try into a loose federation of two republics called Serbia
and Montenegro. The Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro
includes a provision that allows either republic to hold a
referendum after three years that would allow for their independence
from the state union.

Seychelles
A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for
the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter.
Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close
with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. The most recent
presidential elections were held 31 August-2 September 2001.
President RENE, who has served since 1977, was re-elected. On 14
April 2004 RENE stepped down and Vice President James MICHEL was
sworn in as president.

Sierra Leone
The 1991 to 2002 civil war between the government and
the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) resulted in tens of thousands
of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (well
over one-third of the population), many of whom are now refugees in
neighboring countries. With the support of the UN peacekeeping force
and contributions from the World Bank and international community,
demobilization and disarmament of the RUF and Civil Defense Forces
(CDF) combatants has been completed. National elections were held in
May 2002 and the government continues to slowly reestablish its
authority. However, the gradual withdrawal of most UN Mission in
Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) peacekeepers in 2004 and early 2005,
deteriorating political and economic conditions in Guinea, and the
tenuous security situation in neighboring Liberia may present
challenges to the continuation of Sierra Leone's stability.

Singapore
Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819.
It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years
later and became independent. It subsequently became one of the
world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading
links (its port is the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled)
and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of
Western Europe.

Slovakia
In 1918 the Slovaks joined the closely related Czechs to
form Czechoslovakia. Following the chaos of World War II,
Czechoslovakia became a Communist nation within Soviet-ruled Eastern
Europe. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and Czechoslovakia once
more became free. The Slo