The Republic of Sierra Leone is located in Western Africa region; bordering the Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia

Total area: 71,740 sq. km (land: 71,620 sq. km water: 120 sq. km)

Bordering countries: Guinea over 652 km, Liberia over 306 km

Coastline: 402 km

Population: 5,232,624 (July 2000) 5,732,681 (July 2003 est.) Population growth rate: 3.67% (2000.); 2.94% (2003 est.)

Capital: Freetown

Independence from United Kingdom : April 27, 1961
National holiday: Republic Day: April 27
Constitution: October 1, 1991; subsequently amended several times President elected on March 29 1996: Mr. Ahmad Tejan KABBAH; ousted by a coup few months latter and reinstated on March 10,1998

Natural resources: diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite

Agriculture productions: rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Industrial productions: mining (diamonds); small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining.

This is a war scarred country where warlords and cynical politicians created havoc for want of power.

Unthinkable atrocities have been committed from 1991 to 1998 by hordes of tugs under the control of irresponsible Sierra Leone's leaders (and their regional allied in surrounding countries) whom only motivation is the control of the diamonds production.

Indeed, diamonds is a calamity for Sierra Leone; a devastating misfortune. The proceeds from its illegal possession and sales helped warlords fueling the civil war between the government and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) led by Foday Sankoh.

It has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (well over one-third of the population) the majority of whom fled into the neighboring country of Guinea-Conakry

At last after a decade of civil war (1991-2001) Sierra Leone appears to be settling into peace.

On May 15, 2002, presidential ballot bring to power Ahmad Tejan Kabbah However, security is not fully established over the hinterland. The threat to security has been demonstrated by a number of attacks across the border from Liberia, the most recent beginning of September 2002. They have resulted in looting by both Liberian army and rebel units of Sierra Leonean villages, according to UN personnel in Sierra Leone. Click here for more

Nevertheless, democracy normality is gaining ground and on May 22, 2004, Sierra Leoneans vote - for the first time since 1973 - for local council elections.

President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah of the Sierra Leone's People's Party, (SLPP) declared: "It's my dream coming true, that we Sierra Leoneans should put behind us the association of the exercise of our democratic rights by way of voting without violence... This means that we really are there as far as violence is concerned, we now have it behind us."

However, opposition politicians said that it took more than an absence of violence to signify a democratic election. Click here for the latest news about the political situation. And here for United Nation's actions to consolidating the peace process in Sierra Leone

Only when complete political stability is reinstated could Sierra Leone embark in a global restructuration of the economy. There will be then a lot of catch up to be done and good prospect for yearly double digit growth rate if a strategic economic scheme is devised and implemented. The country does have valuable natural resources to become attractive to Foreign Direct Investment.

The quickest the economy is revived, the best for the future of the country. Indeed, former rebels of RUF now in RUF-P (RUF political party) did not participated in the last local councils elections of May 25, 2004 for lack of financial means. Most of their activists and warriors are jobless and represent a potential threat for the peace process.

Click here for dynamic news headlines about Sierra Leone

MORE ON SIERRA LEONE 1- The Underneath of Things Violence, History and Everyday In Sierra Leone by Mariane C. Ferme 2- Blood Diamonds Traping The Deadly Paths of The World Most Precious Stones By Greg Campbell 3- Democracy By Force? A Study of International Military Intervention In Sierra leone (1991-2000) by Abass Bundu 4- More News On Sierra Leone by Allafrica

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GNP: US$ 663 million (2000); US$ 693 million (2001); US$ 719 million (2002); US$ 767 million (2003)
GNP- growth rate: -10% (1999); 4.2% (2000); 3.8% (2001); 6.6% (2002); 4.2% (2003)
GNP-per capita: US$ 114 (1999); US$ 134 (2003)

Click here for the difference between GNP and Parity Purchasing Power

GNP-composition by sector

1. agriculture: 49%
   

2. industry: 31%
   
3. services: 21%

Exports: US$ 65million (f.o.b., 2000); 35 million f.o.b. (2000 est.)
Commodities: diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish
Exports - partners: Belgium 41.9%, Germany 28.1%, UK 3.6% (2002)

Imports: US$ 145 million (f.o.b., 2000)
Commodities: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels and lubricants, chemicals
Imports - partners: Germany 25%, UK 10.9%, Netherlands 7.5%, US 5.7%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.9%, Italy 4.3% (2002)

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A passport and visa are required, and the visa must be obtained in advance. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the nearest Sierra Leone's embassy or consulate or the Tourism office below listed.

USA Embassy of Sierra Leone 1701 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009 Tel: +(1) 202 9399261 Fax: +(1) 202 4831793	England High Commission of Sierra Leone Oxford Circus House 245 Oxford Street London W1R 1LF Tel: +(44) 171 2879884 Fax: +(44) 171 7343822
National Tourist Board PO Box 1435 Room 106 Cape Sierra Hotel Aberdeen Hill Freetown Tel: +(232) 222 72520 Fax: +(232) 222 72227	Ministry of Tourism and Culture Government Wharf Freetown Tel: +(232) 222 25952 Fax: +(232) 222 72197

British Airways, Royal Air-Maroc, Air-France service Lungi Intertnational Airport (FNA). Bellview Airlines services Lagos to FNA.

Lungi International Airport (FNA) is 10 mi/15 km north of Freetown. The main airport is reached by ferry service, which operates only at high tide, and which therefore can take several hours (be sure to give yourself plenty of time to make your flight). .

At Freetown there are some hotels that comply with international standards, but it is advisable to book in advance and get a local collaborator / business partner support for confirmation. You may also visit Lonely Planet Website for more or Yahoo destinations page

It is best to take along cash in US Dollar, as travelers' checks are not of common usage. Even credit cards like Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are not often accepted although American Express is more popular.

The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but it must be declared at the point of entry. Ensure that this declaration is stamped at the entry point and keep all money exchange receipts.

Import and export of local currency is restricted to Le50 000 Click here for currency equivalence.