Welcome to Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is officially known as The Republic of Sierra Leone. It is a country in West Africa that is bordered by Guinea, Liberia and The Atlantic Ocean. Sierra Leone is 71,740 kilometres squared and has an estimated population of 6 million people. Sierra Leone is divided into four regions: the Northern Province, Eastern Province, Southern Province and the Western Area; which are subdivided into fourteen districts. Sierra Leone is also rich in minerals, including diamonds, gold, bauxite, rutile and iron ore. Culture People in Sierra Leone have a unique blend of cultural traditions. They are vibrant, exuberant and expressive people and their cultural values, traditions and beliefs are widely practised and respected. A variety of food, flamboyant clothing, jewellery, hand-made crafts, lively festivals and the performing arts are expressions of their society. Rituals and ceremonies are performed by different groups at different times, these rituals are a huge part of their everyday lives. Religion Muslims form about 60% of the population, Christians 30% and traditional or animist believers make up the remaining 10%. Sierra Leone is a leading example of religious tolerance. Muslims and Christians live side by side and intermarry, children typically learn both Muslim and Christian prayers in school. The phrase ‘God Bless Islam’ is one that you will often see around Sierra Leone. |