Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a small country in West Africa, bordering Guinea to the north and Liberia to the east with a 402 km coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The total area is 71,740 km² and the population numbers around 6.2 million. The capital, Freetown, home to around 1 million people, lies on one of the world’s largest natural harbours.

A series of military coups and one-party rule in the 1970s and 1980s led to deteriorating state structures and increasing crime and corruption. In the 1990s civil war broke out, pitting the government against the Revolutionary United Front. With diamond smuggling, arms and Liberian involvement, the war was particularly violent and brutal and went on from 1991 until 2002. A UN backed special court has been set up to try those accused of war crimes, and post-conflict resolution and reconstruction is now taking place.

Following the civil war of 1991-2002, the country has made remarkable progress in consolidating peace and rebuilding its infrastructure. However, more than 70% of women and 50% of men are illiterate, and the infant, child and maternal mortality rates are among the worst in the world.

Peace was declared in 2002 and Sierra Leone has blossomed. Life has largely returned to normal and today it is one of West Africa’s safest destinations.

Sierra Leone has experienced substanial economic growth in recent years, although poverty and unemployment remain major challenges. Economic recovery has been slow partly because the reconstruction needs are so great. Around half of the governments revune comes from donors. The restoration of peace was expected to aid the country's promotion as a tourist destination in the long term. Sierra Leone boasts miles of unspoilt beaches along its Atlantic coast, and hopes to emulate its neighbour Gambia in attracting tourists.