From 1991 to 2002, Sierra Leone, a West African country the size of South Carolina, USA, was engaged in civil war between the government and the Revolutionary United Front.  Tens of thousands of people died and over 2 million were displaced.  Although the nation is currently at peace, its people are still struggling to rebuild after the war.

Facts:

  • Population: 6.01 million (2008 est.)
  • United Nation’s Human Development Index Rank: 176 out of 177 nations
  • Infant mortality rate: 165 per 1,000 births (16% die before age 1)
  • Maternal mortality rate:  1 in 8 women
  • Life expectancy: 40 years (male) and 42 yrs (female)
  • Land size: 71,740 square kilometers
  • Religion:  Muslim (60%), indigenous beliefs (30%), Christian (10%)
  • Language: English (official), Krio, Mende, Temne
  • Natural resources: diamonds, gold, bauxite, titanium, rutile
  • Population engaged in subsistence agriculture: 75%