Sierra Leone

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region –Western Africa
• Currency symbol of Sierra Leone – Sierra Leonean leone(Le)
• Capital City –Freetown
• Official languages –English is official Language, but Krio is widely spoken
• Population –7.65 million (2018)
• Country dialling code  –  (+232 )
• Official website – Sierra Leone
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Diamond Mining, Small Manufacturing, and Petroleum refining.
• Google Maps link – Sierra Leone
• Where is it? –Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean.

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Sierra Leone In Pictures

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Sierra Leone History

• How did the country get its first name? – The original Portuguese name, Serra Lyoa, referred to the range of hills that surrounds the harbour.
• How did the country get its current name? – The current name is an incorrect spelling of the Spanish version (Sierra Leona). 
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? –  The land has been occupied for thousands of years by multiple groups including by the Temne and Limba people. Portuguese explorer Pedro Da Cintra was the first European to discover the Sierra Leone in 1462.
• Who were the first Inhabitants? – The Bulom were the first known inhabitant of region. After them, Mende and Temne settled in 15th century.
• When it was first recognized as a country? – On 27 April, 1961 Sierra Leone was given official recognition by the United Kingdom.
• Who was the first leader of the country? – Milton Maragi became country’s first ever Prime minister on 27 April, 1961.

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Five Significant Events 

Historical Events

2. 1808-1-1 Event: Sierra Leone becomes British colony. (https://www.onthisday.com/countries/sierra-leone)
3. 1961-04-27: Sierra Leone declares independence from UK (https://www.onthisday.com/countries/sierra-leone)
4. 1971-04-19: Sierra Leone becomes a republic (National Day). (https://www.onthisday.com/countries/sierra-leone)

4. 2002-01-18: Sierra Leone Civil War finally declared over. (https://www.onthisday.com/countries/sierra-leone)

5. 2012-08-30: Cholera outbreak kills 229 people in Sierra Leone (https://www.onthisday.com/countries/sierra-leone)

Five Places to Visit in Sierra Leone

1. Freetown: Cascading down the green hills of the Western Area, right to the edge of its own horseshoe bay, the capital of Freetown is a fine place to begin your travels in the country. (https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-visit-sierra-leone/5/)

2. Bunce Island: Deep in the recesses of Tagrin Bay, just a short ferry ride from the jetties of the capital at Freetown, the rock that is Bunce Island offers a glimpse into the darker days of West African history. (https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-visit-sierra-leone/5/)

3. Banana Island: Languishing off the coast of the Western Area, south from the capital at Freetown, the finger of land that forms Banana Island has all the shimmering, alabaster-hued beaches and lush rainforest you’d expect of a place so deep in the tropics. (https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-visit-sierra-leone/5/)
4. Tiwai Island: Engulfed by the weaving, winding capillaries of the Moa River as the main channel splits in two in the heart of Sierra Leon’s Southern Province, Tiwai Island remains one of the most famous conservation spots in the country. (https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-visit-sierra-leone/5/)
5. Turtle Island: The Turtle Islands might just be the most picture-perfect tropical paradise you’ve never heard of. (https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-visit-sierra-leone/5/)

References: 

• https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk00RPHQkBgEBBsRQwZOkZJ98bGAcpw%3A1601977771057&ei=qz18X4r-Aqmo1fAPzcWpqAQ&q=when+was+sierra+leone+first+president+in+1961&oq=when+was+sierra+leone+first+president+in+1961&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzoECAAQRzoICCEQFhAdEB46BQghEKABOgQIIRAVUJX5Alj1tQNg074DaABwAngAgAGYBYgBuSSSAQM1LTiYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6yAEIwAEB&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwjK_-yf2J_sAhUpVBUIHc1iCkUQ4dUDCA0&uact=5
• https://whynameitthat.blogspot.com/2013/01/algiers-and-algeria.html
• https://www.onthisday.com/countries/sierra-leone
• https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-visit-sierra-leone/5/