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Guinea-Conakry  Why children in Guinea need your helpWhile Guinea holds half of the world's bauxite reserves, and other natural resources, it remains one of the world's 20 poorest countries.
Almost half of the population lives below the poverty line, and literacy levels are extremely low, with only one in three adults able to read or write. Thirty per cent of children do not attend school at all, and one in five children under five years is underweight for their age. Country factsThe Gambia achieved independence from France in 1958, and has had only two leaders since. After the death of first president Sekou Toure, Lansana Conte seized power in a military coupe, and has remained as president for over twenty years. However, since 2006 the deterioration in economic conditions, and allegations of government corruption have resulted in widespread strike action and public complaint. Currently, Conte has chosen no successor to his role.
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Located in western
Africa, Guinea borders war-torn Sierra Leone and Liberia. As
refugees from neighboring countries pour in, the economy of
Guinea has faltered under the strain - in 2000, becoming home to
almost half a million refugees fleeing the fighting in border
countries.
