The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Conakry
(kn´kr) (KEY) , city (1996 pop. 1,091,483), capital of Guinea and its Conakry region, SW Guinea, a port on the Atlantic Ocean. The name is also spelled Konakry. Located on Tombo island and connected with the mainland by a causeway, Conakry is Guineas largest city and its administrative, communications, and economic center. Its economy revolves largely around the port, which has modern facilities for handling and storing cargo, and from which Guineas chief exports, alumina and bananas, are shipped. A railroad connects Conakry with Kankan, E Guinea, and roads run to Côte dIvoire, Senegal, and Mali. Manufactures include food products, automobiles, and beverages. In 1887, Conakry was occupied by French forces. The city is noted for its botanical gardens. The Polytechnical Institute of Conakry (1963), a teachers college, and vocational and military schools are located there.