Ruled by strong-arm leaders since independence, Guinea has been seen as a bulwark against instability in neighbouring Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast. However it has also been implicated in the conflicts that have ravaged the region.

OVERVIEW

After independence in 1958 Guinea severed ties with France and turned to the Soviet Union. The first president, Ahmed Sekou Toure, pursued a revolutionary socialist agenda and crushed political opposition. Tens of thousands of people disappeared, or were tortured and executed, during his 26-year regime.

Economic mismanagement and repression culminated in riots in 1977. These led to some relaxation of state control of the economy.

But it was only after the death in 1984 of Ahmed Sekou Toure, and the seizure of power by Lansana Conte and other officers, that the socialist experiment was abandoned - without reversing poverty.

In 2000 Guinea became home to up to half a million refugees fleeing fighting in Sierra Leone and Liberia. This increased the strain on its economy and generated suspicion and ethnic tension, amid mutual accusations of attempts at destabilisation and border attacks.

Acute economic problems, instability among its neighbours and uncertainty over a successor to its authoritarian president have prompted a European think-tank, the International Crisis Group, to warn that Guinea risks becoming a "failed state".

FACTS

• Population: 8.8 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Conakry
• Area: 245,857 sq km (94,926 sq miles)
• Major languages: French, various tribal languages
• Major religions: Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs
• Life expectancy: 53 years (men), 54 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 Guinean franc = 100 centimes
• Main exports: Bauxite, alumina, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural products
• GNI per capita: US $430 (World Bank, 2005)
• Internet domain: .gn
• International dialling code: +224

LEADERS

President: Lansana Conte

Lansana Conte seized power in a bloodless coup in 1984 and has ruled with an iron fist ever since. In 2003 he won a third term in a poll which was boycotted by the opposition.

President Conte won a third term in 2003

Voters in a referendum had backed the removal of a two-term limit which would have forced him to retire. Critics said the move was a constitutional coup which would ensure that he remained president for life.

Mr Conte says he was born in the 1930s. After serving in the French army he returned home and became chief of staff in 1975.

He seized power after President Sekou Toure's death in 1984, suspended the constitution, freed political prisoners and encouraged exiles to return.

By 1992 he had organised a return to civilian rule, proceeding to win a presidential poll in 1993 and parliamentary elections in 1995.

Critics say he has lost popularity and has become increasingly isolated. Supporters say he has won a war against dissidents.

Mr Conte, who is a diabetic and a chain smoker, rarely makes public appearances. There is no obvious successor to the ailing leader.