THE REBULIC OF SIERRA LEONE

One of the Youngest democracies in the world celebrates its independence today 27th April, 2018.

The name Sierra Leone came about when a Portuguese explorer sailed down the coast of West Africa. There is a confusion  of what influenced Pedro da Cintra to come up with “Sierra Lyoa” meaning Lion Mountains. Some say the coastal regions looked like “lion’s teeth”. Others suggest he thought the thunderstorms over the mountainous peninsula sounded like the roar of a lion. Sixteenth century English sailors called it Sierra Leoa which evolved in the 17th Century to Sierra Leone. The British officially adopted the name Sierra Leone in 1787.

 

Interesting and fun facts about Sierra Leone.

  • Sierra Leone gained its independence from Great Britain on April 27th, 1961.
  • It is one of the smallest republics in Africa and in terms of size it ranks as the 118th largest country in the world.
  • The country is one of the youngest democracies in the world.
  • It has a tropical climate and diverse environment ranging from the savannah to the rainforest.
  • Sierra Leone, also known as “the little jewel” in West Africa is blessed with a fusion of different cultures, religions and races.
  • One of the top 10 diamond producing nations in the world, it also earns a lot of foreign currency from minerals.
  • The country is famous for “blood diamonds” that were mined and sold during teh civil war to raise money for weapons.
  • For almost all Sierra Leoneans, rice is the staple food, consumed at virtually every meal. A Sierra Leonean will often say, without any exaggeration, “If I haven’t eaten rice today, then I haven’t eaten!”
  • Bones, particularly chicken bones, are a delicacy.
  • Sierra Leone has been inhabited now for at least 2,500 years by settlers from various parts of Africa.
  • River Rokel is its the longest river.

Visit Africa’s “little jewel” and enjoy the rice and chicken bone delicacy.

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