The Land of Blood Diamonds — Now Recovering
Sierra Leone became globally famous for the “blood diamond” trade during its civil war (1991-2002) — the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) financed its insurgency by capturing diamond fields and smuggling diamonds through Liberia (Charles Taylor). The RUF became notorious for amputating limbs of civilians as a terror tactic — tens of thousands lost hands, arms, or legs. The war killed an estimated 50,000-70,000 people and displaced millions.
The Kimberley Process — the international diamond certification scheme — was created in 2000-2003 largely in response to the Sierra Leone war, to stop “conflict diamonds” entering global markets.
Freetown — the capital — was founded in 1787 as a haven for freed slaves from Britain and North America. It became Britain’s main base for anti-slavery operations in West Africa in the 19th century. The Krio (Creole) community descended from these resettled former slaves gave Sierra Leone a unique Anglo-African culture.
Sierra Leone is also recovering from the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic (nearly 4,000 deaths) and the 2017 Freetown mudslide (over 1,100 killed).
A Brief History
Inhabited by Mende, Temne, and other peoples. Freetown founded 1787 for freed slaves. British colony from 1808 (Freetown) and 1896 (protectorate over the rest). Independence in 1961. One-party state 1978-1991. Civil war 1991-2002 — ended with British military intervention (Operation Palliser). Peaceful democracy since 2002.
Geography and Climate
Sierra Leone covers 71,740 km². Coastline on the Atlantic. Climate: tropical, with heavy rainy season.
Culture, Language and Religion
English is official. Krio is the lingua franca. Religion: approximately 78% Muslim, 21% Christian — notably harmonious inter-religious relations.
The Economy
Sierra Leone has a low-income economy (~$4 billion GDP). Diamonds, gold, and iron ore are the main exports. Tourism (beaches, eco-tourism) has potential but has not developed.
Travel Guide
Entry: Visa required. Sierra Leone’s beaches (Freetown Peninsula, particularly Tokeh and River Number Two) are among the most beautiful in West Africa.
Surprising Facts
- Freetown was founded in 1787 for freed slaves — it became Britain’s anti-slavery operations base in West Africa.
- The “blood diamond” trade during the civil war spurred the Kimberley Process international certification scheme.
- The RUF’s tactics included amputating hands of civilians — tens of thousands of survivors still live with these injuries.
- The Krio community — descendants of resettled freed slaves — gave Sierra Leone a unique Anglo-African Creole culture.
- Sierra Leone has some of West Africa’s most beautiful beaches — the Freetown Peninsula’s Tokeh and River Number Two rival anywhere in the region.
- The Sierra Leone Cotton Tree — a 200+ year-old landmark in central Freetown symbolising the city — fell in 2023 during a storm.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.