21 May 2013 Last updated at 09:16 ET

Sierra Leone profile

Coastal scene in Sierra Leone Sierra Leone is trying to encourage tourists to enjoy its natural beauty
  • Full name: Republic of Sierra Leone
  • Population: 6.1 million (UN, 2012)
  • Capital: Freetown
  • Area: 71,740 sq km (27,699 sq miles)
  • Major languages: English, Krio (Creole language derived from English) and a range of African languages
  • Major religions: Islam, Christianity
  • Life expectancy: 48 years (men), 49 years (women) (UN)
  • Monetary unit: Leone
  • Main exports: Diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish
  • GNI per capita: US $460 (World Bank, 2011)
  • Internet domain: .sl
  • International dialling code: +232

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