# Guinean franc

> currency

**Wikidata**: [Q213311](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q213311)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinean_franc)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/guinean-franc

## Summary
The Guinean franc (GNF) is the official currency of Guinea, adopted in 1959 and replacing the Guinean syli. It is issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea and is denoted by the ISO 4217 code GNF. The franc is subdivided into 100 centimes, though centimes are no longer in circulation.

## Key Facts
- **ISO 4217 Code**: GNF (Guinean franc).
- **Subunit**: Centime (100 per franc), though centimes are no longer used.
- **Issuer**: Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea.
- **Adoption Date**: 1959 (replacing the Guinean syli).
- **Previous Currency**: Guinean syli (1971–1985).
- **Unit Symbol**: FG (French: "Franc Guinéen").
- **Aliases**: GNF, Guinea-Franc, Валюта Гвинеи (Russian), Franco guineense (Spanish), Franco guinné GNF, 기니프랑 (Korean).
- **Wikidata Description**: Currency.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Guinean franc.
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in 50+ languages, including Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, and Korean.
- **Commons Category**: Banknotes of Guinea.
- **Conversion Rate**: Approximately 0.00028309468 international United States dollars (as of 2018).
- **Price in Euros**: 0.000095471 euros (as of 2019-02-03).
- **PermID**: 500172 (for financial instruments).
- **Wolfram Language Unit Code**: "GuineaFrancs".
- **QUDT Unit ID**: CCY_GNF (for unit conversion).
- **QUDT Dimension ID**: A0E0L0I0M0H0T0D1 (monetary dimension).
- **Wikikids ID**: Guineese_frank (for educational content).
- **Great Russian Encyclopedia Portal ID**: gvineiskii-frank-251478.
- **Omegawiki Defined Meaning**: 897176 (for encyclopedic definitions).
- **Freebase ID**: /m/05yxld (with reference to Freebase).
- **Yale Lux ID**: concept/a147ebd0-41a3-4bcc-840f-99b778ec91ab (for academic references).
- **Sitelink Count**: 50 (Wikipedia language editions).
- **Instance Of**: Currency (as defined in Wikidata).
- **Applies To Jurisdiction**: Guinea (official currency).
- **Replaces**: Guinean syli (former currency).
- **Start Time**: 1959 (official adoption).

## FAQs
**What is the Guinean franc, and how is it used?**
The Guinean franc (GNF) is the official currency of Guinea, issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea. It serves as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value within the country. The franc is denoted by the ISO 4217 code GNF and is subdivided into 100 centimes, though centimes are no longer in circulation.

**Who issues the Guinean franc, and when was it adopted?**
The Guinean franc is issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea. It was adopted in 1959, replacing the Guinean syli, which was used from 1971 to 1985. The franc is the official currency of Guinea and is used for all financial transactions within the country.

**What are the key identifiers and symbols associated with the Guinean franc?**
The Guinean franc is identified by the ISO 4217 code GNF and the unit symbol FG. It has aliases such as GNF, Guinea-Franc, and Валюта Гвинеи. The currency is also represented in digital systems with identifiers like PermID 500172 and QUDT Unit ID CCY_GNF. It appears in Wikipedia across 50+ languages and has a dedicated Commons category for banknotes.

**How does the Guinean franc compare to other African currencies?**
The Guinean franc is distinct from other African currencies in its historical adoption and subdivision. Unlike many African currencies, it was not directly tied to a commodity like gold or silver. The franc is part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and is used alongside other currencies in the region, such as the CFA franc.

**What is the historical context of the Guinean franc?**
The Guinean franc was introduced in 1959, replacing the Guinean syli, which had been in use from 1971 to 1985. This transition marked a shift in Guinea's economic policies and monetary stability. The franc has been the official currency of Guinea since its adoption, reflecting the country's independence and economic development.

## Why It Matters
The Guinean franc is a critical component of Guinea's economic system, enabling trade, investment, and financial stability. Its adoption in 1959 marked a significant milestone in the country's economic history, replacing the Guinean syli and establishing a modern monetary framework. The franc is issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea and is used across all sectors of the economy, from retail transactions to international trade.

The currency's significance is further underscored by its role in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), which promotes economic integration and stability in the region. The Guinean franc's inclusion in global financial systems, as evidenced by its ISO 4217 code and digital identifiers, highlights its importance in international commerce. Its historical context and modern usage make it a key element in understanding Guinea's economic development and its place in the broader African financial landscape.

## Notable For
- **Official Currency**: The Guinean franc is the sole legal tender in Guinea, issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea.
- **ISO 4217 Standard**: It is officially recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) under the code GNF.
- **Historical Transition**: It replaced the Guinean syli in 1959, marking a significant shift in Guinea's monetary policy.
- **UEMOA Membership**: The franc is part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), promoting regional economic integration.
- **Digital Representation**: It has a dedicated PermID (500172) and QUDT Unit ID (CCY_GNF) for financial and technical systems.
- **Multilingual Documentation**: The currency is documented in Wikipedia across 50+ languages, reflecting its global relevance.
- **Banknote Recognition**: It has a dedicated Commons category for banknotes, acknowledging its physical manifestation.
- **Academic References**: It is referenced in academic databases like Yale Lux and Great Russian Encyclopedia, highlighting its scholarly importance.

## Body
### Core Definition and Conceptual Framework
The Guinean franc (GNF) is the official currency of Guinea, adopted in 1959 and replacing the Guinean syli. It is issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea and is denoted by the ISO 4217 code GNF. The franc is subdivided into 100 centimes, though centimes are no longer in circulation. The currency is a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value within Guinea.

### Historical Context
The Guinean franc was introduced in 1959, replacing the Guinean syli, which had been in use from 1971 to 1985. This transition marked a significant shift in Guinea's economic policies and monetary stability. The franc has been the official currency of Guinea since its adoption, reflecting the country's independence and economic development.

### Economic Role
The Guinean franc is a critical component of Guinea's economic system, enabling trade, investment, and financial stability. It is used for all financial transactions within the country and is part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), which promotes economic integration and stability in the region. The currency's significance is further underscored by its role in international commerce.

### Digital and Technical Representation
The Guinean franc is represented in digital systems with identifiers such as PermID 500172 and QUDT Unit ID CCY_GNF. It has a dedicated Wolfram Language Unit Code ("GuineaFrancs") and is referenced in academic databases like Yale Lux and Great Russian Encyclopedia. The currency's digital representation highlights its importance in global financial systems.

### Physical Manifestation
The Guinean franc is physically represented by banknotes, which are documented in the Commons category "Banknotes of Guinea." The currency's physical form is a key aspect of its practical use in everyday transactions. The banknotes are designed to reflect the country's cultural and economic identity.

### Multilingual Documentation
The Guinean franc is documented in Wikipedia across 50+ languages, including Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, and Korean. This multilingual documentation reflects the currency's global relevance and its role in international trade. The currency's presence in multiple language editions of Wikipedia underscores its importance in global knowledge systems.

### Related Entities
The Guinean franc is related to several other currencies and economic entities, including the Guinean syli (its predecessor) and the CFA franc (used in neighboring countries). Its relationship to these currencies highlights the broader economic landscape of West Africa. The franc's inclusion in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) further emphasizes its role in regional economic integration.

### Authority and Issuance
The Guinean franc is issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea, which is responsible for maintaining monetary stability and regulating the currency. The central bank's role in issuing and managing the franc is crucial to its functioning as a reliable medium of exchange. The currency's issuance by a national central bank underscores its status as a legitimate and trusted financial instrument.

### Conversion and Exchange Rates
The Guinean franc has a conversion rate of approximately 0.00028309468 international United States dollars (as of 2018). This rate reflects the currency's value in global financial markets. The franc's conversion rate is influenced by various economic factors, including trade balances and international monetary policies.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
The Guinean franc has cultural and historical significance, reflecting the country's economic development and independence. Its adoption in 1959 marked a significant milestone in Guinea's economic history, replacing the Guinean syli and establishing a modern monetary framework. The currency's cultural and historical significance is evident in its physical form and its role in the country's economic identity.

### Future Outlook
The future outlook for the Guinean franc is influenced by various economic factors, including trade policies, international monetary trends, and regional economic integration. The currency's role in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) suggests a commitment to economic stability and integration. The franc's future outlook is also shaped by its digital representation and its presence in global financial systems.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013