If you’ve been following this page for a while, you’ll know Sierra Leone is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. We have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, incredible biodiversity, and lots of wildlife.Sierra Leone never ceases to amaze us – here are 5 fun facts about this West African nation!
Things You Need to Know about Sierra Leone
1. Our diamonds are world famous
Sierra Leone is famous for its diamond mines, which played a significant role in the development of the country’s economy. The discovery of diamonds in the late 1930s sparked a diamond rush, but their trade also fueled conflict, particularly during the civil war in the 1990s, leading to the infamous term “blood diamonds”.Today, efforts are made to ensure that diamonds are mined in an ethical and sustainable manner. Our diamonds also inspired a song by famous American rapper Kanye West – Diamonds from Sierra Leone, released in 2005.
2. The chimpanzee is the national animal
Sierra Leone is home to about 5500 chimpanzees, one of the highest populations in the world – for this reason, and to support all the efforts made in conservation, the chimpanzee was named Sierra Leone’s national animal.It’s hard to see chimpanzees in the wild, so your best option to see them is heading to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the largest chimpanzee rehabilitation center located near Freetown. The sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and injured chimpanzees, providing them with a safe habitat.
3. Sierra Leone has a diverse ethnic population
Sierra Leone is home to over 16 ethnic groups, each with its own language, culture, and traditions. The largest ethnic groups include the Mende (35%), Temne (31%), and Limba (6%).A small but significant ethnic group is the Krio, the descendents of freed enslaved Africans who returned to the Motherland in the late 19th century. Krio only make up 1.5% of the population, but the creole language of the same name, derived from English and several African languages, is widely spoken in Sierra Leone.Krio serves as a unifying language throughout the country and is often used in everyday communication, business, and media.
4. Sierra Leone has the largest natural harbour in Africa
Freetown Harbour is the largest natural harbour in Africa and the second-largest in the world, after Sydney in Australia.Its strategic location has made it a vital hub for trade and commerce throughout history, attracting merchants, explorers, and settlers from around the world. It’s also the first sight for most people visiting Sierra Leone, as Lungi International Airport is right on the edge of Freetown Harbour.
5. There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites - yet!
At the moment of writing, there are no UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sierra Leone. However, the country might get its first one soon – the Gola-Tiwai complex was included in the tentative list in 2022!The rainforest in the Gola-Tiwai area is home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species such as the pygmy hippopotamus and the Gola Malimbe bird.
