Interesting Sierra Leone Facts
Sierra Leone is a coastal country located in Western Africa where it is bordered by Guinea, Liberia and the Atlantic Ocean. It occupies 71,740 km2 of land. It is estimated that the population of Sierra Leone is thought to be more than 7,557,212.
Check out interesting Sierra Leone facts and information about this African country with our fact file for kids. Identify important facts about the location, currency, flag, continent, language, population, size, climate, people, geography, landscape, landmarks and culture of Sierra Leone.
Journey through Africa with our interesting Sierra Leone facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is Sierra Leone in? What is the main language of Sierra Leone? How big is Sierra Leone? What is the culture of Sierra Leone like? What is the population of Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone Fact File: Continent: Africa * Country Name(s): Sierra Leone, Republic of Sierra Leone * Location: Western Africa * Bordering: Guinea, Liberia and the Atlantic Ocean * Capital City: Freetown * Size: 71,740 km2 * Estimated Population: over 7,557,212 * Currency: Sierra Leonean leone (SLL) * Language(s): English * Country Code: +232
Interesting Sierra Leone Facts for Kids
Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Size & location facts
Sierra Leone is located on the continent of Africa, where it has a coastal position and is bordered by Guinea, Liberia and the Atlantic Ocean. There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). Africa is the world's second largest continent, spanning a total area of 30,370,000 km2. Africa has 54 countries, and forms 20.4% of the world's landmass. Sierra Leone is a coastal country that spans across a total area of approximately 71,740 km2. It is one of Africa's smaller countries situated on the continent's mainland.
Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Population facts
The population of this African country is thought to be more than 7,557,212 people. The majority of Sierra Leone's inhabitants reside in Freetown which is the country's most populous city. Sierra Leone has an average population when compared to most other countries across the world, its overall population density is approximately 82 people per sq km. The estimated population of Africa is approximately 1,186,178,000 inhabitants, making it the continent with the second largest population in the world. The continents in order of population, starting with highest population first, are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia (Oceania Region) and Antarctica. The total population of the entire world is in excess of 7.6 billion people.
Interesting Facts for Kids 3: Capital & major cities
Sierra Leone's capital city is called Freetown. The names of other major cities situated in this country are Bo, Kenema, Koidu, Makeni and Lunsar.
Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Country borders
The following details provide a guide to Sierra Leone's approximate border lengths:
Coastline 402 km, Guinea 794 km, Liberia 299 km.
Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Climate and geography facts
Sierra Leone has a tropical climate that is characterized by high temperatures and humidity. The rainy season occurs from May to December. The coastal region of Sierre Leone is one of the wettest locations in West Africa and can receive up to 495cm of rainfall per year. The geography of Sierre Leone consists of four main regions; its coastal regions which harbor mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, large plateaus, and high mountainous regions to the east. The lowest point of Sierra Leone is the Atlantic Ocean at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is Loma Mansa at 1,948m.
Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Natural Resources of Sierra Leone
Natural resources are materials and substances that can be found occurring naturally on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. The level of resources that occur naturally in an individual country are influenced by varying factors such as the geography, climate and location of that country. Some countries are very rich in natural resources, where as others have limited to none. Countries that have particularly rich resources include Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada. Food, transport and construction are three of the primary uses of natural resources. For example, fish is a naturally occurring resource that can be caught for food consumption. Crude oils can be refined into different types of fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. Wood/timber from forests can be used to build homes and furniture. The natural resources found in Sierra Leone include diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold and chromite.
Interesting Facts for Kids 7: Language facts
The official language of Sierra Leone is English, a language that is primarily spoken by the literate minority. The most popular language spoken among the population is Krio. Other languages used as a form of communication among the population of this country include Mende (southern Sierra Leone) and Temne (northern Sierra Leone).
Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Religion facts
The main religion of Sierra Leone is Muslim at approximately 78% of the population. People belonging to the Islamic religion worship Allah. In the English language, the word Allah refers to God in Islam. Those belonging to the religion of Islam believe in one god. Most of Sierra Leone’s population are Muslim and follow the practices of Islam. Around 20% are Christian. The rest of the population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.
Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Symbols of Sierra Leone
Every country has its own unique culture, history and identity. Flags, symbols, emblems, mottos, songs, anthems and colors are used by countries worldwide to represent national pride and identity. These national symbols are formed through the unique history of a nation and are symbolic of both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, colors, songs and mottos reflect the past, present and future aspirations of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can include a mixture of things that are symbolic to a nation such as wildlife, plants, geographical features, crops, tools of agriculture, and tools of war. The following facts and information provide a guide to some of the most important national symbols, songs and colors of Sierra Leone:
National symbol(s): lion
National colors: green, white and blue
National Anthem/Song: High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free
National Holiday(s): Independence Day, 27 April (1961)
National Motto(s): Unity, freedom, justice