Under British colonial control Sierre Leone was founded as a home for freed slaves. With independence on April 27, 1961, the flag was hoisted. Its stripes stand for agriculture and the mountains (green); unity and justice (white); and the aspiration to contribute to world peace, especially through the use of the natural harbor at Freetown (blue).

Sierra Leone Official name: Republic of Sierra Leone. Form of government: republic with one legislative body (Parliament [80]. Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 4,577,000. Population projection: (2000) 4,866,000; (2010) 6,056,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1990-95): 24.0 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$925,000,000 (U.S.$200 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 28.5%; pasture 30.7%; agriculture 7.5%; other 33.3%.

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