N.N.

Dear visitors,

I welcome you to the homepage of the German Embassy in Freetown.

Sierra Leone, situated on the West coast of Africa, has an extension of 71,740 km², almost equalling the surface of the German Federal State of Bavaria. The inhabitants are about 5.5 million. Although rich in natural ressources such as diamonds, bauxite and rutile, Sierra Leone today is considered one of the poorest countries of the world. One of the main causes is the cruel civil war from 1991 to 2002. Since that date peace has returned to the country which is now faced with the huge task of rebuilding its economy and society.

The Federal Republic of Germany had recognized the Republic of Sierra Leone immediately after its independence in 1961 and has been supporting the country's development ever since. After some years of closure due to the civil war, the German Embassy was reopened as early as 2003. In December 2004, German Federal President Köhler came to Sierra Leone on a State visit. Germany feels an obligation to assist this ravaged country also after the civil war and participates in the reconstruction process. The German aid concentrates on private sector development and employment promotion in agriculture and handicraft.

With this homepage, the German Embassy in Freetown wants to give you information on Sierra Leone and Germany and to promote the relations between our countries.

With best regards,

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Sierra Leone