Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is known as a country with a lot of poverty but a rich economy (diamonds). As much as 70% of the population lives below the poverty line. Many tourists visit the country every year because of its coastline. There are white sandy beaches and boulevards with many hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. More inland you will find tropical forests, swamps, mountains and several game reserves where crocodiles, monkeys and many bird species live. The country experienced a bloody civil war between 1999 and 2001. Tensions in the country are still largely caused by the diamond trade.