The Not-So-Innocent Name
Sierra Leone, which translates to "Lion Mountains" was named by Portuguese explorer Pedro de Cintra in 1462. Upon arriving on the shores, he saw a landscape filled with hills and mountains, which reminded him of a lioness, hence the name Sierra Leone.
Diamonds in the Rough
Sierra Leone is known worldwide for its reserves of diamonds. The country has been mining diamonds since the 1930s, and it became truly internationally recognized when a 968.9-carat diamond, one of the largest ever found, was discovered there in 1947.
A Harboured Secret
Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, comprises one of the world's largest natural deep-water harbours. It's not just a trade and transportation hub; its picturesque waterways are also a thing of beauty, attracting many tourists each year.
A Diverse Tongue
Although English is the official language of Sierra Leone, about 18 ethnic languages are spoken in the country. The most widely spoken languages apart from English are Mende, spoken in the South, and Temne, spoken in the North.
Second Home for Freed Slaves
Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, was founded as a home for repatriated former African American slaves in 1787. The city became a safe haven for “Black Poor” of London and later African Americans who fought for the British in the American Revolutionary War, promising them freedom.
Land of the White Sand Beaches
Sierra Leone boasts of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its coastline is a series of white sandy beaches, with the luminescent Tokeh Beach considered as one of the world’s finest.
Living History
In Sierra Leone, you can visit Bunce Island, a historical slave-trade fort which was active between the 1670s to 1807. This poignant remnant of a painful history remains as a stark reminder of the dark times, attracting many history buffs each year.
Startling Biodiversity
Despite its small size, Sierra Leone is home to a wide range of plant and animal species. The Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the Moa River, is home to 135 species of birds and 11 different species of primates.
Agriculture: The Backbone of Economy
Agriculture plays a substantial role in Sierra Leone’s economy, providing a livelihood to about two-thirds of the population. The country is richly endowed with natural resources, accounting for roughly 80% of their overall exports.
The Majestic National Animal
The national animal of Sierra Leone is the lion, reflecting the name of the nation itself. Interestingly, nowadays, wild lions are not found in Sierra Leone as they are presumed extinct due to habitat loss.
Cotton Tree: A National Emblem
A colossal Cotton Tree located in the center of Freetown serves as a national symbol for Sierra Leone. This historic tree is estimated to be over 500 years old and continues to grow, standing as a symbol of freedom against slavery.
The Powerful Chiefdoms
Sierra Leone comprises around 149 chiefdoms. These chiefdoms include the Mende, Temne, and Limba tribes, among others, each having their own local chiefs, acting as the political and cultural leaders.
Contemporary Art Scene
Sierra Leone is renowned for its vibrant arts scene. Despite civil unrest in the past, the country sees significant cultural production, with renowned visual artists, musicians, and filmmakers contributing to its cultural landscape.
Tailing the World’s Largest Chimps Population
Sierra Leone is home to between 4,000 to 5,500 wild chimpanzees, making it one of the critical habitats for our close relatives in the animal kingdom. You can visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary for a wonderful day trip.
The Famous Krio People
The Krio people of Sierra Leone are descendants of freed Jamaican Maroons and Nova Scotian settlers. They have developed a distinct Creole culture that is visible today in their unique language, attires, and customs.
A Taste of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone's cuisine is diverse and fascinating. A popular dish in Sierra Leone is Cassava Leaves Stew, which is customarily prepared with palm oil, fish, and peppers. The taste will leave your palate desiring for more.
The Gift of Rain
Sierra Leone is one of the wettest countries on earth. It gets more than 3,800 millimetres (150 in) of rain annually. This abundant rain supports diverse ecosystems and contributes to its vibrant agricultural sector.
Land of the Sacred Picket Crocodile
The sacred Picket Crocodile is found only in Sierra Leone. As legend would have it, these creatures are incarnations of their revered chiefs, and hence, killing a picket crocodile is considered a grave misfortune.
Victoria Park Bamboo Orchestra
Sierra Leone is home to the "Victoria Park Bamboo Orchestra" which is known for creating entertaining tunes with musical instruments made entirely out of bamboo!
The Country With Two Capitals
Freetown may be the official capital of Sierra Leone, but the city of Makeni is often considered the country's economic capital. Located in the northern part of the country, Makeni houses several key industries, economic institutions, and educational centres. This unique bifurcation sets Sierra Leone apart from most countries in the world.