Sierra Leone is a country in Africa with a long history in the slave trade. To learn more about the culture and traditions of the people of Sierra Leone, stay with Saed News.
Sierra Leone, officially known as the Republic of Sierra Leone or Salon, is a country in West Africa with its capital and largest city being Freetown. The population of Sierra Leone is 7,960,000. The country's currency is the Leone. It borders Guinea to the north, east, and northwest, Liberia to the southeast, and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The people of Sierra Leone consist of about sixteen ethnic groups, each with its own language and customs. Two of the larger and more influential groups among them are the Temne and Mende ethnic groups. Despite having abundant natural resources, 70% of the population of Sierra Leone lives below the poverty line.
The history of Sierra Leone is very similar to that of Guinea and Liberia, to the extent that the country's flag was designed in a way that aligns with its neighboring countries. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west and southwest of Sierra Leone, and the formal history of the region has been evaluated in different periods. The country has a tropical climate and is home to vast plains and intertwined forests that remain intact even after historical periods. Sierra Leone's history indicates that the country was occupied by important English groups until 1961 and was considered a British colony. After gaining independence in 1961, political instability followed, eventually leading to a civil war in 1991, which ended in 2002 with the intervention of the United Nations and England. In 1991, a court was established in Sierra Leone to officially investigate the war crimes, and many war leaders were summoned to this court. This process helped shape the history of Sierra Leone, which has been influenced by international interventions, with the government striving to continue these international efforts for further progress.
In the culture of Sierra Leone, people highly value speaking local languages, so much so that a local language has become an official language. While English is the official language and the language of education, people also speak Krio, Mende, and Sudanese languages. The dress code is generally liberal, but women tend to cover themselves, and this has become a cultural practice in Sierra Leone. The average age for women is between 5 to 17 years old. Generally, the people of Sierra Leone are quite young, and many start working at a very young age, with clear signs of aging visible by the time they reach 40. The life expectancy for women is 43 years, while for men, it is 39 years. Despite striving for a broad lifestyle culture, many rural customs remain deeply traditional. In Sierra Leone, many occupations are open to both men and women, and there are no major gender-based restrictions. Women work hard, and many families have only one child or no children, due to the country's youthful population. Education is a priority for many, and literacy is often taught at home.
Between 69% and 70% of the population is Muslim, while 20% to 30% are Christian, with a small percentage being animist. Sierra Leone was discovered by the Portuguese in 1461, and its name is derived from the Portuguese language, meaning "Mountain of Lions." During this period, Sierra Leone became a key area for the European slave trade. English is the official language, and Latin script is used for writing. However, people also speak Krio, Mende, and Sudanese.
Tourism laws in Sierra Leone are specific. For example, it is prohibited to litter on the ground, and the fine for this offense could be equivalent to several months' savings. Political group laws in Sierra Leone are formed without people's involvement, and many citizens feel that the government does not consult them when creating the country's laws. There are also rules related to importing and exporting certain goods, which require professional foresight. The private insurance system in Sierra Leone is not in favor of the people, and the costs for insurance coverage are relatively high, with only certain segments of the population being able to afford it.
The social structure of Sierra Leone is based on tribes, with eighteen ethnic groups residing in the country. Before the country’s governance system became modernized, tribal chiefs ruled their respective territories, and in some tribes, the power of governance was shared among family members. Sierra Leone's history has been marked by intense political unrest and competition between the Krio tribe at the central government, and the Mende and Temne tribes, leading to significant cultural division. Around one-third of the population is from the Mende tribe. In Mende tribes, the father plays a central role in family relationships. Marriage is a status symbol, and those who refuse to follow the norms are looked down upon. Widowed women often seek remarriage after a period of mourning. Women in these tribes bear significant burdens, and a man with more wives is seen as having more workers. Once a woman becomes a mother, she is expected to take care of her children’s needs. Respect for the elderly is integral to the culture, and children are expected to treat their parents and grandparents with reverence. Sibling relationships are characterized by deep intimacy until the age of 12 or 13, after which they become more reserved.
Due to the religious nature of the society, almost every urban and rural area in Sierra Leone undergoes a transformation during the second half of the month of Sha'ban, giving the community a somewhat Islamic appearance. Every year, after Eid al-Fitr, the local brewing companies announce a significant reduction in production and sales during Ramadan. As Ramadan approaches, people prepare for the month by cleaning their homes and public places, washing bedding and household items. Reconciliation with relatives and neighbors is one of the common practices observed during this holy month in Sierra Leone.
This land was discovered by the Portuguese in 1461. The name Sierra Leone, meaning "Mountain of Lions," was derived from Portuguese. Initially, it became one of the key areas for the European slave trade. Despite having abundant natural resources, today, a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line. Sierra Leone was a British colony until 1961, when it gained independence, which led to political instability and a civil war in 1991. This civil war lasted until 2002, and was ended with the intervention of the United Nations and the United Kingdom. In 1991, a special war crimes court was established in Sierra Leone, summoning many war leaders to stand trial.
