Region: Western Africa

Capital: Freetown

Population: 5 883 889 (July 2004 est.)

Surface area: 71 740 square km

Currency: leone

GDP per capita: $500 (2003 est.)

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 (well over one-third of the population). Many fled to neighbouring countries.

National elections were held in May 2002 and the government continues to slowly re-establish its authority. Some challenges may threaten Sierra Leone’s stability, though. This goes for the gradual withdrawal of most UN peacekeepers in 2004 and early 2005, deteriorating political and economic conditions in Guinea and the tenuous security situation in neighbouring Liberia.

Economy – overview:
Sierra Leone is an extremely poor African nation with tremendous inequality in income distribution. It does have substantial mineral, agricultural, and fishery resources. However, the economic and social infrastructure is not well developed, and serious social disorders continue to hamper economic development, following a 11-year civil war. About two-thirds of the working-age population engages in subsistence agriculture.

The major source of hard currency comes from the mining of diamonds. The fate of the economy depends upon the maintenance of domestic peace and the continued receipt of substantial aid from abroad, which is essential to offset the severe trade imbalance and to supplement government revenues.

United Nations Membership date: 27 September 1961

New York Mission:
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, 245 East 49th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017
Telephone: 212-688-1656 / 6748
Fax: 212-688-4924