Sierra Leone still in recovery from decade of civil war

The west African nation of Sierra Leone has abundant diamond and mineral resources. These precious natural resources were part of the reason why the country suffered from a decade-long civil war. During the war, which ended in 2002, armed rebel groups developed a common practice of hacking off the hands and feet of their victims. Tens of thousands of people died as a result of the conflict.
About ½ of Sierra Leone’s government revenue comes from donations. In recent years, the country has made economic progress; however, poverty and unemployment remain high.
During the era of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade, Sierra Leone was the departure point for thousands of captive African slaves who were to be sold in the western hemisphere.
The capital city of Freetown, got its name from repatriated former slaves in 1787.
Facts about Sierra Leone:
Population: 5,743,725 (July 2014 est.)
Area: Slightly smaller than South Carolina
Capital: Freetown
Religions: Muslim 60%, Christianity 10%, indigenous beliefs 30%
Sources: www.bbc.com, www.cia.gov

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