| 
|
| Map
of Sierra Leone |
| |
Sierra
Leone: Key Statistics |
| Population
(total) |
| 4,717,000 |
| |
| Infant
mortality rates |
| 1
in 7 deaths per live births |
| |
| Life
expectancy at birth |
| 37
years |
| |
| Adult
Literacy Rate |
Male 45%
Female 18% |
|
|
Sierra
Leone
Statistics for Sierra Leone in health, education,
the position of women and income poverty are amongst the worst
in the world.
The Human Development Index places the country last on the list
of 174 nations, based on its low literacy levels (despite the
fact that it had the first University in West Africa); high infant
mortality rates, due to an almost absent basic health service;
and low per capita income rates. Many people survive at subsistence
level.
The civil conflict
The Sierra Leone civil conflict began in 1991 continuing until
July 1999 when the international community brokered a peace treaty,
the ‘Lome Peace Accord’, between the Sierra Leone government and
the Revolutionary United Front. The agreement collapsed in May
2000 but peace was restored when up to 13,000 UN peacekeepers
were brought in to maintain order. A small UK force is helping
to reinforce security and train the Sierra Leone army.
Despite the declaration of peace, the repercussions of the long
conflict will be felt by successive generations. Children,
who make up more than 30 percent of Sierra Leone's population,
have been particularly affected. A whole generation has been denied
its basic rights, with the result that few of the country's children
have access to a decent education, health care, adequate nutrition
or water and sanitation...[More]
Facts:
- 50,000 people died in the conflict
- Over 2 million Sierra Leoneans were displaced by the conflict
(over one third of the population) many of whom are now refugees
in neighbouring countries.
- 100,000 civilians were deliberately mutilated (including children)
- An estimated 3,000 towns and villages were destroyed by the
war.
- 10 -15,000 children were used as soldiers
- Rape and sexual abuse became weapons of war
- 3% of the population
in Sierra Leone have HIV/AIDS.
- There is an immense shortage of food, clothes, shelters,
medicines and other essential supplies.
Medical care
Charges are generally made for all medical care in Sierra Leone. There
is a severe shortage of basic medical drugs and equipment, and
drugs available are often out of date and stored in appalling
conditions. Limited anaesthetics are available in Sierra Leone.
Childbirth in Sierra Leone
The risk of a woman dying as a result of childbirth in Sierra
Leone is...[More]
Vesico-vaginal
fistula
It is estimated there are a minimum
of a million patients with VVF waiting for surgery worldwide....[More]
Traditional birth attendants
Traditional birth attendants provide a vital service in...[More]
Interviews
with people from Kambia (November 2005)
Living in Kambia
Visitor's Guide
Links
CWS
Delegation Encounters Trauma, Hope In Sierra Leone
People are trying to put on a brave face. Homes, hospitals, schools
and businesses from north to south have been looted and burned.
Unemployment in the formal sector is high. Everyone in Sierra
Leone has been deeply traumatized by the war...[More]
Sorious Samura
http://www.cryfreetown.org/
http://www.cryfreetown.org/interview.html
http://www.sorioussamurasafrica.org/index.htm
Animatta Forna
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/talkshow/features/animatta_forna.shtml
http://www.guardian.co.uk/debt/Story/0,2763,813381,00.html
Other links about Sierra Leone |
