Abstract

PIP: The government of Guinea's overall approach to population problems is direct intervention to achieve developmental objectives that will results in self-adjustment of demographic trends. No comprehensive policy exists, but set measures concerning mortality and spatial distribution in the framework of societal restructuring does. A high level of fertility is considered desirable. In 1980 the population numbered 5,014,000; the rate of population growth from 1975-80 was 2.5%. The rate of natural increase was 2.5%. The life expectancy at birth from 1975-80 was 43.5 years. The levels of morbidity and mortality for infants and mothers are unacceptable. The policy is to extend coverage of health care services to the entire population. The crude birth rate from 1975-80 was 46.1/1000. The gross reproduction rate was 3.1; the net reproduction rate was 2. The average caloric per capita intake per day in 1974 was 1943. 19.1% of the population was urban in 1980; the rate of urban growth was 5.7% form 1975-80. Policy is to bring about technological and organizational restructuring of population and to a lesser extent, bring about change in the configuration of the population itself. Immigration is not favored, and movements across borders are restricted. To avoid a brain drain, almost all students are trained within the country. 85% of the labor force is in agriculture.