West Africa.

GMT.

71,740 sq km (27,699 sq miles).

4.76 million (UN estimate 2002).

66.4 per sq km.

Freetown. Population: 837,000 (UN estimate 2001).

Sierra Leone is bordered to the northwest, north and northeast by Guinea Republic, and to the southeast by Liberia. To the south and southwest lies the Atlantic Ocean. A flat plain up to 110km (70 miles) wide stretches the length of the coast except for the Freetown peninsula, where the Sierra Lyoa Mountains rise to 1000m (3280ft). In some coastal areas, sand bars have formed that stretch out as far as 112km (70 miles). Behind the coastal plain is the central forested area, drained by eight principal rivers, which has been cleared for agriculture. The land rises in altitude eastwards to the Guinea Highlands, a high plateau with peaks rising to over 1830m (6000ft) in the Loma Mountains and Tingi Hills area. The Mende tribe is prominent in the southeast and the Temne in the western and northern areas.

Executive power rests with the President who is directly elected every five years. The legislature is single-chamber House of Representatives which has 124 members and serves for four years: 112 are elected by proportional representation in multi-seat constituencies; the remaining dozen are chosen from the ranks of the traditional rulers, the Paramount Chiefs.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1961. Head of State and Government: President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah since 1996.

The official language is English. Krio is also widely spoken. Local dialects are Mende, Limba and Temne.

Animist (40 per cent), Islam (40 per cent) and Christian (20 per cent).

The majority of people in Sierra Leone still live a traditional, agricultural way of life, with ruling chiefs, and religions which preserve social stability, as well as local music, dance, customs and traditions. Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. It is usual to be entertained in a hotel or restaurant, particularly for business visitors. Small tokens of appreciation are always welcome. Casual wear is suitable everywhere. Men are rarely expected to wear suits and ties.

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Supply subject to fluctuations.