Sierra Leone is a small state in western Africa on the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of this republic is the city of Freetown.
The country is located slightly north of the equator in the subequatorial climatic zone. Hot weather prevails here throughout the year, winter is only slightly cooler than summer. The main difference between the winter season and the summer season is that in the summer, heavy rainfall regularly occurs in Sierra Leone, and in the winter, dry and sunny weather prevails.
The territory of the republic is dominated by savannah landscapes, and in its southern regions there are humid equatorial forests. On the Atlantic coast, mangroves stretch for many kilometers.
In the minds of many people, the country is associated with poverty and a low standard of living, which was greatly facilitated by the civil war that lasted for many years. However, it has its own unique attractions. These are primarily the republic’s natural complexes and reserves. There are also historical sights and objects of cultural value.
Sierra Leone is famous for its stunning tropical beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. One of its best beaches is the sandy Bureh beach, which is located next to a small town with the same name. It stretches for almost 4 km along the coast. From Freetown you can get here in less than an hour.
John Obey is another wonderful beach nearby, located in the village of the same name. Its length is approximately half the length of Bureh beach, but in its beauty it is in no way inferior to it.
This is the largest mountain system in Sierra Leone. The peak of Mount Bintumani rises 1945 meters above sea level. It is the highest point not only of this mountain system, but of the entire republic. There is not a single settlement in the mountains; here is the kingdom of wild nature. The mountains are covered with tropical forest. In 1952, the territory of the mountain range was declared a nature reserve.
It is a vast flat territory occupied primarily by savanna. Its natural landscapes are typical of the savannah zone. Among the endless expanses covered with grassy vegetation, there are mighty baobab trees. Many species of African wild animals live here. The plain is located next to the city of Bo, after which it received its name.
Tiwai is the largest island in the mainland, covered with impenetrable tropical forest. It is located on the Moa River near the city of Bo. Its area is estimated at 12 square kilometers.
In 1978, the island received the status of a conservation area. A biosphere reserve has been created on its territory. The pride of the reserve is the richest diversity of primates in the world - there are 11 species of them. The island's fauna also stands out as it is home to pygmy hippopotamuses and river otters, as well as more than 130 species of birds.
The archipelago is located in the ocean southwest of the Freetown Peninsula, less than 5 km from the coast. There are only three islands: Dublin, Ricketts and Mes Mech. The first two islands are connected by a stone lintel.
Dublin has stunning beaches and Ricketts is covered in dense forests. There are several small villages on these two islands. There is no permanent population on the island of Mes Meh.
People began to settle on these islands from the end of the eighteenth century. The first settlers were slaves who were freed.
In Dublin you can see the preserved ruins of a church built in 1881 and the remains of an old dock. There is a guest house for tourists on the same island.
This is a small island in the river near Freetown, the dimensions of which do not exceed 540 meters in length and 130 meters in width. It is almost entirely occupied by forest.
The island contains the ruins of an ancient fortress, which at one time was the center of the slave trade and was actually a prison for slaves. Now all that remains of it are a couple of watchtowers and fragments of a fortress wall with platforms for cannons and a warehouse for storing gunpowder.
It is located in the north-west of the country near the border with Guinea. A nature reserve was created here in 1972, and in 1995 it was given the status of a national park. It is named after Mount Outamba and the Kilimi River. In the national park you can find representatives of many species of rare animals, including elephants, hippopotamuses, pygmy hippopotamuses, elephants, and warthogs. It is especially worth noting that the closest primate to humans, chimpanzees, lives here. There are also many birds here, the total number of species of which exceeds 100.
Gola is the country's largest national park. Its territory is occupied by tropical forests. The history of this national park began in 2010, when three forest reserves were united. Its peculiarity is the extraordinary richness of flora and fauna. The fauna of the national park includes:
- Dozens of mammal species, including African elephants, pygmy hippopotamuses and chimpanzees.
- More than 300 species of birds, including 14 rare species.
- About 650 species of butterflies.
The reserve is located in the Tonkolili area. Dozens of mammal species and hundreds of bird species live here. The main purpose of the reserve is to restore the population of the endangered species of dwarf crocodiles and provide conditions for their conservation as a species.
This reserve is located in the east of the country, 200 km from Freetown. It creates and maintains conditions aimed at preventing the extinction of the endangered species of forest elephants.
The Anglican Church-owned cathedral in Freetown was built from 1817 to 1928 and is the main Christian temple in the republic. The temple was built from red brick. A tower consisting of two floors is attached to its main hall. The external design style of the temple can be described as strict.
This is the main museum in Sierra Leone, located in the center of the capital near the gigantic cotton tree, which in itself is a local landmark. The museum opened in 1959. Its exhibits include objects found during archaeological excavations, historical artifacts and works of folk art. There are not many exhibits in it, but they are all unique and attract tourists who come here to the museum.
The West African state of Sierra Leone, like many countries in the region, is “famous” for its high crime rate and regular rallies; only brave tourists go here. The infrastructure is mediocre, but the potential for the development of resort areas is enormous. Which resorts in Sierra Leone will be in demand and what to visit in the country.
General idea of the country
Sierra Leone is located in the western region of the “black” continent, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Neighbors are Guinea and Liberia. The state became independent only in 1961. The republic is considered the poorest in West Africa, which is intertwined with high crime and a serious level of corruption.
The weather is shaped by an equatorial climate with year-round heat and high humidity. The season of tropical rainfall lasts from May to autumn; the rest of the time, the territory of Sierra Leone is blown by northern winds, bringing sand from the Sahara. It is better to come here in October or winter.
How to get there from different CIS countries
The post-Soviet republics are not connected to Sierra Leone by direct flights. There are regular flights from Moscow or Minsk to Freetown via London or Brussels. Some tourists fly to Guinea with a transfer in Paris, after which they cross the border using local airlines.
If you take into account connections, the flight takes 17 hours. Neighboring Guinea is connected to Freetown by bus. Citizens of CIS countries need a special visa and medical insurance before traveling to Sierra Leone.
Beach resorts of Sierra Leone
The most popular resort in the republic is Freetown, which is the largest port of the state and one of the oldest in West Africa. What remained from the British in the city were colonial buildings and typical English streets. The capital is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, so it attracts guests with good beaches.
The city of Lakka is known for its excellent conditions for sea fishing. Lovers of sea holidays should visit Aberdeen, the Banana Islands and the beautiful village located in the vicinity of York. Sierra Leone's seaside resorts are now stagnant due to military conflicts, but the country has huge potential to become the “pearl” of West Africa.
Medical and ecological tourism in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone constantly suffers from wars, coups d'etat, and the entire population lives below the poverty line. There are no medical resorts. The only type of wellness that the country offers to travelers is spa centers in a few of the best hotels in the republic.
The situation with ecotourism is favorable. The Atlantic coast is interesting with mangroves, and the southern regions with equatorial forests. Connoisseurs of pristine nature should visit the Loma Mountains. The large island of Tiwai is famous for its tropical jungle and biosphere reserve with monkeys, pygmy hippos and river otters.
Gola National Park is the largest in the republic. The tropical forests are home to African elephants and chimpanzees, hippos, birds and butterflies. In the Mamunta Mayosso Nature Reserve, they are trying with all their might to save dwarf crocodiles from extinction. Kangari Hills Park serves to conserve the forest elephant population.
Entertainment, how to spend time
The center of nightlife in Freetown and Sierra Leone is the Lagunda area, where local and visiting youth have fun in clubs, discos and have a good time in cafes and bars. In the capital, you need to visit the National and Railway Museum, the library, and admire the colonial architecture.
Beyond the city limits, Africa begins with savannah and wild animals; almost all tourists, after a holiday in Freetown, go on a safari around the capital's outskirts. Sierra Leone also attracts hikes through national parks, tropical forests and botanical gardens.
Fans of shopping buy Aboriginal clothing, local jewelry and fabrics, wooden figurines, African masks and accessories made of crocodile or snake skin.
Sights, what to see
Visitors to Freetown will enjoy Fort Thornton, the National Museum, St. George's Cathedral, the Parliament House and the Botanic Gardens. The center of the capital is decorated with the two-century-old Cotton Tree, the oldest King Jimmy's Bazaar in the republic. Be sure to see the medieval “Portuguese Steps”, along which slaves once descended to the ocean.
Natural attractions are considered the hallmark of Sierra Leone. The banana islands will delight you with the cleanest beaches, and some paradise corners of the archipelago will delight you with the absence of people. National parks and reserves will pamper tourists with jungles and wild African animals.
Valentin: We accidentally went to Sierra Leone. To be honest, we were surprised that special bars for Russians were opened in the capital. In addition to establishments for domestic tourists, this African country pleasantly impressed with its calm and cozy beaches and beautiful nature. Everything else is for everyone.
Evgeniy: Last year I had to go to Sierra Leone. In summer it is unbearable, the humidity is off the charts, there are constant tropical downpours. A strange city with many slums. Outside the capital, Africa opens up, just like on TV.
Sierra Leone is still reeling from the devastating conflict. Despite high crime and poverty, the country has good prospects for tourism development. The Republic will be able to offer decent seaside resorts and national parks, nightclubs and cultural attractions.
Video review: resorts of Sierra Leone
Unfortunately, holidays in Sierra Leone in 2020 are not particularly popular among tourists. This is due to the military conflicts that took place here and, as a consequence, to poverty and devastation in the country. But even despite these difficulties, many desperate travelers come here to enjoy the traditional flavor and breathtaking scenery. Tourists are also pleased with the very low prices and picturesque sights. It is worth going to Sierra Leone as a prepared traveler. An additional article will help you prepare, from which you will learn all the features of a holiday in this country.
Brief historical background
The territory of this state was inhabited by humanity more than 2500 years ago. It must be said that the dense forest network served as a natural barrier to the penetration of other African cultures, as well as Islamization.
The first historical sources, dating back to the 16th century, say that tribes lived in this area and fought wars among themselves. They mastered agriculture and used iron for a long time. In some places feudal states emerged.
But then came the period of Europeans’ arrival in Africa, and this territory became one of the first where they set foot - the Portuguese arrived. They found only a few tribal associations that were not connected to each other culturally or linguistically. The Portuguese came up with this name for the territory. The local harbor became an excellent haven for seafarers, and in the 17th century the British founded their fort here.
Sierra Leone became a settlement for freed slaves. They built the settlement of Freetown here, which is now a city, the capital of the state. Today's population of the country is mainly the descendants of those settlers, the Creoles.
In the 19th century, Sierra Leone was occupied by the British. They colonized and developed the territory, even if the local population fought against them. In the 20th century, industry began to develop in the country and roads were built. The world wars did not affect the state in any way.
But in the middle of the century, as in many African countries, the time came to gain independence. This happened in the 60s of the last century. After this, as is usual in states that are just starting out, a series of coups followed. In the 90s, the country experienced a civil war.
By the beginning of the 2000s, peaceful relations were established between the government and the rebels. But, unfortunately, to this day the country remains one of the poorest in the world; agriculture is most developed. Therefore, tourists are not very keen on visiting Sierra Leone, but there are special travelers who are so interested in Africa in its diversity that they will gladly visit this country.
Brief geographical information and climate
Sierra Leone is a small country on the Atlantic coast. The capital is Freetown. On the coast of the country there are amazing mangrove forests, most of it is savannah with herbs. Equatorial forests have survived only in the south, on the slopes of the mountains.
The relief of the Atlantic is lowland, and the further from the ocean, the higher. The highest point of the country rises almost 2000 meters above the ground. Sierra Leone has many rivers and picturesque bays on the coast.
The climate of the country is hot and humid, subequatorial. In winter there is a dry season (lasting from November to April), and in summer it is humid. On the coast, temperatures range from 24 to 29 degrees Celsius on average. In the interior of Sierra Leone, the temperature difference is more noticeable: from 21 to 31 degrees Celsius on average.
Sierra Leone on the map
Planning a trip to Sierra Leone: transport, accommodation, visa, safety
How to get to Sierra Leone, transport in the country
When booking tickets to Sierra Leone early, the cheapest ticket, with two transfers, will cost about 40,000 rubles one way. Yes, it is quite difficult to get into this country. Popular options with one transfer: connection in London or.
The airport is separated directly from the city by a bay: for $80 you can get to land by helicopter, for $40 - by water, or by car.
Most of the country's population lives in the capital, but public transport is currently not developed even there. Mostly minibuses and regular taxis travel around Sierra Leone; by the way, they will take you to another point in the country, but for a European the trip will cost four times more than for a local resident.
Intercity communication is also provided by buses and water transport. You can rent a car; in the capital there are offers from international car rental companies.
Where to stay in Sierra Leone, hotels in the country
As for the hotel infrastructure, due to poverty in the country and the small number of tourists, it is poorly developed. But still, the one who seeks will always find. So, let's look at the capital's options. A guest house for one traveler will cost approximately 1,500 rubles per day. A three-star hotel costs around 5,000 rubles per night per person. A five-star establishment with its own beach, meals and transfer under the same conditions - 13,000 rubles. The country has regular hotels, guest houses, and less common lodges and apartments.
Visa to Sierra Leone for Russians
A visa, even for a tourist, is required to enter the state. But you can submit it by email. You must go to the official website of the country’s Ministry of Tourism, fill out a form and provide all the necessary data. The visa fee will be $100. Three days to decide - and if the visa is granted, confirmation will be sent by email. It should be printed and shown when crossing the border. Then a special mark will be affixed to the foreign passport; you can stay in the country for a month.
Security in Sierra Leone
Some time ago, an Ebola fever epidemic raged in the state, but the threat has now been stopped. And the era of the Civil War has long passed, so now the country is among the safest for tourists. It is worth remembering these safety rules:
- Always have your ID with you;
- treat authorities and ordinary people with respect;
- drink only bottled water;
- get vaccinated against yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis;
- take a course of anti-malaria drugs.
Features of a holiday in Sierra Leone: attractions, interesting places, entertainment
Attractions and interesting places in Sierra Leone
Freetown is the capital of this small West African state. This city is the oldest in the entire region. Therefore, here you can find many cultural and architectural monuments that will amaze tourists with their uniqueness. The entire city center is built up with low-rise buildings in the style of nineteenth-century English provincial towns.
Arriving in Freetown, you should undoubtedly see the National Museum, St. George's Anglican Cathedral, and visit the botanical garden. There are also a lot of monuments in the city that are in one way or another connected with freedom - after all, the city was founded by freed slaves. For example, this is the Tree of Reconciliation, a symbol of the city. Or the Royal Gate, on which it is engraved that any slave who passes through it becomes free.
Bunce Island is located near Freetown. There are ruins of a fortress there, which was previously used as a prison for slaves. And other islands - Banana Islands - will appeal to those who like to engage in water sports; they are quite suitable for diving and fishing.
Most of all, sophisticated tourists are attracted here by the untouched nature of Sierra Leone.
The country lies on a picturesque undulating plain, along which experienced travelers prefer to travel lightly - on foot. Only in this way, they argue, can one absorb the unimaginably sweet and rebellious spirit of Africa.
The entire plain is cut by many small rivers, and quite a few full-flowing rivers, which, flowing into the ocean, form very cozy and comfortable harbors. There are many wonderful beaches near the ocean, many of which have been hidden from people for many decades. And today they appear before us in all their pristine and alluring beauty.
You can visit one of the national parks. For example, in the north-west of the country there is the Outamba-Kilimi National Park. There you can see cute chimpanzees and other monkeys, hippos, elephants, antelopes and many birds.
Many travelers are attracted to the Gola Rain Forest. It is located in the east of the country and operates throughout the year. The national park is well suited for excursions - there is a tourist center and good paths. You can just walk, you can go on a safari in a jeep, you can go to a nearby ethnographic village. But the Gola Rain Forest is beautiful in itself, because it is just a small area of preserved tropical rainforest, which is also home to endangered birds and animals.
Entertainment in Sierra Leone
The entire territory of Sierra Leone is inhabited by numerous tribes and nationalities living according to ancient traditions. The locals are very good-natured and open to tourists. They will gladly offer their shelter, show you the numerous rituals of their ancestors, and will definitely teach you a couple of funny African songs. But this, of course, is mainly in small towns.
Entertainment more understandable to Europeans awaits in Freetown. There's even an entire beach, Lumley Beach, dedicated specifically to festivals and beach parties. There are sports and children's playgrounds in the city, and even a casino.
Shopping in the country consists mainly of small shops and shops. It’s not worth bringing brands from Africa, at least not from this poor country. But a souvenir with a national touch is definitely worth it. This could be things like:
- National Costume;
- wood crafts;
- mask;
- musical instrument;
- costume jewelry: jewelry woven from beads and beads.
The culinary traditions in Sierra Leone are interesting. The fact is that meat is practically not consumed here - it has been too expensive for centuries. But, of course, in the capital you can also find restaurants for those who love hearty meat dishes.
Examples of traditional dishes include camuna (beef with beans and chili), pike perch with peanut sauce or lobster with ginger, and cassava is widely used. For drinks, you should try homemade ginger beer or palm wine. A set lunch at a restaurant costs approximately $20 to $30.
The small country of Sierra Leone, although not particularly known to tourists, is so filled with comfort and warmth that it is definitely worth a visit. The beautiful coastline, the spirit of freedom in the capital, and nature throughout the country will definitely lift your spirits and make your vacation unforgettable.
A little more about what is worth seeing in Sierra Leone - in the video:
The state of Sierra Leone borders on Guinea in the north and east (border length 652 km), and on Liberia in the southeast (306 km). In the west and southwest the country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The total length of the border is 958 km, the length of the coastline is 402 km.
The climate of Sierra Leone is equatorial humid, the average temperature is about +24°C. The country ranks among the first in West Africa in terms of rainfall. The rainy season begins in May, starting with heavy downpours, and continues without interruption until September. The dry season lasts from December to April. Precipitation per year is about 2,000-2,500 mm, in the mountains - more than 3,000 mm.
Story
The first Portuguese sailors back in the 15th century. They discovered a peninsula that they called Sierra Leone (translated as “Lion Mountains”). This name then spread throughout the country. The birth of the colony itself dates back to 1788, when the local chief Nyambana ceded part of his territory to the English Royal Navy captain John Taylor, who acted on behalf of “the community of free settlers, their heirs and successors, recently arrived from England and under the protection of the British government.” The community in question consisted of 400 poor blacks and 60 women from England who had settled here the previous year. The black settlers were freed slaves who fought for the British during the American Revolution and fugitive slaves who found refuge in Great Britain. The settlement was named Freetown ("city of the free"). The location of the first settlement turned out to be unsuccessful, and in 1791 the Sierra Leone Company, led by Henry Thornton, assisted by Granville Sharp and William Wilberforce, founded a new settlement not far from the first. In 1792, a group of 1,100 freed slaves arrived from Nova Scotia.
In 1800 they were joined by fugitive slaves from Jamaica. After Great Britain banned the slave trade in 1807 and freed slaves from captured slave ships that continued to transport “black goods,” the number of settlers increased significantly. Gradually, almost the entire territory of the Sierra Leone peninsula was purchased from local rulers - King Tom and King Farima, and in 1808 the settlement was declared a colony of the British crown. In 1825, the area of the colony increased primarily due to the annexation of the entire Sherbro region. Thanks to Edward Blyden's negotiations with the chiefs, British influence extended into the interior of modern Sierra Leone. After a clash between English and French troops, when each side mistakenly mistook the other for the troops of the Muslim leader Samori, the border between English and French possessions was determined, and in 1896 Great Britain declared the interior of Sierra Leone its protectorate. The housing tax imposed by the new English administration in 1898 provoked an uprising of the Temne and Mende peoples. After this, civil administration was introduced in the protectorate and missionary societies resumed their work. The Church Missionary Society was most active, spreading its influence into the interior from centers established on the coast at the beginning of the 19th century.
Although the political traditions of the colony's Creole population date back to the early 19th century, national politics as such only emerged in the 1950s. It focused on two issues: Creole fears that the larger protectorate population might dominate Sierra Leonean life and the struggle against English colonial rule. In April-May 1960, at a conference in London, which was attended by representatives of the British government and all political parties in Sierra Leone, an agreement was reached on a number of constitutional reforms. Their implementation led to the declaration of independence of Sierra Leone on April 27, 1961. After the All People's Congress (AP) won the general elections in 1967, its leader Siaka Stevens replaced Margai as prime minister. The next elections on a multi-party basis took place only in 1996.
The reign of S. Stevens was characterized by political intolerance and the repeated introduction of a state of emergency in the country. This continued until 1978, when the leader of the VK proclaimed the creation of a one-party state in the country. In 1985, S. Stevens resigned, handing over the reins of power to Major General Joseph Said Momoh, who introduced an authoritarian regime and remained in power until 1992, when a group of young officers led by Captain Valentine Melvin Strasser carried out a military coup.
By this time, the civil war in Liberia had spread to Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone was plunged into its own civil war, in which one of the warring parties were rebels from the Revolutionary United Front. Under the leadership of Corporal F. Sankoh, trained in Libya and Liberia, they carried out attacks on cities and government targets, and in 1995 they began fighting in the vicinity of Freetown. To some extent, the fact that the Strasser government used the services of a South African company specializing in the supply of mercenaries to train and assist the regular units of the national army helped to contain the rebels.
In 1995, amid chaos and reports of widespread famine, Strasser was forced to call elections and allow various political parties to campaign. Preparations for the elections were in full swing when, in early 1996, a group of officers led by Strasser's deputy, Brigadier General Julius Maado Bio, carried out a military coup.
The civil war was still in full swing when Sierra Leoneans went to the polls in February 1996. By this time the country was in a state of agony. Nevertheless, the elections took place. The first round of elections, which were held mostly in urban areas due to the complex military situation in rural areas, produced two winners: Ahmad Tidjan Kabba, leader of the Sierra Leone People's Party (36%) and John Karefa-Smart, leader of the United National People's Party ( 23%). The second round of competition for the presidency brought victory to Kabba. The Revolutionary Popular Front (RPF) boycotted these elections.
In November 1996, Kabbah and Sankoh entered into a peace agreement, but after the latter was arrested in Nigeria in early 1997 on charges of illegal arms trafficking, the agreement became invalid. In May 1997, a new military coup took place in Sierra Leone. Then a group of junior officers led by Major Johnny Paul Koroma, who created the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), took power into their own hands. At the end of the same year, the AFRC agreed to a cessation of hostilities and the development of peace agreements, but it itself violated a number of important agreements.
At the beginning of 1998, the Ceasefire Monitoring Group of the Economic Community of West African States intervened in the development of the situation. Peacekeeping forces, made up mostly of Nigerians, ousted Koroma from power and drove his supporters out of the capital. Returning from exile, Kabba took the presidency. In response, the AFRC decided to join forces with the RNF and launch a campaign of terror against the civilian population.
Attractions of Sierra Leone
The capital of country - Freetown- one of the oldest cities in West Africa. Founded in 1787 as a settlement for freed slaves. The city is quite attractive by African standards: its center is built up with neat two- and three-story houses in the English style characteristic of the 19th century. The capital has a botanical garden, a National Museum with a good collection that can clarify a lot in the complex history of this country, a university college founded in the first half of the last century, and the Anglican Cathedral of St. George, also dating from the 19th century.
The indigenous people of the country settled on the outskirts of the city. The capital's industrial enterprises are located in its eastern part near the port. There, in the pier area, is the largest and oldest market in Freetown - King Jimmy Market. It is named after one of the leaders of the local tribes. He works in the place where the first settlers landed. The market is built in tiers from the ancient pier along the so-called “Portuguese stairs” all the way to Oxford Street, where it merges with its shopping arcades. Three times a week sailing boats and pirogues arrive in the bay. Peasants and fishermen bring food for sale - fruits, vegetables, fish and rice.
National Museum It is considered one of the significant attractions of Freetown. It should be noted that outwardly this is a rather unattractive and quiet building; a significant proportion of the exhibition halls and expositions are located underground. Here, the objects presented for review (weapons, coins, national clothes) will tell guests of the city about how rapidly the formation and expansion of this state proceeded. Through a small pavilion located at ground level, travelers will be able to access several underground floors filled with ongoing exhibitions. Among the exhibits are pottery, African traditional bronzes, and ceramics.
Bunsei Island- one of the most famous attractions of Sierra Leone. This colorful island annually attracts many travelers from all over the world. This is a small island, located thirty kilometers from Freetown, in a natural lagoon, and is considered a real legend of Sierra Leone, a living reminder of those dark times when the slave trade flourished in the country.
In the 18th century, Bunsey Island served as the largest British slave trading base along the entire coast of West Africa. “Live goods” were sent mainly to the United States of America. In addition to the slave trade, rice plantations flourished in these places, on which slaves also worked hard.
In 1948, Bunsei Island was designated Sierra Leone's first protected area, and in 2008 was named a World Heritage Site and "Africa's most important historical site."
Cuisine of Sierra Leone
The main products of the country are: coffee, rice, cocoa, cassava, yams, peanuts, bananas, coconuts, red palm oil and many others.
The meat is cooked quite rarely, usually stewed with vegetables, peanuts or rice. But in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in the developed network of rivers there are a large number of different species of fish. Fish and seafood, mainly shrimp and lobster, are the main source of protein for the local population.
Vegetable dishes include fried root vegetables and bananas, as well as stewed vegetables with rice. When cooking, herbs and spices are used in large quantities. Many recipes contain cassava leaves, which are crushed in a mortar and added to the sauce when stewing meat, fish or vegetables.
Popular local dishes include:
Kanya- sweet snacks made from crushed peanuts, rice flour and sugar.
Kamuna- beef stew with the addition of dried fish, beans, sweet potatoes, okra, chili peppers and palm oil.
Egusi- African soup made from meat, dried fish with spices and pumpkin seeds.
Banana fritters are made from bananas, rice flour, eggs and sugar. Fried in peanut oil.
Soft drinks are mainly juices or cocoa-based drinks. Also very popular is non-alcoholic homemade ginger beer, which is brewed from ginger root, sugar and water, sometimes adding lime juice and cloves for flavor.
Local alcoholic drinks are mainly represented by wine made from palm sap - Poyo.
“Lion Mountains” is the name of the state of Sierra Leone, located in West Africa, translated from Portuguese. Occupying an area of about 72 thousand square meters. km, it borders on two countries – Liberia and Guinea. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean wash the shores of the western and southwestern coasts of the country.
In the northeast of the country is the Leono - Liberian Upland. Mount Bintimani, with a height of 1945 m, is considered the highest point in the country. The Futa Jalon mountain range is located in the north of the state. The main part of the territory of Sierra Leone is a vast lowland. There are many rivers in the country: Big (Kolente) and Small (Kaba) Scarsies, Mabole, Rokel, Macona, etc.
Sierra Leone's population already exceeds six million. However, the average age to which the country's residents live is only 38-41 years. Those who are 65 are only 3%. Although Sierra Leone has a very high infant mortality rate, children under 14 years of age make up almost half of its population. For one sq. km of area of the state there are 71 inhabitants. The civil war caused many residents of the country to leave its borders. Some 300,000 Sierra Leoneans have taken refuge in Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and other countries.
More than 20 ethnic groups live in the country. African peoples make up the bulk of the population of Sierra Leone - Mende, Darker, Limba, etc. The descendants of European settlers who married African slaves - Creoles - account for about 10%. In addition to them, you can meet Pakistanis, Indians, Libyans and Europeans in the country.
English is recognized as the official language in Sierra Leone. African languages are widely spoken among the population - Darker, Mende and others, as well as the Creo dialect, which arose on the basis of the English language.
Fetishism, animalism, the cult of ancestors, the cult of the forces of nature - these beliefs are close to half of the population of Sierra Leone. Adherents of Islam make up 40%. About 8% of the population professes Christianity.
Almost 85% of Sierra Leone's population is involved in agriculture.
Freetown is the capital of the state. This largest city is home to about 700 thousand people. Other major cities in the country are Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Koidu and Koindu.
Sierra Leone is a republic headed by a president. He also commands the country's armed forces. His term expires after 5 years, but he can be re-elected. The unicameral parliament, consisting of 124 deputies, exercises legislative power in the country. The country has its own constitution and its own currency - the leone.
In 1460, the Portuguese became the first Europeans to visit the region. They also gave the name to the country. In 1787, the British founded their colony in Freetown. It received the status of a royal colony in 1808, and a protectorate in 1896. The country held its first elections in 1924, forming self-government bodies. In April 1961, Sierra Leone gained independence. The military coup in the country took place almost exactly 31 years later, in April 1992. Sierra Leone is a member of many international organizations - the UN, the British Commonwealth of Nations, the IMF, etc.
Sierra Leone has a humid and hot equatorial climate. The rainy season lasts from May to October in the country. The amount of precipitation per year varies between 2740-2770 mm. The winter season, lasting from November to April, is drier. In Freetown, the average annual temperature reaches +26 o C.
The country's fauna is represented mainly by porcupines, chimpanzees, forest pigs and other small mammals. Although, hippos and crocodiles are also found in the local rivers. Full of scorpions and all kinds of insects. Sharks and barracudas are found in coastal waters.
Sandy beaches and diverse natural landscapes, unique culture and the opportunity to hunt wild animals - this, and much more, attracts numerous tourists to the country. The country's tourism sector was on the verge of extinction after a long military conflict. However, in 2005, on the banks of the Lumley River, a Chinese company began construction of a new tourist complex.