Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a country on the coast of West Africa, bordered by Guinea and Liberia. Its capital and largest city is Freetown.
Freetown: The capital and largest city of Sierra Leone, founded as a settlement for formerly enslaved people. The city began as a British antislavery settlement and became the colony’s political center.
Politics of Sierra Leone: The institutions, parties, and political processes through which Sierra Leone is governed. Its constitutional system and elections shape national leadership.
West Africa: The westernmost region of Africa, encompassing countries along the Atlantic coast and the Sahel. Sierra Leone’s regional ties shape its trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchanges.
2014–2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa: A major Ebola virus disease epidemic that affected Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone from 2014 to 2016. Sierra Leone was among the hardest-hit countries during the epidemic.
Mano River Union: A regional organization bringing together Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire. It formalizes cooperation with Sierra Leone’s neighboring countries.
Krio people: An ethnic group in Sierra Leone descended largely from freed and resettled Africans. Krio communities emerged from Freetown’s settlement history and shaped national culture.
Constitution of Sierra Leone: The supreme law defining the institutions and powers of the Republic of Sierra Leone. It establishes the framework for the country’s executive, legislature, and judiciary.
Geography of Sierra Leone: The physical landscape of Sierra Leone, including its Atlantic coastline, forests, plateaus, and mountains. Coast, interior terrain, and rivers influence settlement and transport.
2017 Sierra Leone mudslides: A catastrophic landslide and flooding disaster near Freetown in August 2017. The disaster killed hundreds and revealed risks from steep-slope settlement.
Economic Community of West African States: A regional organization promoting economic integration and cooperation among West African states. Sierra Leone works with regional partners through ECOWAS.