* Colonial history: Guinea was a French colony from 1891 to 1958. French was the language of administration, education, and commerce during this time.
* Lingua Franca: After independence, French continued to be used as a lingua franca, facilitating communication between people speaking different local languages. It's used in government, education, and business.
* International relations: French remains important for Guinea's international relations, particularly with France and other Francophone countries.
It's important to note that there are over 24 official languages spoken in Guinea, with *Mandinka* being the most prominent. While French is widely used, it is not the primary language for most Guineans.