Sierra Leone is a West African country. It is one of the smallest countries in Africa, with an area of 71 740 km2. Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest, it borders Guinea, to the north and east, and Liberia, to the southeast. The main cities are Freetown, the capital, with 1,051,000 residents (2003), Koidu-New Sembehun (113,700 residents), Makeni (110,700 residents), Bo (82,400 residents) and Kenema (72,400 residents).). The name of Sierra Leone was given to the territory around 1462 by Portuguese navigators due to the shape of one of the mountains, which resembled a lion. From north to south, the main rivers are: Great Scarcies, Little Scarcies, Gbangbaia, Jong, Sewa, Wanje, Moa and Mano. In these rivers there are crocodiles and hippos.
The climate is humid tropical.
Economy
With the exception of the capital, the development of other cities did not occur until after the Second World War. The majority of the population still practices subsistence agriculture, with rice predominating, although the country is considered rich in diamonds, gold, bauxite and titanium dioxide. Mining is the most important industry. European, Lebanese and Indian interests are better represented than those of Sierra Leone itself. Hence, the recent evolution of Sierra Leone has been characterized by an economic crisis. In the 1980s, the country was thus forced to resort to assistance from the International Monetary Fund. The management of economic policy has favored the development of illegal activities related to the diamond trade and clientelism.
Population
The population was, in 2006, 6 005 250 residents, which was equivalent to a population density of 83.88 residents/km2. The birth and death rates are, respectively, 45.76% and 23.03%. Average life expectancy is 40.22 years. It is estimated that, in 2025, the population will be 9 879 000 residents. The main ethnic groups are the Mende (35%), the Temne (32%), the Limba (8%) and the Kono (5%). The most significant religions in the country are Sunni Islam (60%), traditional beliefs (30%) and Christianity (10%). English is the official language used in administration, education and commerce. Arabic is the language of Lebanese and followers of Islam.
History
The country is an old English colony founded in the late 18th century by blacks freed from slavery. He obtained independence on April 27, 1961 and is a member of the Commonwealth. It was considered by the UN, in 1997, the least developed country in the world, despite its natural wealth. The country’s political life has been marked by massive military coups, executions and looting. For Sierra Leone democracy and rights, please check getzipcodes.
Countryaah.com: Offers a full list of airports in the country of Sierra Leone, sorted by city location and acronyms.
Abbreviationfinder.org: Provides most commonly used abbreviations and initials containing the country name of Sierra Leone. Listed by popularity.
1UpTravel.com – Maps of Sierra Leone
Check out the city, country, regional, detailed, shaded relief and historical maps of this Western African country. View the maps of Freetown and Western Sierra Leone.
