Located on the west coast of Africa, Sierra Leone is a country of contrasts with a mix of urban and rural landscapes. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in West Africa and lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife. Although hit hard by civil war and Ebola outbreaks in the past, the country has made impressive strides in rebuilding and is now a haven for expats seeking adventure, culture, and a new home.
Expat destinations in Sierra Leone
Demographics of Sierra Leone:
Ethnic groups
Mende, Temne, Krio, Sherbro, Limba, Bassa, Gola, Konama, Bullom, Mandinka
Languages
Krio, English (official), Mende, Temne, Kono, Limba, Loko, Mandinka, Baga, Vai, Gola, Kissi, Bissa, Kuranko
Religion Overview
Sierra Leone is a predominantly Christian country, with Christianity making up 60% of the population. The remainder of the population is predominantly Muslim (25%), with smaller numbers of traditional religious beliefs (15%).
Major Religions
Climate
Sierra Leone has a tropical climate, with wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from April to November, with the highest rainfall in May and October. The dry season runs from December to March, with the lowest rainfall in January and February.
Economy Overview
The economy of Sierra Leone is largely based on agriculture, with export-oriented crops such as coffee, cocoa, and palm kernels being a major source of income. The country is also rich in mineral resources, including diamonds, iron ore, and rutile. The service sector is steadily growing due to increasing foreign investment.
Key Industries
- Agriculture
- Mining
- Forestry
Major Companies
- Sierra Rutile
- London Mining plc
- Koidu Holdings
Culture and Language Overview
Sierra Leone's culture is a unique blend of African and European influences, particularly thanks to the country's history as a British colony. The Krio people, a mixed-race community descended from freed slaves, play a significant role in Sierra Leone's culture and history. The music, dance, food, and art of Sierra Leone are deeply intertwined with its rich cultural heritage.
Cultural Highlights
- Mudo - Traditional mud-cloth carvings depicting animals, humans, and scenes from daily life
- Palm Wine - An alcoholic drink made from the sap of the palm tree, commonly consumed in Sierra Leone during festivities and celebrations
- Chopbar - A popular music genre that combines the rhythms of traditional African music with contemporary Western music
Geography and Landmarks Overview
Sierra Leone's coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, including Bureh Beach on the western coast, as well as Lakka Beach and Oxford Beach in the southeast. The country is also home to dense rainforests, such as Tasso National Park, which is a habitat for various species of primates, including chimpanzees and baboons.
Notable Landmarks
- Tiuscutu Catholic Mission - A historic site that served as a training center for missionaries during Sierra Leone's colonial period
- Bureh Coffee Estate - A picturesque coffee plantation with stunning views of the Atlantic coastline
- Bunce Island - A former British slave trading fort that now serves as a museum and monument to the transatlantic slave trade
National Holidays
Political Stability
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