The best time to visit Guinea is during the dry season (from early December to late April), which is pronounced on the coast (Conakry). For a trip to the interior of the country, it is better to choose the beginning of the dry season (December - January). In the southeast, rains begin in March (Beila), and heat reigns throughout the north of the country (Kurussa). The nights here are cooler than in the capital. The dry season is also marked by the Sahara wind "harmattan", which can be felt throughout the country, right up to the coast. The sea temperature is acceptable for swimming throughout the year.

The rainy season is especially noticeable on the coast, especially heavy showers are observed in July-August. In the Phuta Jallon mountains, precipitation is less torrential in nature, and in the north of the country, on the border with Mali, it can be said to be already moderate.

Cloth

It should be light and made of natural fabric. Preference should be given to light colors. For the rainy season, a light cape and an umbrella are desirable (but they will not save you from stuffiness).

dangers

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended. Rabies vaccination is recommended for those arriving in the country for long term. The risk of malaria persists throughout the year. Insects are very active constantly after sunset.

Guinea country in West Africa. In the north it borders on Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Mali, in the east and southeast - on Côte d'Ivoire, in the south - on Liberia and Sierra Leone. In the west it is washed by waters Atlantic Ocean.

The name of the country comes from the Berber iguawen - "mute".

Capital

Square

Population

7614 thousand people

Administrative division

The state is divided into 8 provinces.

Form of government

Republic.

head of state

President elected for a term of 5 years.

supreme legislative body

Unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) with a term of office of 5 years.

Supreme executive body

Government.

Big cities

Cancan, Labe, Nzerekore.

Official language

French.

Religion

85% are Sunni Muslims.

Ethnic composition

35% - Fulani, 30% - Malinke, 20% - Su-Su, 15% - other tribes.

Currency

Frank = 100 centimes.

Climate

The climate of Guinea varies depending on the topographic zones, mainly subequatorial. In the coastal area mean annual temperature is + 27 °С, in Futa Djallon - about + 20 °С, in upper Guinea + 21 °С. Most hot month April, and the most rainy - July, August. The rainy season lasts from April-May to October-November. On the coast for 170 rainy days a year, up to 4300 mm of precipitation falls, in the interior - no more than 1500 mm.

Flora

The vegetation on the territory of Guinea is quite diverse: dense mangrove forests, coconut palm, Guinean oil palm, and others grow along the coast of the ocean. exotic plants. In the region of Upper Guinea - savannah, and in the region of Lower Guinea - impenetrable jungle.

Fauna

Representatives of the animal world of Guinea, quite rich - elephant, leopard, hippopotamus, wild boar, panther, antelope, many monkeys (especially baboons living) "in herds). Lives a large number of snakes and crocodiles, as well as parrots and banana-eaters (turaco).
Rivers and lakes. Major rivers- Bafing, Gambia, Senegal, the rivers Niger (here it is called Joliba) and Milo originate here.

Attractions

National Museum with a rich collection of exhibits, including historical and ethnographic.

Useful information for tourists

The Republic of Guinea, first of all, attracts visitors with its picturesque elevated landscapes of the Futa Djallon highlands, an excellent road network by African standards (especially in the southeast) and an impressive contrast between the dry northern valleys and the endless jungle in the southern regions.
Nzerekore is the cheapest city in Guinea and a starting point For ecological excursions V forest zone, famous for its inhabitants - forest elephants, numerous primates, it is also one of the few places in Africa where you can still find a forest leopard. The local market is considered the largest transshipment base for goods from neighboring countries, so you can buy almost everything here and at a modest price.

Equatorial Guinea is located just north of the equator off the coast of the Gulf of Biafra (part of the Gulf of Guinea) of the Atlantic Ocean. Includes the mainland of Rio Muni, stretching for 130 km. along the coast and for 300 km. inland, and several islands from the Bioko group 40 km. off the coast of Cameroon in the Gulf of Biafra, ( with total area about 2 thousand square meters km.), the largest of which is Macias Nguema Biyogo. Most of the surface of the continental part is a volcanic highland with a height of 600-900 m. ( highest altitude- 1200 m.), along the coast - a strip of low plains. It borders Cameroon and Gabon.

Administratively, the country is divided into seven provinces. Area - 28,051 sq. km, of which 2034 sq. km falls on the islands of Bioko and Annobón. mainland Mbini borders Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the east and south. Population - 454 thousand people (1998). The capital - the city of Malabo (former Santa Isabel, 10 thousand inhabitants) is located on the island of Bioko. The city of Bata (17 thousand inhabitants) is the largest in Mbini.

Most of the surface of the continental part is highlands with a height of 600-900 m (the highest is 1200 m), along the coast there is a strip of low plains. Available large deposits oil (50 million barrels, 1999), gas and undeveloped reserves of gold, iron ore, manganese, tantalum and uranium. The soils are predominantly red-yellow lateritic.

Bioko and Annoban are mountainous islands of volcanic origin, with fertile soils. On the island of Bioko is the highest point in the country, Mount Malabo (3008 m). In Mbini, the coastal plain borders a highland 600–900 m high (tops up to 1500 m).

The river network is dense and deep. The rivers are rapids, navigable only in the lower reaches. The most big river- Mbini - replete with reaches and waterfalls, accessible to small vessels only in the lower reaches.

The climate of Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial, hot and constantly humid. The average annual temperature is from +24 C to +28 C in different areas, precipitation is up to 2000 mm. per year (on the islands - reaches 2500 mm), rainy days per year - up to 160. On the Bioko islands, the rainy season lasts from July to January, while on the mainland there are much less showers - maximum from April to May and from October to December .

Statistical indicators of Equatorial Guinea
(as of 2012)

Relatively drier months are May-September and December-January. On the coast of the island of Macias-Nguema-Biyogo, in the highlands, the average annual temperature is lower - up to +18 C, and the amount of precipitation increases to 2500-4000 mm. in year. It's even colder in the highlands. best time for visiting Equatorial Guinea between November and April.

Flora and fauna of Equatorial Guinea

Vegetation - evergreen wet equatorial forests on red-yellow lateritic soils. In the forests grows St. 150 valuable breeds trees - oil and coconut palms, iron tree, okume, etc. Ficuses and breadfruit also grow on the territory of the state. Animal world rich and varied. Characteristic representatives of the animal world of the state are the leopard, crocodile, buffalo, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, antelope, a large number of snakes. The world of birds is diverse (parrots, hornbills, turacos, hoopoes), and there are also many animals from foxes, squirrels, monkeys (including rare species).

Population of Equatorial Guinea

In 1983, 304 thousand people lived in Equatorial Guinea, of which 57 thousand lived on the island of Bioko and 2 thousand on the island of Annobone. By 1998 the population had risen to 454,000 people. The population is dominated by Bantu-speaking peoples. In the hinterland of Bioko live Bubi, who are the indigenous people of the island. Died out from alcoholism and various diseases during the colonial period, they gradually restore their numbers. In the early 1990s, 15,000 Bubis lived in the country. About 3/4 of the population of Mbini is the Fang people, who managed to preserve ethnic community and traditional government institutions. Previously, these people lived in villages, in the 1960s they began to move to the administrative centers of the hinterland - Mikomeseng, Niefang, Ebebiyin and Mongomo, as well as to coastal cities. In the early 1990s, the Fang made up 80–90% of the population largest city Mbini and several other cities. In the 1970s, some Fang were forcibly brought to Bioko Island to replace foreign workers expelled from Equatorial Guinea. The coastal tribes of the Kombu, Buheba and Benga gradually lost their former influence, who were intermediaries in trade between the Europeans and the Fang who inhabited the hinterland. Among the country's other ethnic groups stand out the Fernandino, descendants of English-speaking freed slaves who settled in Bioko in the 19th century.

Until the 1970s, numerous foreign communities found shelter in Equatorial Guinea, including approx. 40,000 migrants from Nigeria who worked on cocoa plantations in Bioko and logging in Mbini. In the mid-1970s, under pressure from the authorities, Nigerians, who made up 2/3 of the population of Bioko and a significant part of the population of Mbini, were forced to leave the country. In 1960, approx. 7 thousand Europeans, mostly Spanish businessmen, civil servants and missionaries. At that time, they almost completely controlled the economic life of the country. Shortly after the declaration of independence, only approx. 200 people. In 1979, the Spaniards began to return to Equatorial Guinea, and in 1980 there were 4,000 of them.

Several African languages ​​are spoken in the country, the most important of which are Fang and Bubi. Pigginized English is spoken by Fernandino. Most of the population speaks Spanish official language countries. The inhabitants of the country profess mainly Catholicism.

CLIMATE, WEATHER

Guinea

Guinea is located in West Africa and borders Mali, Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone. The western shores of the country are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. On an area of ​​245.8 thousand km², 13.2 million people live in Guinea. More than 50% of the territory of the state is occupied by plateaus and low mountains. The coast is represented by a flat lowland, which is partially occupied by mangroves. In the center of Guinea is the mountainous plateau of Phuta Djallon. To its east, shrouds and hills stretch along the Niger Basin. The southeastern part of Guinea is occupied tropical forests. Near the border with Liberia, there are blocky highlands and the highest point in the country - Mount Nimba (1752 m). Guinea is characterized by an equatorial monsoon climate with pronounced dry (November - April) and rainy (May - October) seasons. About 1500 mm of precipitation falls in the inland regions, and more than 4000 mm on the coast. In Guinea all year round heat and average temperatures vary between +18 °C…+27 °C. In cities that are located in the lowlands, it is 3-4 ° C warmer. In January and February, a dry hot wind "harmattan" blows from the north and the thermometer can jump up to +38 ° C. Guinea attracts tourists with picturesque landscapes, dense jungles, rich museum collections and excellent beaches. The most popular cities in the country include Kankan, Faranah, Labe, Dalaba and Conakry. The best time to visit Guinea is during the dry season. To determine the dates of travel, check out the weather calendar by month.

Weather in Guinea in January In January, sunny weather sets in, air humidity is 66% and rains are very rare. During the day the thermometer shows +27 °C…+29 °C, and at night +19 °C…+26 °C. On the coast, daytime temperatures rise above +30 °C, and night temperatures rarely fall below +24 °C. The ocean warms up to +27 °C…+29 °C. At this time, it is comfortable to attend excursions and relax on the beach.

Weather in Guinea in February Humidity increases to 69%. It is sunny and dry on the coast, and in the east and in the center there are up to four rainy days, during which about 45 mm of precipitation falls. Average temperatures range from +28 °C to +30 °C. In the west, the thermometer during the day jumps above +34 °C, and in the north, due to hot winds, it rises above +37 °C. The nights are warm (+23°C…+28°C) and the water temperature does not drop below +27°C.

Weather in Guinea in March In the north and inland, the temperature rises to +34 °C ... +38 °C during the day, and rarely drops below +24 °C at night. It is sunny on the coast and the thermometer shows +28 °C…+36 °C during the day. The ocean warms up to +29 °C. With an air humidity of about 70%, a maximum of 115 mm of precipitation falls per month, most of which goes to the eastern regions.

Weather in Guinea in April

This is the hottest month of the year with average temperatures of +26°C…+30°C. In the center, daytime temperatures sometimes rise to +39 °C, and on the coast to +33 °C. The nights are warm (+25°C…+28°C) and the water temperature stays at +27°C…+30°C. Humidity rises to 72% and there are 2-3 rainy days per month. About 20 mm of precipitation falls in the west, and up to 160 mm in the east.

Weather in Guinea in May In May there are up to 20 cloudy days and during 3-5 of them it rains. Up to 175 mm of precipitation falls per month. In the interior and in the north, the thermometer shows +29 °C…+38 °C during the day and +25 °C…+28 °C at night. On the coast, the air warms up to +28 °C ... +33 °C, and the water up to +29 °C.

Weather in Guinea in June The average temperature decreases by 2-3 °C and the number of rainy days reaches eleven. Relative Humidity accounts for 81% and up to 380 mm of precipitation falls per month. Now it rains more often in the west than in the southeast. On the coast, daytime temperatures are kept at +27 °C…+30 °C, and at night +24 °C…+26 °C. The ocean is as warm as ever (+27°C to +29°C). In the north, the thermometer jumps up to +34 ° C.

Weather in Guinea in July This is the rainiest month, during which up to 1130 mm of precipitation falls on the coast. Almost all of July, the sun hides behind the clouds here. In other regions, the amount of precipitation does not exceed 250 mm. Average daytime air temperatures are kept within +27 °C…+29 °C, and at night +22 °C…+25 °C. The water warms up to +28 °C, but because of the rain the beaches are empty.

Weather in Guinea in August In most cities during the day the thermometer shows +23 °C…+27 °C, and at night it drops to +19 °C…+22 °C. In the west and north it is 3-4 °C warmer. Humidity rises to 85% and more than 1000 mm of precipitation falls on the coast in 15-20 rainy days. In the rest of the territory, rainy days are 3 times less. The water temperature is kept at +25 °C…+27 °C.

Weather in Guinea in September In the north and inland, the thermometer shows +27 °C ... +30 °C during the day, and + 26 °C ... +29 °C on the coast. The average night temperature is +25 °C. The maximum number of rainy days is reduced to twelve, and the amount of precipitation to 620 mm. Humidity is kept at 84%. The ocean is as warm as in August (+27 °C).

Weather in Guinea in October The sky can be cloudy for half of October, but the air humidity drops to 81% and a maximum of 290 mm of precipitation falls on 5 rainy days. On the coast, the thermometer rises to +32 °C, and the water warms up to +29 °C. By the end of the month, more and more vacationers appear on the beaches. The east is a couple of degrees cooler, and the north is warmer.

Weather in Guinea in November Average temperatures are kept at +26 °C at night and +29 °C during the day. On the coast, the sun shines almost all days and the thermometer shows from +28 °C to +33 °C. The water temperature does not fall below +27 °C and is comfortable for swimming. Humidity is kept at the level of 78% and from 10 to 75 mm of precipitation falls per month. The high season is starting.

Weather in Guinea in December Clear weather finally sets in and for the whole month there is a maximum of one rainy day. The coast beckons with an air temperature of +29 °C…+35 °C and warm ocean(+27 °C…+29 °C). In the north and in the center, the thermometer rises to +34 °C, and in the southeast to +30 °C. Night temperatures reach up to +28 °C. Humidity is about 70%. December and January are the most popular months to travel to Guinea.

The island of New Guinea is located in the Indian Ocean north of the Australian continent. It is usually referred to as Oceania. However, New Guinea is almost equally divided by the vertical border. The western part belongs to Indonesia, and the right part belongs to the state of Papua New Guinea. Therefore, its western part is often referred to as Asia. The nearest neighbors in the north are the Moluccas, in the east - the island of New Britain, and in the south - Australia. By itself, the island of New Guinea is simply huge. It is the second largest island in the world, only Greenland is bigger than it. There are many small islands around New Guinea. Some of them are inhabited by natives, others are deserted.

On the island, the flat terrain is replaced by mountain ranges. In the western part stretches an array called Maoke. Its highest peak, Punchak Jaya, almost reaches a height of 4.9 km above sea level. The Bismarck Mountains in the east are only slightly inferior in scope and height. Mount Wilhelm has a height of about 4.5 km above sea level.

Proximity to the equator and remoteness from civilization made this island a real corner wildlife. Researchers count here about 11 thousand species of plants, hundreds of species of animals and insects. On the island New Guinea there is a place called the Garden of Eden. It was discovered only in 2005. The Garden of Eden is a site in the western part of New Guinea, it covers an area of ​​300,000 hectares. Its location has allowed the Garden of Eden to remain isolated until recently. The researchers found here many species of frogs, butterflies and plants, about which science knew nothing at all. To their surprise, they found here the so-called "bird of paradise", which was considered extinct, and rarest mammal- tree kangaroo.

In the south and north of New Guinea, the climate is different. Northern part lies in equatorial belt, southern - in the subequatorial. The most hot weather usually stands on the coast and small islands. In the north of the island, the climate is uniform throughout the year. During the day the air temperature is about +30ºС, at night it drops to about +24ºС. In southern New Guinea, the seasons vary more. In summer the weather is about the same as in the north. During the winter period, which lasts from May to September, the temperature during the day is about +28ºС, and at night - about 22ºС. If you do not tolerate heat well, it is better to choose central or mountainous areas. There the air temperature is always lower by 7-10 degrees. On high altitudes at night the air temperature can drop to +6ºС. Therefore, you will have to take care of warm clothes.

Humidity on the island is different everywhere. Moreover, it is never possible to guess where the rains will be more and where it will be less. The rainy season usually lasts from December to March. However, also in summer period showers are not uncommon here. Especially often they go on small islands off the coast of New Guinea.

Going on holiday to New Guinea, do not expect to see a lot of cultural monuments. There are no majestic architectural structures, famous poets and painters were not born here. But the island itself is amazing. It fascinates with its wild tropical nature. And a separate point is the local population. Scattered throughout New Guinea are traditional villages inhabited by natives who have preserved their ancient culture.

An interesting attraction of Papua New Guinea is the Giluwe Volcano. It has two peaks at once, and on its slopes stretch alpine meadows. It is the highest volcano in all of Oceania and Australia. Its height is about 4.4 km above sea level. Giluwe Peak was first climbed by two Australians, Mick and Dan Leahy. Nowadays, tourists are invited to repeat the expedition of the Leahy brothers and climb to the very mouth of the volcano. The view from the top is simply fantastic.

Another interesting place is the settlement of Cook. It was named after the famous discoverer, sailor James Cook, who made many journeys and made a significant contribution to the study of the life of the population of Australia and Oceania. The settlement of Cook is also called the Cook Marshes, which are located in the Waghi Valley, at an altitude of 1.5 km above sea level. Thanks to archaeological excavations, it became known that many thousands of years ago, local tribes were well versed in the art of agriculture. The findings of the researchers made it possible to compile a complete picture of the life of the natives - how they moved from gathering to agriculture and cattle breeding. Even 4 thousand years ago they had a developed drainage system to supply moisture to the soil.

The city of Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, is also worth seeing. It is located on a peninsula protruding into the sea. At its tip is the historic center of the city, which locals called Town. There is also a high hill of Paga, from the top of which a wonderful view of the whole city opens. In Port Mosby you can see buildings built at the end of the 19th century. Special interest in terms of architecture, it represents the united church of Ella and the Parliament building. The appearance of the city is very diverse. Here you can see old huts on stilts next to high-rise office buildings made of concrete and glass. You can learn about the history and culture of the country in National Museum which is located in the city center. Ports Mosby is home to the National Botanic Park. Plants from all over the country are collected here. It is worth paying attention to the exposition, made in the form of a map of Papua New Guinea. The plants on it are planted in such a way that they reflect the peculiarities of the flora of each corner of the country. Here you can see a huge collection of orchids. You will travel between lianas and tropical thickets on wooden decks, enjoying the beauty and aromas of these exotic flowers. In addition, the botanical park is home to many tropical birds and some animals. couscous and tree kangaroos always arouse delight and tenderness among tourists. These are completely safe and very cute little animals.

Only its colorful population can compare with the beauties of the nature of New Guinea. To get acquainted with the life and culture of the brightest and most unusual tribes, you need to go to eastern part islands - Papua New Guinea. It is here that the Papuans live - the natives who live outside of civilization for thousands of years. Of course, gradually the tribes adapt to modern world. If women and men wear traditional straw skirts or prefer nudity, then children can already be seen wearing cloth shorts or jeans. It is impossible to say something definite about the tribes. The fact is that about 7 million people live here. At the same time, the researchers found about 850 different languages ​​and dialects and the same number of ethnic groups, each of which has its own unique culture, beliefs and traditions. The most numerous tribe of Dani occupies an area in central area islands. Their settlements are open to tourists. Here you can learn about the traditions of the tribe, including cannibalism and wars with neighboring villages. You will be shown local crafts, Papuan outfits and even ancient mummies. An extremely unusual sight.

If you want to get acquainted with all the tribes at once, you should visit one of the festivals of Papua New Guinea, where the natives represent their culture, dressing up in the craziest and brightest outfits and performing traditional songs and ritual dances. The biggest holiday is the Independence Day of Papua New Guinea. On the eve of this day, the Goroka festival is held. It is here that you can see hundreds of representatives of various tribes. Their bodies are painted in the craziest colors, their necks are hung with massive shell necklaces, and their heads are crowned with headdresses richly decorated with tropical bird feathers, dry plants, bones and other natural materials. It is worth visiting the Goroka festival once, and the impressions will last for the rest of your life.

Tags: New Guinea, tourism