Sierra Leone

BRIEF OVERVIEW

The Republic of Sierra Leone, lies in West Africa bordered by Guinea to the north and east, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and southwest. The capital Freetown is situated on a peninsular in the west coast of the country

Early inhabitants knew the country as Romarong and in 1462 it was visited by the Portuguese explorer Pedro da Cintra, who dubbed it Serra de Leão, meaning “Lion Mountains”. The estimated population is 6.5 million consisting of fourteen major ethnic groups each with their own unique language and heritage. English is used as the official Language

The estimated total area is 71,740 km2 (27,699 sq mi) with a diverse environment ranging from savannah to rainforests is rich in minerals such as diamond, gold titanium, bauxite rutile and more.

Sierra Leone became independent from British rule in 1961 and has suffered the subsequent post colonialism decline which led to a 10 year civil war in the 1990s. Peace has now been achieved and the 50th year of independence coincides with the forward growth of the country.