Sierra Leone has the heaviest rainfall in
west Africa , especially in its coastal area. It
has substantial mineral reserves and potential to develop its
agriculture and live stock. About 50% of the GDPcountryis from agriculture. Rice, Coffee, Cocoa, Palm
oil and Peanuts are the main agricultural products in Sierra Leone.
The natural resources in the country
includes Rutile, Bauxite, Diamonds, Iron ore and Chromites.Mining has been a major industry duringoccasional peace times.Diamond
Mining,Petroleum refining, leather
industry, Beverages etc are the main industries.
In spite of these, Sierra Leone remains a
very poor country.It has all the
characteristics of an underdeveloped poor economy.About 70% of the total population
of 5.6 million is below poverty line.Life
expectancy is only 45 years and adult literacy is as low as 31%. There
is large inequality in income distribution in the country.
The infra structural development suffered
serious set back because of the civil disorders in the country for so
many years.In the civil war which lasted
more than 11 years, the economic and social developments came to a
stand still. Main mining centers for Rutileand
bauxite closed down.There is hardly any
rail link in the country which operated for the public only when the
mines are closed.
Substantial aid from foreign investors is
required to support the economy which shall not come by if the domestic
peace shall not be maintained.Mining is
themajor source for earninghard currency and this is capital
intensive.
Contentious Issues.
The
main problem is the civil disorder in Sierra Leone which drives
millions ofSierra Leoneansout to neighboring countries,
Guinea and Liberia.
