SIERRA LEONE OVERVIEW

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BASIC STATISTICS

• Total population: 5,426,618 (Ranked 103rd in the world by the US Census Bureau).

National GDP: US $2.7 billion. GDP per capita: US $530. Median Age: 17.6. Infant Mortality: 123.07 per 1,000 live births.

GEOGRAPHY

• Location: On the western coast of West Africa.

Borders: Guinea and Liberia. Area: 27,700 square miles. Topography: From the 210 miles of Pacific coastline of mangrove swamps and beaches in the west the land grade rises to a densely forested plateau and mountain range in the East. Climate: Tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April). Capital and population: Freetown—669,000. 3 provinces and 1 area: Eastern, Northern, Southern, and the Western Area.

DEMOGRAPHY

• Population density: 189 people per square mile.

Children 0-14: 44.7%—2,427,533. Teenage 10-19: 22.1%—1,198,858. Youth between 15-24: 18.5%—1,002,218. Seniors Over 70: 1.7%—92,571. Male to female ratio: 93.8 males per 100 females. Birth rate: 45.63 per 1,000 people. Life expectancy at birth: 46.59 for males and 52.89 for females. Infant mortality rate: 123.07 per 1,000 live births. Official language: English. Principal languages: Mende, Temne, Kio. Ethnic groups: 90% is a combination of 20 native African tribes (30% Temne, 30% Mende, and 30% other) and 10% Creole (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-eighteenth century). Less than 1% is comprised of refugees from Liberia’s recent civil war, Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians. Religious affiliations: 45.9% Muslims (1,922,030), 40.7% Ethnoreligionists (1,706,000), 11.2% Christian (467,190), 1.9% (80,000). Less than 1% Baha’is, Hindus, Atheists and other. Education: No formal mandated system. Literacy rate: 31%.

ECONOMY

• Currency: Leone.

GDP per capita: US $530. National GDP: US $2.7 billion. Major Industries: Mining and light manufacturing. Chief crops: Cocoa, coffee, palm kernels, rice. Electricity production: 235 million kWh (1998). Radios: 72 per 1,000 people. Telephones: 17,400 main lines.

POLITICS

• Government type: Republic.

Head of state and government: Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. International organization memberships: United Nations (UN), the Commonwealth, and Organization of African Unity (OAU). Historical Background: In 1460, Pedro da Cintra, a Portuguese explorer, first called the region Sierra Leone (meaning Lion Mountains) when he visited its coast. The specific ancient history of Sierra Leone, however, is shrouded in mystery, but we do know of the great cultures and kingdoms of West Africa generally. We know of a people in the 16th century called the Manes (who may be ancestors to the Mende and Loko of today), who extended their power from the southeast coast into the north-west hinterland. By the 17th and 18th centuries, many tribal states operated within social order partially sustained by secret societies such as the Poro. About 1775, Futa Jalon established a theocratic Muslim state. The British established Sierra Leone as a colony in 1808. Earlier in 1787, they had settled freed slaves in the capital they called Freetown. Voting rights were granted to the colony in 1924. From the early 1800s until 1961, when Sierra Leone gained independence, it was known as a British protectorate. Economic instability and corruption have plagued the country from its inception. Since 1991, the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) has waged an extremely violent civil war, killing and maiming thousands of civilians, and forcing children to become soldiers. Nigerian forces have tried to assist the Sierra Leone government but resources are all but depleted, especially now that the RUF has control of most of the diamond mining areas. There have been temporary respites, following peace accords signed in 1996 and 1999 due to international pressure, but as of yet no lasting peace has been established.

TRENDS AND SOCIAL ISSUES

Understanding the trends and social issues of a particular country should always take into consideration the opinions of persons within the country. The Center for Youth Studies is looking for contributors from each country to add to our appreciation and understanding of Sierra Leone’s culture, potential, trends, and critical issues.

The world press has reported extensively on the rebel war in Sierra Leone, the trading by the rebels of diamonds to Taylor’s regime in Liberia for weapons and materials, as well as the efforts of Nigerian troops to support the government of Sierra Leone. We need to hear from Sierra Leoneans regarding their political concerns, how they see the situation being resolved, and what outside assistance they desire. The rebels have extended their power by terror, often maiming villagers. Obviously important issues include the healing of this extensive trauma, rebuilding the lives of former child soldiers, rebuilding infrastructure, and stabilizing the economy.

SOURCES

TEXT

Barrett, D., Kurian, G., & Johnson, T. (2001). World Christian Encyclopedia 2nd Edition: A Comparative Survey of Churches and Religions in the Modern World. Oxford: University Press.

Turner, B. (2000). The World Today: Essential Facts in an Ever Changing World 2000. New York, NY: St. Marten’s Press.

McGeveran, Jr., W. (Ed.). (2001). The World Almanac and Book of Facts. Mahwah, NJ: World Almanac Books.

WEB

"Sierra Leone (country)," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001 © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

US Census Bureau, International Database.

US Central Intelligence Agency. World Factbook.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. What most impresses you about the above information?
2. Do you take issue with any of the above? If so, how would you express it differently?
3. What strikes you most about the population of Sierra Leone and the infant mortality rate? Why?
4. What do you see as the historical and cultural contributions of Sierra Leone to the world?
5. How has the Sierra Leone government handled the war?
6. What can we learn from Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leonean people?
7. Has Western greed for diamonds fueled the civil war?

Tammy Smith cCYS