benin9 30 N, 2 15 E

Topic: Bermuda32 20 N, 64 45 W

Topic: Bhutan27 30 N, 90 30 E

Topic: Bolivia17 00 S, 65 00 W

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina44 00 N, 18 00 E

Topic: Botswana22 00 S, 24 00 E

Topic: Bouvet Island54 26 S, 3 24 E

Topic: Brazil10 00 S, 55 00 W

Topic: British Indian Ocean Territory6 00 S, 71 30 E;note - Diego Garcia 7 20 S, 72 25 E

Topic: British Virgin Islands18 30 N, 64 30 W

Topic: Brunei4 30 N, 114 40 E

Topic: Bulgaria43 00 N, 25 00 E

Topic: Burkina Faso13 00 N, 2 00 W

Topic: Burma22 00 N, 98 00 E

Topic: Burundi3 30 S, 30 00 E

Topic: Cabo Verde16 00 N, 24 00 W

Topic: Cambodia13 00 N, 105 00 E

Topic: Cameroon6 00 N, 12 00 E

Topic: Canada60 00 N, 95 00 W

Topic: Cayman Islands19 30 N, 80 30 W

Topic: Central African Republic7 00 N, 21 00 E

Topic: Chad15 00 N, 19 00 E

Topic: Chile30 00 S, 71 00 W

Topic: China35 00 N, 105 00 E

Topic: Christmas Island10 30 S, 105 40 E

Topic: Clipperton Island10 17 N, 109 13 W

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islands12 30 S, 96 50 E

Topic: Colombia4 00 N, 72 00 W

Topic: Comoros12 10 S, 44 15 E

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the0 00 N, 25 00 E

Topic: Congo, Republic of the1 00 S, 15 00 E

Topic: Cook Islands21 14 S, 159 46 W

Topic: Coral Sea Islands18 00 S, 152 00 E

Topic: Costa Rica10 00 N, 84 00 W

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire8 00 N, 5 00 W

Topic: Croatia45 10 N, 15 30 E

Topic: Cuba21 30 N, 80 00 W

Topic: Curacao12 10 N, 69 00 W12 10 N, 69 00 W

Topic: Cyprus35 00 N, 33 00 E

Topic: Czechia49 45 N, 15 30 E

Topic: Denmark56 00 N, 10 00 E

Topic: Dhekelia34 59 N, 33 45 E

Topic: Djibouti11 30 N, 43 00 E

Topic: Dominica15 25 N, 61 20 W

Topic: Dominican Republic19 00 N, 70 40 W

Topic: Ecuador2 00 S, 77 30 W

Topic: Egypt27 00 N, 30 00 E

Topic: El Salvador13 50 N, 88 55 W

Topic: Equatorial Guinea2 00 N, 10 00 E

Topic: Eritrea15 00 N, 39 00 E

Topic: Estonia59 00 N, 26 00 E

Topic: Eswatini26 30 S, 31 30 E

Topic: Ethiopia8 00 N, 38 00 E

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)51 45 S, 59 00 W

Topic: Faroe Islands62 00 N, 7 00 W

Topic: Fiji18 00 S, 175 00 E

Topic: Finland64 00 N, 26 00 E

Topic: Francemetropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E; French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W; Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W; Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W; Mayotte: 12 50 S, 45 10 E; Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 Emetropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E; French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W; Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W; Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W; Mayotte: 12 50 S, 45 10 E; Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 E

Topic: French Polynesia15 00 S, 140 00 W

Topic: French Southern and Antarctic LandsIle Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 37 50 S, 77 32 E; Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 38 72 S, 77 53 E; Iles Crozet: 46 25 S, 51 00 E; Iles Kerguelen: 49 15 S, 69 35 E; Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 21 30 S, 39 50 E; Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22 20 S, 40 22 E; Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 11 30 S, 47 20 E; Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 17 03 S, 42 45 E; Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 15 52 S, 54 25 EIle Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 37 50 S, 77 32 E; Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 38 72 S, 77 53 E; Iles Crozet: 46 25 S, 51 00 E; Iles Kerguelen: 49 15 S, 69 35 E; Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 21 30 S, 39 50 E; Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22 20 S, 40 22 E; Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 11 30 S, 47 20 E; Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 17 03 S, 42 45 E; Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 15 52 S, 54 25 E

Topic: Gabon1 00 S, 11 45 E

Topic: Gambia, The13 28 N, 16 34 W

Topic: Gaza Strip31 25 N, 34 20 E

Topic: Georgia42 00 N, 43 30 E

Topic: Germany51 00 N, 9 00 E

Topic: Ghana8 00 N, 2 00 W

Topic: Gibraltar36 08 N, 5 21 W

Topic: Greece39 00 N, 22 00 E

Topic: Greenland72 00 N, 40 00 W

Topic: Grenada12 07 N, 61 40 W

Topic: Guam13 28 N, 144 47 E

Topic: Guatemala15 30 N, 90 15 W

Topic: Guernsey49 28 N, 2 35 W

Topic: Guinea11 00 N, 10 00 W

Topic: Guinea-Bissau12 00 N, 15 00 W

Topic: Guyana5 00 N, 59 00 W

Topic: Haiti19 00 N, 72 25 W

Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islands53 06 S, 72 31 E

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)41 54 N, 12 27 E

Topic: Honduras15 00 N, 86 30 W

Topic: Hong Kong22 15 N, 114 10 E

Topic: Hungary47 00 N, 20 00 E

Topic: Iceland65 00 N, 18 00 W

Topic: India20 00 N, 77 00 E

Topic: Indian Ocean20 00 S, 80 00 E

Topic: Indonesia5 00 S, 120 00 E

Topic: Iran32 00 N, 53 00 E

Topic: Iraq33 00 N, 44 00 E

Topic: Ireland53 00 N, 8 00 W

Topic: Isle of Man54 15 N, 4 30 W

Topic: Israel31 30 N, 34 45 E

Topic: Italy42 50 N, 12 50 E

Topic: Jamaica18 15 N, 77 30 W

Topic: Jan Mayen71 00 N, 8 00 W

Topic: Japan36 00 N, 138 00 E

Topic: Jersey49 15 N, 2 10 W

Topic: Jordan31 00 N, 36 00 E

Topic: Kazakhstan48 00 N, 68 00 E

Topic: Kenya1 00 N, 38 00 E

Topic: Kiribati1 25 N, 173 00 E

Topic: Korea, North40 00 N, 127 00 E

Topic: Korea, South37 00 N, 127 30 E

Topic: Kosovo42 35 N, 21 00 E

Topic: Kuwait29 30 N, 45 45 E

Topic: Kyrgyzstan41 00 N, 75 00 E

Topic: Laos18 00 N, 105 00 E

Topic: Latvia57 00 N, 25 00 E

Topic: Lebanon33 50 N, 35 50 E

Topic: Lesotho29 30 S, 28 30 E

Topic: Liberia6 30 N, 9 30 W

Topic: Libya25 00 N, 17 00 E

Topic: Liechtenstein47 16 N, 9 32 E

Topic: Lithuania56 00 N, 24 00 E

Topic: Luxembourg49 45 N, 6 10 E

Topic: Macau22 10 N, 113 33 E

Topic: Madagascar20 00 S, 47 00 E

Topic: Malawi13 30 S, 34 00 E

Topic: Malaysia2 30 N, 112 30 E

Topic: Maldives3 15 N, 73 00 E

Topic: Mali17 00 N, 4 00 W

Topic: Malta35 50 N, 14 35 E

Topic: Marshall Islands9 00 N, 168 00 E

Topic: Mauritania20 00 N, 12 00 W

Topic: Mauritius20 17 S, 57 33 E

Topic: Mexico23 00 N, 102 00 W

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of6 55 N, 158 15 E

Topic: Moldova47 00 N, 29 00 E

Topic: Monaco43 44 N, 7 24 E

Topic: Mongolia46 00 N, 105 00 E

Topic: Montenegro42 30 N, 19 18 E

Topic: Montserrat16 45 N, 62 12 W

Topic: Morocco28 30 N, 10 00 W

Topic: Mozambique18 15 S, 35 00 E

Topic: Namibia22 00 S, 17 00 E

Topic: Nauru0 32 S, 166 55 E

Topic: Navassa Island18 25 N, 75 02 W

Topic: Nepal28 00 N, 84 00 E

Topic: Netherlands52 31 N, 5 46 E

Topic: New Caledonia21 30 S, 165 30 E

Topic: New Zealand41 00 S, 174 00 E

Topic: Nicaragua13 00 N, 85 00 W

Topic: Niger16 00 N, 8 00 E

Topic: Nigeria10 00 N, 8 00 E

Topic: Niue19 02 S, 169 52 W

Topic: Norfolk Island29 02 S, 167 57 E

Topic: North Macedonia41 50 N, 22 00 E

Topic: Northern Mariana Islands15 12 N, 145 45 E

Topic: Norway62 00 N, 10 00 E

Topic: Oman21 00 N, 57 00 E

Topic: Pacific Ocean0 00 N, 160 00 W

Topic: Pakistan30 00 N, 70 00 E

Topic: Palau7 30 N, 134 30 E

Topic: Panama9 00 N, 80 00 W

Topic: Papua New Guinea6 00 S, 147 00 E

Topic: Paracel Islands16 30 N, 112 00 E

Topic: Paraguay23 00 S, 58 00 W

Topic: Peru10 00 S, 76 00 W

Topic: Philippines13 00 N, 122 00 E

Topic: Pitcairn Islands25 04 S, 130 06 W

Topic: Poland52 00 N, 20 00 E

Topic: Portugal39 30 N, 8 00 W

Topic: Puerto Rico18 15 N, 66 30 W

Topic: Qatar25 30 N, 51 15 E

Topic: Romania46 00 N, 25 00 E

Topic: Russia60 00 N, 100 00 E

Topic: Rwanda2 00 S, 30 00 E

Topic: Saint Barthelemy17 90 N, 62 85 W

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaSaint Helena: 15 57 S, 5 42 W; Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W; Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 WSaint Helena: 15 57 S, 5 42 W; Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W; Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 W

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis17 20 N, 62 45 W

Topic: Saint Lucia13 53 N, 60 58 W

Topic: Saint Martin18 05 N, 63 57 W

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon46 50 N, 56 20 W

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines13 15 N, 61 12 W

Topic: Samoa13 35 S, 172 20 W

Topic: San Marino43 46 N, 12 25 E

Topic: Sao Tome and Principe1 00 N, 7 00 E

Topic: Saudi Arabia25 00 N, 45 00 E

Topic: Senegal14 00 N, 14 00 W

Topic: Serbia44 00 N, 21 00 E

Topic: Seychelles4 35 S, 55 40 E

Topic: Sierra Leone8 30 N, 11 30 W

Topic: Singapore1 22 N, 103 48 E

Topic: Sint Maarten18 4 N, 63 4 W18 4 N, 63 4 W

Topic: Slovakia48 40 N, 19 30 E

Topic: Slovenia46 07 N, 14 49 E

Topic: Solomon Islands8 00 S, 159 00 E

Topic: Somalia10 00 N, 49 00 E

Topic: South Africa29 00 S, 24 00 E

Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands54 30 S, 37 00 W

Topic: South Sudan8 00 N, 30 00 E

Topic: Southern Ocean60 00 S, 90 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude

Topic: Spain40 00 N, 4 00 W

Topic: Spratly Islands8 38 N, 111 55 E

Topic: Sri Lanka7 00 N, 81 00 E

Topic: Sudan15 00 N, 30 00 E

Topic: Suriname4 00 N, 56 00 W

Topic: Svalbard78 00 N, 20 00 E

Topic: Sweden62 00 N, 15 00 E

Topic: Switzerland47 00 N, 8 00 E

Topic: Syria35 00 N, 38 00 E

Topic: Taiwan23 30 N, 121 00 E

Topic: Tajikistan39 00 N, 71 00 E

Topic: Tanzania6 00 S, 35 00 E

Topic: Thailand15 00 N, 100 00 E

Topic: Timor-Leste8 50 S, 125 55 E

Topic: Togo8 00 N, 1 10 E

Topic: Tokelau9 00 S, 172 00 W

Topic: Tonga20 00 S, 175 00 W

Topic: Trinidad and Tobago11 00 N, 61 00 W

Topic: Tunisia34 00 N, 9 00 E

Topic: Turkey39 00 N, 35 00 E

Topic: Turkmenistan40 00 N, 60 00 E

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands21 45 N, 71 35 W

Topic: Tuvalu8 00 S, 178 00 E

Topic: Uganda1 00 N, 32 00 E

Topic: Ukraine49 00 N, 32 00 E

Topic: United Arab Emirates24 00 N, 54 00 E

Topic: United Kingdom54 00 N, 2 00 W

Topic: United States38 00 N, 97 00 W

Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife RefugesBaker Island: 0 13 N, 176 28 W; Howland Island: 0 48 N, 176 38 W; Jarvis Island: 0 23 S, 160 01 W; Johnston Atoll: 16 45 N, 169 31 W; Kingman Reef: 6 23 N, 162 25 W; Midway Islands: 28 12 N, 177 22 W; Palmyra Atoll: 5 53 N, 162 05 WBaker Island: 0 13 N, 176 28 W; Howland Island: 0 48 N, 176 38 W; Jarvis Island: 0 23 S, 160 01 W; Johnston Atoll: 16 45 N, 169 31 W; Kingman Reef: 6 23 N, 162 25 W; Midway Islands: 28 12 N, 177 22 W; Palmyra Atoll: 5 53 N, 162 05 W

Topic: Uruguay33 00 S, 56 00 W

Topic: Uzbekistan41 00 N, 64 00 E

Topic: Vanuatu16 00 S, 167 00 E

Topic: Venezuela8 00 N, 66 00 W

Topic: Vietnam16 10 N, 107 50 E

Topic: Virgin Islands18 20 N, 64 50 W

Topic: Wake Island19 17 N, 166 39 E

Topic: Wallis and Futuna13 18 S, 176 12 W

Topic: West Bank32 00 N, 35 15 E

Topic: Yemen15 00 N, 48 00 E

Topic: Zambia15 00 S, 30 00 E

Topic: Zimbabwe20 00 S, 30 00 E