Sierra Leone is a constitutional republic nation in West Africa, with three Provinces and one Area. It has a land area of 71,740 square kilometers and is bordered by Guinea to the north, Liberia to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. There is a wide variety of ecological and agricultural zones throughout the country. In the west, the long coastline provides an abundance of marine resources and potential attraction for tourists. Next, there is low lying mangrove swamps, rain forested plains and farmland, and in the east, a mountainous plateau. The highest point, Mount Bintumani and 1,948 meters is located here. The climate is tropical with two main seasons. The rainy season from May to November and the dry season form December to May.
The Sierra Leone Harbor, the world's third largest natural harbor, is located in the capital, Freetown. Sierra Leone is a constitutional republic with a directly elected president and a unicameral legislature. The president is the head of state, the head of government and the commander in chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. The president is elected by popular vote and elected to a five year term. A cabinet of ministers is appointed and headed by the president and this is where executive authority rests. Legislative powers are vested in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, which consists of 124 seats. Each of the country's twelve districts is represented in parliament, as well as the Western Area representatives. 112 members are elected during presidential elections, while the other twelve seats are filled by Paramount chief from each of the country's twelve administrative districts. Judicial power is vested in the judiciary, is comprised of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court and headed by the Chief Justice. Magistrate courts exist in each district and are inferior courts.
Although Sierra Leone's official language is English, the population is comprised of fourteen different ethnic groups, each with its own language and costume. 60 % of the population are Muslim, 30 % are Christian, and the remaining 10% adhere to their indigenous religions and faiths. The most popular sport in Sierra Leone is futbol. The National team, the Leone Stars, represents the country in international futbol competitions. When there is a match, the nation comes to a halt and fans rush to the national stadium in Freetown. Several radio stations and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service broadcasts the live match. If the Leon Stars are victorious, fireworks erupt in the sky and people celebrate all throughout the streets. However, if the Leone stars lose the game, especially at home, fans will boo their own players and officials and sometimes even throw objects onto the field.
Quick Facts
Population: 5,485,998
Capital: Freetown
Per-capita GDP: $ 900
Size: 71,740 km2
Time Zone: (GMT) Dublin
Country information is adapted from public domain resources including the CIA World Fact Book and www.Wikipedia.org.
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Queens University of Charlotte Myrta Pulliam Center for International Education