Guinea

Why it sticks

1. 1

   The Niger, Senegal and Gambia rivers all rise in its Fouta Djallon highlands, the 'water tower of West Africa'.

2. 2

   It holds the world's largest bauxite (aluminium ore) reserves.

3. 3

   In 1958 it was the only French colony to vote 'No' to de Gaulle's proposed community, and became independent at once.

4. 4

   Its red-yellow-green vertical flag is Mali's flag in reverse order.

• Signs in French; red laterite dirt roads and lush hills.
• Flag order is red-yellow-green from the hoist (Mali is green-yellow-red).
• The capital sits on a narrow peninsula sticking out into the Atlantic.