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  • Title: Sierra Leone.
    Author: United States. Department of State. Bureau of Public Affairs.
    Journal: Backgr Notes Ser; 1986 Jul; ():1-7. PubMed ID: 12178141.
    Abstract:
    In this discussion of Sierra Leone, attention is directed to the people, geography, history, government and political conditions, the economy, foreign relations, defense, and relations between the US and Sierra Leone. The population of Sierra Leone was estimated to be 3.7 million in 1985 with an annual growth rate estimated at 2.3%. Life expectancy is 46 years. 18 ethnic groups make up the country's indigenous population; the Temne in the north and the Mende in the south are the largest. Sierra Leone is located in the western part of the great bulge of West Africa. Most of the 20th century history of the colony was peaceful, and independence was accomplished without violence. The 1951 constitution provided the framework for decolonization. Independence came in 1961, and Sierra Leone became a parliamentary system within the British Commonwealth. In April 1971, it adopted a republican constituion, cutting the link to the British monarchy but remaining within the Commonwealth. Sierra Leone is rich in minerals and has relied upon the mining sector, in general, and diamonds, in particular, for its economic base. In the 1970s and early 1980s, economic growth rates slowed due to a decline in the mining sector that had eroded the export base. About 75% of the population engages in subsistence agriculture, and, although most of the population derives their livelihood from agriculture, it accounts for only 30% of the national income. Government development plans have focused increasingly on agriculture, with efforts directed toward increasing food and cash crop production and upgrading small farmer skills. Sierra Leone has followed a foreign policy of nonalignments, although historically it has maintained cordial relations with the West, particularly with the UK and the US. The country's military force is well-trained and well-disciplined but is hampered by a small budget and insufficient materiel. At this time, relations between the US and Sierra Leone are cordial, although historic and other ties between the 2 countries are limited. US aid has concentrated on projects in education, agriculture, rural development, health, and human resources development.
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