Besides the diplomatic community and a growing number of expatriate teachers and technical advisers, the number of non-Guinean residents has increased considerably since 1984. This community includes Lebanese and Syrian traders and a growing number of French engaged in agriculture, business, and technical occupations.

Population (2002 census): 8,444,559, including refugees and foreign residents. Refugee population (June 2002 est.): 180,000-200,000 Liberians and Sierra Leoneans. Cities: Conakry (pop. 2 million). Population of largest prefectures--Guéckédou (487,017), Boké (366,915), Kindia (361,117), N'Zérékoré (328,347), Macenta (365,559). Annual growth rate (2002 census): 3.5%. Ethnic groups: Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, other ethnic groups 10%. Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, orthodox beliefs 7%. Languages: French (official), national languages. Education: Years compulsory--8. Enrollment--primary school, 53.5% (male 67%, female 40%); secondary, 15%; and post secondary, 3%. Literacy (Total population over age 15 that can read and write, 1996 est.)--36% (male 50%, female 22%). Health (2002 World Bank): Life expectancy--total population 54 years. Infant mortality rate (2002 World Bank)--90/1000. Work force (2002 Minister of Plan--4.5 million): Agriculture--76%; industry and commerce--18%; services--6%.