Background

Since 1991, civil war between the government and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (well over one-third of the population), many of whom are now refugees in neighboring countries. After several setbacks, the end to the 11-year conflict in Sierra Leone may finally be near at hand. 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.

Location

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia.

Map

Area

Total: 71,740 sq km
land: 71,620 sq km
water: 120 sq km

Land boundaries

Total: 958 km
border countries: Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km
Coastline:402 km

Climate

Tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)

Terrain

Coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in east

Natural resources

Diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite.

Natural hazards

Dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to February); sandstorms, dust storms.

Population

5,732,681 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure

Nationality

Noun: Sierra Leonean(s)
adjective: Sierra Leonean

Ethnic groups

20 native African tribes 90% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%, other 30%), Creole (Krio) 10% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century), refugees from Liberia's recent civil war, small numbers of Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians

Religions

Muslim 60%, indigenous beliefs 30%, Christian 10%

Languages

English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)

Government type

Constitutional democracy

Capital

Freetown

Administrative divisions

3 provinces and 1 area; Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western.

Executive branch

Chief of state: President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (since 29 March 1996, reinstated 10 March 1998); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (since 29 March 1996, reinstated 10 March 1998); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president with the approval of the House of Representatives; the cabinet is responsible to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 14 May 2002 (next to be held NA May 2007); note - president's tenure of office is limited to two five-year terms
election results: Ahmad Tejan KABBAH reelected president; percent of vote - Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (SLPP) 70.6%, Ernest KOROMA (APC) 22.4%

Legislative branch

Unicameral Parliament (124 seats - 112 elected by popular vote, 12 filled by paramount chiefs elected in separate elections; members serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 14 May 2002 (next to be held NA May 2007)
election results: percent of vote by party - SLPP 70.06%, APC 22.35%, PLP 3%, others 4.59%; seats by party - SLPP 83, APC 27, PLP 2 .

Judicial branch

Supreme Court; Appeals Court; High Court.

Industries

Mining (diamonds); small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining

Agriculture - products

Rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish.

Fiscal year