EBOLA
Geography and people
Sierra Leone lies on Africa’s Atlantic coast between Guinea and Liberia, and is about the size of Ireland. The landscape includes mountains to the east, an upland plateau, wooded hills and coastal mangrove swamps.
Arable land comprises about 15% of the total. Renown for some of the heaviest rainfall on Africa's west coast (rainy season May-Nov) but dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (Dec-Feb).
Nine out of 10 people are descendants of tribes native to Africa. The remaining 10 percent are descendants of freed slaves, called Creoles. English is the official language, but is limited to an educated minority.
Nearly half of the working-age population engages in subsistence agriculture. Oil has been discovered offshore. Sierra Leone is also rich in resources including fisheries, diamonds, gold, rutile (titanium). However, rebuilding the country’s war-ravaged infrastructure and protecting its people from poverty and disease are long-term projects. Corruption has been a hindrance to foreign investment. With help from our supporters, World Vision is working hard to help the people of Sierra Leone secure a better future.
Population
Life expectancy
Literacy rate
Access to safe water
Average annual income
Our Achievements in Sierra Leone
World Vision began significant work in Sierra Leone in 1996 during a lull in the country’s bloody civil war. Since then, some of World Vision’s major accomplishments include:
Community Development
Assisting people affected by civil war and improving agriculture, health and child protection during the 1990s
Food Security
In 1996 we provided food aid to 140,000 internally displaced people in Bo and areas most affected by the civil conflict. We also helped 6,400 farmers to get back on their feet.
Economic Development
During and after the war we helped displaced people resettle and rebuild their homes, providing seeds, hoes and other farming equipment and offering agricultural training since 2001.
Education
Providing youth training and assistance to more than 80,000 young people affected by the civil war.
