peace and democracy
did you know- Since 2007, SL is one of the youngest democracies in the world. The government is making enormous efforts to improve the human development conditions of all Sierra Leoneans. The country has recently emerged from one of the most brutal civil wars in the world (an ethnic-based conflict), in which more than 100,000 people died. During that bloody war, thousands of children were forced to become child soldiers and slaves. In addition, several girls and adolescents were raped by rebel forces and other groups, one of the worst nightmares in modern history.
Geography
did you know- Sierra Leone is a beautiful nation in West Africa, whose territory is covered by rainforests, mountains, and savannahs, as well as beaches and mangroves. With an area of 27,699 square miles (71,740 km2), roughly the size of West Virginia, the modern state of Sierra Leone is one of the smallest republics in Africa and the 118th largest country on the planet, ahead of Ireland, Georgia and Sri Lanka. . Despite its small size, it has a large number of rivers. This tropical nation is bordered to the north and east by Guinea (a former French colony since 1958), to the south by Liberia (the only African nation never to have been conquered by a foreign government), and to the south by the Atlantic Ocean. . In addition, it has the third largest natural harbor in the world.
aphrodite of africa
did you know- During Miss World 2009, Sierra Leone delegate Mariatu Kargbo, who speaks Chinese, Creole and English, caused a sensation by winning two special awards, where more than 110 countries and dependencies participated. Because of this, Sierra Leone – a former war-torn country that is making enormous efforts to build a democratic society – became one of the favorites to win the Miss World title, along with Venezuelan María Milagros Véliz, a student at the European Business School. London and three other Latin American entries. During an interview, Miss Kargbo said, “I have prepared for the past two years when I saw Sierra Leone do poorly at the 57th Miss World Championships in Sanya (China).” Educated in the People’s Republic of China, Miss Kargbo, whose idol is Nelson Mandela, won the Miss World 2009 Talent. Then, on November 28, 2009, she, an assistant manager, won the World Designer Award when her evening gown was voted “Most Original Design” in the world contest (the nation’s first title in that contest). . Designed by Dany Tabet, Kargbo’s dress was inspired by the country’s ethnic diversity, one of the richest on the African continent. Interestingly, the country has never competed in Miss Universe.
diamonds
did you know- On February 14, 1972, the country made world headlines when the world’s third-largest gem-quality diamond, dubbed the “Star of Sierra Leone,” was discovered at Koidu, SL. The “Star of Sierra Leone” -now its value is around 3 million dollars- has 968.8 carats.
20th century
did you know- SL has been an independent republic for more than 45 years. 1961 was a special year for Sierra Leone: it gained its independence from the United Kingdom. In the following months, on September 27, 1961, it officially became a member of the United Nations. But at that time, it also joined the British Commonwealth. In the decade that followed, between 1970 and 1971, Sierra Leone won one of the 15 seats on the UN Security Council, along with France, Taiwan and the United States.
Olympic Games
did you know- Since the 1960s, the English-speaking nation has been a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Of the 16 IOC-endorsed SL champions who participated in the 1996 Summer Olympics in the United States, 14 were athletes.
Tourism
did you know- Due to its splendid landscape, it is a new tourist destination in the region. Without a doubt, Sierra Leone has a wealth of amazing landscapes, from mangroves, rivers (Moa and Sewa), islands (Sherbro) and wetlands in the south to rainforests and mountains (Bintimani and Sankanbiriwa) in the east and historical sites. in the West. The country’s nature reserves are home to various wild animals, waterfowl, insects, reptiles, amphibians, snails, arachnids, and crustaceans. On the other hand, it is also endowed with one of the largest stretches of pristine beaches (potentially a vacation paradise). It certainly offers some of the best tropical beaches in West Africa – there are more than 300 kilometers of beaches bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, the island of Sherbro is home to one of the most popular fishing spots on the continent. On April 16, 1991, Yvon Sebag caught a tarpon weighing about 283 pounds. Plus, SL has a variety of African traditions. When you think of rainforests, African music and stunning beaches, think of Sierra Leone. In fact, here you will find a new country to discover!
Natural resources
did you know- This land is very rich in natural resources (such as minerals, fresh water, and tropical forests). Despite being one of the smallest republics on the continent, it is one of Africa’s leading diamond producers (accounting for almost 55% of total exports). In addition to diamonds, it has extensive deposits of titanium and bauxite.
Cultural diversity
did you know- This English-speaking republic, the “little jewel of West Africa”, is a fusion of different cultures, religions and races. It is home to as many as sixteen ethnic groups.
world famous athletes
did you know- Sierra Leone is the birthplace of Eunice Barber, one of the world’s top athletes in the late 1990s, along with Stacy Dragila (USA), Tegla Loroupe (Kenya) and Denise Lewis (Great Britain). Until 1998, she competed for SL and became the country’s most successful athlete (male or female). In the early 1990s, she participated in the 25th Summer Olympic Games in Spain, where she didn’t even make it to the semifinals in the heptathlon and 100m hurdles. In 1993, she failed to reach the semifinals in the women’s heptathlon at the IAAF World Championships in Stuggart, Germany. In subsequent years, Barber ranked among the top five heptathletes in the world. In 1995, she placed fourth at the IAAF World Cup in Sweden. At the XXVI Summer Games in Atlanta, USA, Miss Barber, an athlete from France, finished fifth in the heptathlon (with 6,342 points). Like several African champions, she became a French citizen in early 1999. Competing under the French flag, she won two world titles: heptathlon (1999) and long jump (2003). Aside from these awards, Miss Barber had won three other medals (2 silver and 1 bronze) at the World Championships in the early 2000s.
free city
did you know- Freetown, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is the country’s capital and largest city. This metropolis, a capital city that is a port, has many historical buildings. Also, there are more than 1.1 million people here. It was created in 1787.
Famous people
did you know- From the 1960s onwards, SL has a handful of notable people: Salif Easmon (author), James Jonah (diplomat), Eunice Barber (athlete), and Abiogen Nicol (novelist).
