Freetown, Sierra Leone – (African Boulevard News) – Sierra Leone, a country located on the western coast of Africa, is set to elect its next president on Saturday. While the country is known for its white sandy beaches and lush tropical forests, it also has a rich history that includes slavery and a brutal civil war. Here are five things to know about Sierra Leone.
- Sierra Leone was founded by freed slaves
Sierra Leone was founded in 1787 as a colony for freed slaves returning from the Americas. The country then became a British protectorate in 1896 and gained independence in 1961. Today, it is a multi-party democratic republic. -
The country has a diverse population
Sierra Leone is home to 18 different ethnic groups, each with its own language and culture. The two largest groups are the Temne and Mende, which together make up about 60% of the population. -
Sierra Leone has a troubled recent history
From 1991 to 2002, Sierra Leone was embroiled in a brutal civil war that left over 50,000 people dead and many more displaced. Rebels, known as the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), were infamous for their use of child soldiers and for cutting off the limbs of civilians. The country has since made significant progress towards peace and stability. -
The economy is heavily reliant on mining
Sierra Leone is rich in mineral resources, including diamonds, gold, and iron ore. The mining sector accounts for over 80% of the country’s export revenue. However, the industry has been plagued by corruption and has been criticized for its negative impact on the environment and local communities. -
The country is vulnerable to natural disasters
Sierra Leone is prone to a variety of natural disasters, including floods, landslides, and outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola. In August 2017, a devastating mudslide killed over 1,000 people and left thousands more homeless.
In conclusion, Sierra Leone is a country with a complex history and a diverse population. As the country heads to the polls, its citizens will be hoping for peaceful and fair elections that will continue to move the country towards prosperity and stability.
