Africa is commonly called “the heart of the world”; if this were interpreted literally, our heart suffers from a serious problem that does not receive the attention it so desperately deserves. The purpose of blood diamonds is simple; they are used as currency to purchase armaments from warring factions and warlords and fuel civil wars in unstable countries as well as continued guerrilla tyranny in countries like Angola and, more famously, Sierra Leone . When addressing the issue of blood diamonds mined in Sierra Leone, it is crucial to understand the geography of the country as well as its civil and political aspects. Blood diamonds often have misinterpreted meanings, and their definition requires clear explanation. The brutal process of acquiring diamonds begins with the actions of a greed-driven rebel and diamond company executives attempting to expand their control over the international diamond market. Even though the United Nations implements the Kimberly Process, there are a few weak links in the chain that make it very easy to circumvent laws that prohibit the purchase of conflict diamonds. Finally, enslaved workers, most often children, are subjected to appalling working conditions and extreme abuse. The issue of blood diamonds is a complex subject involving civil war and forced labor that leaves a worrying cloud of transgression over Sierra Leone, as well as many other diamond-rich countries. Sierra Leone, located on the west coast of northwest Africa, is half of the country. size of the state of Illinois with a total area of ​​approximately 30,000 miles (state). Coastal cities are often the most populated, with the capital Freetown, with a population of over a million, located in the northwest of the country. Sierra...... middle of paper ......s. United Nations Department of Information, March 21, 2007. Web. February 25, 2011. .Fofana, Lansana. “Children working in the mines of Sierra Leone.” British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC, August 28, 2003. Web. April 21, 2011. Fofana, Lansana. “Minor children: legacy of the conflict”. Inter Press Service. Inter Press Service news agency, May 7, 2009. Web. April 21, 2011.Hoyt, Alia. “How the African Diamond Trade Works.” How it works. United Nations Department of Public Information, June 2008. Web. February 25, 2011. “The Kimberly Process.” World Witness. Global Witness Foundation, February 2007. Web. April 21, 2011. Schure, Teri. “Blood diamonds are always bloody.” World Press. World Press, May 14, 2010. Web. February 26. 2011. .