Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa. It is one of the poorest countries in the world with 89% of the population living in absolute poverty. It has a population estimated at 6.4 million. The country has a tropical climate with a diverse environment ranging from savannah to rainforests. Freetown is the capital, largest city and economic centre. English is the official language however the Krio language is the most widely spoken by 97% of the country’s population.

Sierra Leone is very rich in minerals and has relied on mining, especially in diamonds, for its economic base.

Over two decades of government neglect of the interior followed by the spilling over of the Liberian conflict into its borders eventually led to the Sierra Leone Civil War which began in 1991 and was resolved in 2002. During these years 50,000 people were killed in the war.

Sierra Leone is predominantly a Muslim nation comprising 60% of the population. Christianity is growing and becoming more widespread.

Education in Sierra Leone is legally required for all children for six years at primary level and three years in junior secondary education, but a shortage of teachers has made implementation impossible. Students at primary schools are usually 6 -12 years old, and in secondary schools 13 -18. Primary education is free and compulsory in government sponsored public schools.