Guinea, officially known as the Republic of Guinea, is a West African country bordered by Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Rich in natural resources, especially bauxite, Guinea is a key global supplier of the mineral. Historically, the region was part of a series of powerful West African empires, including the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires, before coming under French colonial control in the late 19th century. In 1958, Guinea became the first French African colony to gain independence under the leadership of Ahmed Sékou Touré, whose regime lasted until 1984 and was characterized by one-party rule and authoritarian governance. Since then, the country has experienced several coups, fluctuating periods of military and civilian rule, and various political and economic challenges. Despite its immense natural wealth, Guinea continues to grapple with issues related to governance, poverty, and infrastructure, but remains a culturally vibrant nation with more than 24 ethnic groups, the largest being the Fulani, Mandinka, and Susu.