Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Liberia to the southeast, Guinea to the northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest. Sierra Leone covers a total area of 71,740 km2 (27,699 sq mi) and has a population of 8 million. It is the most populous state of the Mano River Union. Freetown, the capital and largest city, is the hub of the country’s economic, political and cultural activities.
Sierra Leone is among the world’s poorest countries: its per capita gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at $400 in 2018. Sierra Leone has ended its 11-year civil war and has since made steady progress toward economic development. The country has benefited from the exploitation of its natural resources—diamonds, iron ore, bauxite, and rutile. Sierra Leone is famous for its diamond industry, from which the country earns a major part of its income.
Sierra Leone is a constitutional republic with three branches of government—executive, legislative, and the judiciary. The executive branch is headed by the president, who is elected by popular vote and serves as the chief executive officer and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The legislative branch is composed of a single-chamber Parliament with the president, who serves as its president. Other members are appointed by the president. The judiciary is independent and is headed by the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, with five additional courts of appeal.
Sierra Leone has a national police force, a fire service, and a prison service. The national police force includes the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The SLP is responsible for law enforcement and is headed by the Inspector General of Police. The CID is responsible for investigations and is headed by the Chief Superintendent of Police. The fire service and prison service provide assistance to the SLP and CID in the maintenance of order and public safety.
Sierra Leone has a rich cultural heritage with the presence of various indigenous populations. The main language is Krio, which is based on English with some African words and has become the lingua franca among Sierra Leoneans. Other languages include Mende, Temne, Limba, Loko, Kono, and Susu.
Religion also plays a major role in the life of Sierra Leoneans. About 60% of Sierra Leoneans are Muslim and approximately 30% are Christians. Christianity is the dominant religion in the south while Islam is the dominant religion in the north. Around 5% of Sierra Leoneans practice traditional beliefs.
Sierra Leone has a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: the wet season, which lasts from May to October, and the dry season, which lasts from November to April. Average temperatures range from 27-30 degrees Celsius (80-86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Sierra Leone is rich in natural resources, including diamonds and iron ore. Tourism is also a major contributor to the economy and one of the most important industries in the country. Visitors come from all around the world to experience the natural beauty and biodiversity of the country.
Sierra Leone has made considerable progress since its civil war, which ended in 2002. The government and people of Sierra Leone continue to work together to rebuild the country and develop its economy and infrastructure. The country also recently elected its first female president in 2018, Julius Maada Bio. With a bright future ahead, Sierra Leone hopes to build a stronger and more prosperous society in which all its citizens can benefit.
