Guinea's population is now officially estimated at 17.5 million. These figures were released during an official ceremony at the People's Palace, dedicated to the presentation of the preliminary results of the 4th General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-4). The data, published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS), provides an updated overview of the country's demographic dynamics.

Population growth and sharp increase in density

The results confirm a steady increase since the first census in 1983, when Guinea had only 4.6 million inhabitants. This trend is reflected in a significant rise in population density, from 43 inhabitants/km² in 2014 to 71 inhabitants/km² today.

Regarding the gender distribution, women are in the majority with 9,068,256 (51.8%) compared to 8,452,911 men (48.2%). In terms of residence, the population remains predominantly rural with 10,744,398 inhabitants (61.3%), while 6,776,769 people live in urban areas (38.7%).

A predominant youth population and planning challenges

The census reveals an extremely young demographic structure, with 79% of the population between 0 and 35 years old, and 43% under 15. The working-age population, between 15 and 64 years old, represents 51.5%, while those aged 65 and over constitute only 4.2% of the total.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah clarified, however, that these statistics only concern residents within the national territory. He emphasized that the diaspora is not included in the RGPH-4 and that the total number of Guineans living worldwide could exceed 20 million.

The RGPH-4, a "compass" for future development

For Ismaël Nabé, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, this census is the foundation of a modern state that makes decisions based on facts and plans rigorously. The data collected will serve as the basis for public policies and sustainable development programs. Anita Akumiah, acting representative of UNFPA, echoed this sentiment, stating that the RGPH-4 (Fourth General Population and Housing Census) should serve as a compass for the Simandou 2040 program as well as for Guinea's entire development agenda. This census thus marks a crucial step towards more inclusive and effective national planning.