October 2: Independence Day in Guinea
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Guinea.
Map by Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock.com.
History Note
Guinea is a country on the coast of West Africa. Parts of it were included in the Mali Empire in the 13th century. The Fulani people established control in other areas in the 16th century.
The Portuguese, British, and French all played a role during the colonial period, with the French finally gaining preeminence. Guinea gained independence from France in 1958. The country celebrates Independence Day on October 2.
Guinea has a population of 14 million people. The Fulani are the largest ethnic group. French is the official language. About 85% of the people are Muslim and 13% are Christian.
Guinea is thought to have the world’s largest reserves of bauxite. Bauxite is a reddish-brown rock that is used to produce aluminum. This 2019 photo shows a train used for transporting bauxite in Guinea. Photo by Igor Grochev / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
"Korofo Moussa wrote a song in 1904 to honor a local Guinean leader. Fodéba Keïta and Jean Cellier adapted the melody and wrote French lyrics for the song “Liberté” (“Liberty”), which has been the national anthem of Guinea since independence in 1958. This video from 2020 shows a performance of the anthem by Les Voix de l'Espérance.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
