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IN THE NEWS
Sierra Leone has the heaviest rainfall in west Africa , especially in its coastal area. It has substantial mineral reserves and potential to develop its agriculture and live stock. About 50% of the GDP country is from agriculture. Rice, Coffee, Cocoa, Palm oil and Peanuts are the main agricultural products in Sierra Leone. 
The natural resources in the country includes Rutile, Bauxite, Diamonds, Iron ore and Chromites. Mining has been a major industry during occasional peace times. Diamond Mining, Petroleum refining, leather industry, Beverages etc are the main industries.
In spite of these, Sierra Leone remains a very poor country. It has all the characteristics of an underdeveloped poor economy. About 70% of the total population of 5.6 million is below poverty line. Life expectancy is only 45 years and adult literacy is as low as 31%. There is large inequality in income distribution in the country.
The infra structural development suffered serious set back because of the civil disorders in the country for so many years. In the civil war which lasted more than 11 years, the economic and social developments came to a stand still. Main mining centers for Rutile and bauxite closed down. There is hardly any rail link in the country which operated for the public only when the mines are closed.
Substantial aid from foreign investors is required to support the economy which shall not come by if the domestic peace shall not be maintained. Mining is the major source for earning hard currency and this is capital intensive.
Contentious Issues.
The main problem is the civil disorder in Sierra Leone which drives millions of Sierra Leoneans out to neighboring countries, Guinea and Liberia. |
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| Age structure: |
0-14 years: 44.73% (male 1,190,207; female 1,237,326) |
| Religions: |
Muslim 60%, indigenous beliefs 30%, Christian 10% |
| Languages: |
English, Mende, Temne, Krio |
| Literacy: |
definition: age 15 and over can read and write English, Mende, Temne, or Arabic |
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