Sierra Leone
Background:
The 1991 to 2002 civil war between the government and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about one-third of the population), many of whom are now refugees in neighboring countries. With the support of the UN peacekeeping force and contributions from the World Bank and international community, demobilization and disarmament of the RUF and Civil Defense Forces (CDF) combatants has been completed. National elections were held in May 2002 and the government continues to slowly reestablish its authority. However, the gradual withdrawal of most UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) peacekeepers in 2004 and early 2005, deteriorating political and economic conditions in Guinea, and the tenuous security situation in neighboring Liberia may present challenges to the continuation of Sierra Leone's stability.
People: Nationality: Sierra Leonean(s). Population: 6 million. Ethnic groups: Temne 30%, Mende 30%, Krio 1%, small Lebanese community. Religions: Muslim 60%, Christian 30%, animist 10%. Languages: English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Krio, Temne, Mende, and 15 other indigenous languages. Literacy: 15-30%. Natural resources: Diamonds, gold, titanium, bauxite, iron ore, chromite. Diplomatic Missions Embassy of Sierra Leone Washington D.C. Sierra Leone Diplomatic Missions Abroad Address list of Sierra Leone missions. Diplomatic Missions in Sierra Leone Address list of foreign Diplomatic Missions. Agriculture products: Rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish. Industries: Diamonds mining; small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining. Exports partners: Belgium 61.6%, Germany 11.8%, USA 5.4% (2004) Imports partners: Germany 14%, Cote d'Ivoire 10.7%, UK 9.1%, USA 8.4%, China 5.6%, Netherlands 5%, South Africa 4.1% (2004) Currency: New Leone (SLL) border countries: Guinea, Liberia related countries: UK
Official Name:
Republic of Sierra Leone
short form: Sierra Leone
ISO Country Code: sl
Time:
Local Time = UTC
Actual Time: Mon-Oct-25 13:35
Capital City: Freetown (1 million)
Country Calling Code: +232
Other Cities: Bo, Kenema, Lungi, Makeni,
Yengema
Government:
Type: Republic with a democratically
elected President and Parliament.
Independence: 27 April 1961 (from Britain).
Constitution: 1 October 1991.
Geography:
Location: Western Africa, bordering the
North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea
and Liberia.
Area: 71 740 sq. km. (30 000 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Three areas are coastal belt
of mangrove swamps, wooded hills along
the immediate interior, and a mountainous
plateau in the interior.
Highest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1 948 m
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy
season (May to December).