The minimum you need to know

Sierra Leone may have an advanced democratic system of government (that includes something similar to freedom of speech that's called "freedom of thought," which encompasses things like freedom of expression and freedom of religion). But the country's leaders say their advancement follows significant primitive conflicts during previous generations that affected large portions of the society.

Today the country is internally and externally at peace. And the government of Sierra Leone is a staunch proponent of peace, including at the United Nations. In fact, President Julius Maada Bio devoted the majority of his annual address at the General Debate to peace and civil rights for all nations. (See below.) He thoughtfully called for "unity," saying that, "We must ensure unity in diversity, where the rights of the weak and the minority are protected.”

The public remarks of Sierra Leone’s leader suggest that the government is conducting diplomacy ethically and attempting to be a stabilizing influence on other countries.

Sierra Leone borders Liberia, which had an internal power struggle that resulted in a peace accord in 2003.

Sierra Leone is at peace with all foreign countries.