Mini Profile: Sierra Leone

• Sierra Leone is emerging from a protracted civil war and is showing signs of a successful transition. Investor and consumer confidence continue to rise as the country's economy grows.
• According to the International Monetary Fund, Sierra Leone averaged 7% growth between 2005 and 2007.
• In the 2009 World Bank Doing Business Report, Sierra Leone jumped 41 places to become the 53rd easiest place in the world to start a business.

Sierra Leone is famous for:

• Freetown - Sierra Leone has a special significance in the history of the transatlantic slave trade. It was the departure point for thousands of West African captives. The capital, Freetown, was founded as a home for repatriated former slaves in 1787.
• Diamonds - Sierra Leone is a major producer of gem-quality diamonds. Though rich in this resource, the country has historically struggled to manage exploitation and export of the diamonds.