SIERRA LEONE

The republic of Sierra Leone is a country in west Africa with a capital city of Freetown. Sierra Leone became independent from British colonial rule in 1961. there followed a period of military coups leading up to a one party state in 1968. 1991 saw multi party elections restored but civil war broke out and saw the UN deploy a peacekeeping force in 1999. however, 500 peacekeepers were taken hostage which led to the collapse of the peace . British troops were sent in to evacuate the foreign nationals but exceeded their mandate and  took full military action to defeat the rebels.

Monetary Unit:

1 Pound = 20 Shillings up to 1971
1 leone = 100 cents 1971 onwards.

The note above is a 2 leone note from 1985 with President Stevens on the front and the central bank building on the reverse.