SIERRA LEONE

AP Human Geography

PICK-A-PING
Directions: For this project, you will be provided with the name of a develoPING country. For the rest of the year,
you will become an expert in your PING; spouting off factoids and anecdotes about life in your little part of the
world! You will be provided with a list of countries. I will randomly pull names and you will select your PING. No
trading! No whining! NO EXCEPTIONS! This sheet will serve as the table of contents for your PING folder and is
required to be included in the folder or you will lose 5 points dont lose it I wont give you another you will need
to make your own Table of Contents.

Due dates: JANUARY 20TH, 2016

NO PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED LATE LATE PROJECTS WILL RECEIVE A ZERO.
Table of Contents
Requirements

Points for each

Data Sheet

10 points

Political / Physical map (3 maps):

10 points

1. Country in relation to the world map

2. Physical map of the state and border states (land formations, altitude, etc)
3. Political map: regions, cities, border states
Population Profile (Migration/Immigration)

10 points

Culture Profile

20 points

Ethnicity Profile and Settlement Locations

10 points

Political Organization

10 points

Development Index

10 points

Current Event Articles of relevance to development

50 points

Cultural: 2
Political: 2
Social: 1

Points received

PING Data Sheet

Name of PING

Sierra Leone

Capital(s)/Population

Freetown/941,000

Area 71,740 sq km

Arable Land % 23.4

Physical Features

Mountains and plateaus in the East, coast, desert, grasslands

Population

5,743,725

Form of Government

Constitutional Democracy

Head of Government/

Ernest Bai Koroma

Density: 205.6 people/sq mi

Head of State

Neighboring Countries Liberia and Guinea

Crude Birth Rate

37.03 births/1000 people

Crude Death Rate

10.81 deaths/1000 people

Growth Rate: 2.33%

Infant Mortality Rate

71.68 deaths/1,000 live births

Life Expectancy

Male: 55.23 / Female: 60.42

Literacy Rate

48.1%

Main Imports

foodstuffs, machinery, equipment, fuels, lubricants, chemicals

Main Exports

diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish

Per Capita GNP/GDP

$2,100

Currency: Leone

Male: 58.7 % Female: 37.7%

Real Growth Rate %: 13.3 Inflation: 11.1%

Unemployment: 11% Labor Force: total 67.4% of population

Ag: 70% Ind: 14% Serv: 16%

Natural Resources: diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromate

Trade Partners: Belgium, U.S, U.K, China, Japan, Turkey, South Africa, India

Key Events
WWI: During World War I, Sierra Leone was a colony of Great Britain. Sierra Leone provided

thousands of men to the British army. Over 1,100 men did not return and were buried in foreign
territories or at sea.

Depression: Diamonds were first discovered in Sierra Leone in the 1930s, and became a primary
export for Sierra Leone. Britain began to place more power in the hands of the Sierra Leoneans,
and formed the Legislative Council, that contained of Sierra Leoneans.
WWII: During World War II, 17,000 Sierra Leoneans fought in the war, and Freetown was an important
military base. However, Britains economy and political power was sharply depleted by the war. This
caused a movement by independence, and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) was formed.
1950s Cold War: The Sierra Leone Peoples Party began to negotiate independence with Britain in 1951.
In 1957, Sierra Leone held a general election, and the SLPP took the majority of the power. In 1958, The
Sierra Leone Progressive Independent Party was formed. All throughout Sierra Leone, people were
calling for independence from Great Britain.
1960s- In 1961, Sierra Leone gained its independence from Great Britain. Sir Milton Margai, a military
leader was declared the first Prime Minister. Sir Milton led a democratic state, and created a state based
off separation of powers, democracy, anti-corruption and peace. However, in 1964, he died unexpectingly,
and his half-brother, Sir Albert Margai became Prime Minister. He immediately dismissed most of the
Parliament, and created an authoritarian state. In 1967, riots broke out, and three military coups followed.

Culture Profile
Everyday Life
1. I am meeting someone for the first time and I want to make a good impression. What would be
good discussion topics?
To make a good impression, it is polite to ask about them, and not just talk about
yourself. Questions should be light and engaging, such as work, family and hobbies. Sierra
Leoneans are family-oriented and enjoy discussing their family. They are proud of their

childrens achievements, especially in education. However, asking about age is considered rude
in Sierra Leone. Additionally, asking about family should be taken with caution, as many Sierra
Leoneans lost members of their family during the Sierra Leone Civil War.

2. What do I need to know about verbal and non-verbal communications?

It is common for Sierra Leoneans to show respect to elders. It is rude to touch elders, and
children are not permitted to look at their elders straight in the eye. Tone and directness
varies widely, depending on the age gap between the conversationalists. Unlike Western
norms, it is considered rude to make eye contact persistently throughout the conversation.
When conversing with peers, politeness is not as mandated as when with an elder or
person of a higher social rank. When greeting one another, Sierra Leoneans often shake
hands. If it is a person you are familiar with, it is common for them to continue to hold
your hand throughout the conversation. Due to the British influence that still lingers
today, many British verbal and non-verbal communicators are practiced.

3. Are public displays of affection, anger or other emotions acceptable?

Public displays of affection is common, and many Sierra Leoneans shake hands, smile and laugh
with others in public. While kissing and hugging is acceptable, it is not a common way to show
affection in Sierra Leone. It is common to see public displays of anger in Sierra Leone, and
fights, assaults and arguments are frequent in everyday life. These fights tend to draw crowds,
and may result in a larger conflict than what started out as a simple disagreement.
4. What should I know about the workplace environment (deadlines, dress, formality, etc.)?
There is no strict dress code in the workplace, however it is important to be business casual, and
not wear anything too revealing. In business meetings, casual clothing is considered acceptable.
Due to the fact Sierra Leone is majorly Muslim, it is common for people to wear traditional
Islamic clothing to work. Punctuality is not as enforced, and many people are late to meetings
due to traffic. The most highly regarded person in a business meeting may even call it off, due to
a more important meeting they must go to. It is even considered acceptable for a highly regarded
person to be up to an hour late for a business meeting.
5. Briefly describe the local cultures attitudes regarding the following: Gender, Class, Religion
and Ethnicity. What impact would the above attitudes have on the work place?

Gender: Both men and women make decisions. However, women are still not fully equal.
Women are expected to gather food, be in clerical positions, and get refreshments for superiors at
work.
Religion: There is freedom of religion in Sierra Leone, and Sierra Leone boasts a high level of
religious tolerance. While Sierra Leone is predominately Muslim, there is a large Christian
population as well. Both Christians and Muslims in Sierra Leone strictly abide to their religion,
and all Muslim and Christian holidays are observed.
Class: There are strictly defined classes in Sierra Leone ranging from chiefs, the rich, elders,
lower class, etc. The citizens in the higher classes usually look down upon the lower classes and
expect to be addressed by formal titles.
Ethnicity: Sierra Leone is a multiethnic country and hosts many ethnic groups such as the
Mende, Temne and Creole, who are the predominant ethnicities in the country. Tribal allegiances
are very important to Sierra Leoneans. In the workplace, most superiors would prefer to be
surrounded with those of the same tribal heritage.

6. When in this country, I want to learn more about the culture(s) and people. What activities can
you recommend?
In Freetown, one can visit the Museum, attend concerts, see traditional dance performances,
watch dramas, go to pubs, watch games, and partake in recreational activities. However, sporting
events may be unsafe, and should be avoided until the country stabilizes. For food, one can
enjoy rice, cassava, foo foo, potato, yam, beans, fish, deer, cow and goat in Sierra Leone. Rice is
considered the staple in a Sierra Leoneans diet. Additionally, most Sierra Leoneans are friendly
and helpful to introduce you to the way of life.

7. Who are this countrys national heroes?

Madam Yoko introduced the initiation of girls into the sande society to enter womanhood and
learn how to function in society is considered a national hero. Additional examples are Fama
Tami and Mansa Kama, who were warriors from the northern region of Sierra Leone who
protected northern Sierra Leone. Political heroes are Sir Milton Augustine Strieby Margai, the
first Prime Minister. During the Independence movement, Albert Michael Marga Kendeh Bureh,
Amadu Wurie, Banji Tejan- Sie, and Ella Koblo Gulama fought to free Sierra Leone from British
rule. They led Sierra Leone to Independence in 1961. In art, Ebenezer Calendar, Salia Koroma,
John Akar, and Amie Kallon are among the countrys national heroes who sing about events
plaguing the country.

8. What is the family life like in this country?

Sierra Leoneans often live with their extended families in one home. Many families in Sierra
Leone are polygamous, and the husband may have multiple wives. In the past, all marriages were
arranged, but there is a current increase in love marriages. In child rearing, the more children a
family has, the more prestige they have. Mothers take care of children primarily and provide for
their needs. Children are also considered an economic asset, as they can provide labor for the
family farm. Families, if they are able to, send their children to school for several years.
9. Describe work in this country.
Sierra Leoneans are happy to work, as it means income for them and their families. However,
they do not identify heavily with their jobs. Many Sierra Leoneans are farmers but many are
traders, hunters, midwives, marketers, religious specialists, educators, policemen, and
blacksmiths. Many mine for gems and minerals as an attempt to gain large sums of money, but
the poor and dangerous conditions make their ventures short, lasting only a few months. Women
dominate in the marketplace, and food, jewelry, cloth, shoes, clothing and pots are often traded in
a market setting.
10. What types of sports and recreation activities are popular here?
Soccer is very popular in Sierra Leone, and it is common to see people playing on the streets in
informal games. Recently, basketball, cricket, and baseball have become increasingly popular in
Sierra Leone. Additionally, Sierra Leone has participated in every Summer Olympics since 1968.
11. What healthcare is available to the people of this country?
After the civil war, the infrastructure and health care systems that existed in Sierra Leone were
destroyed. Diseases are widespread, and the infant mortality rate is one of the highest in the
world. However, progress is being made. In 2010, the Sierra Leonean government created the
Free Healthcare Initiative for women who are pregnant and children. The new initiative is having
a very positive impact on the country, as it ended fees for medical attention and for drugs and
treatment.
12. Describe the educational system.
The educational system has three levels: primary, junior secondary and senior secondary. Girls
have a difficult time attending schools due to cultural beliefs against women being educated.
However, the literacy rate among 15-24 year olds is under 60%, 40% of teachers are not trained
and school attendance for secondary school is only about 30%. A lack of supplies means that
many students have to share books as well. The civil war devastated the educational system, and
destroyed 1,270 primary schools and forced 67 percent of children out of school in the year
2001. Currently, education in Sierra Leone is still recovering from war. While school is
compulsory, this law is not enforced, due to lack of supplies and infrastructure.

http://borgenproject.org/education-sierra-leone/

13. What are the important holidays in this country and explain the purpose of each?
All Muslim holidays are celebrated in Sierra Leone. Eid al-Fitr celebrates at the end of Ramadan,
and Eid al-Adha, celebrates Abraham willing to sacrifice his son to God, before God intervenes
and tells him the sacrifice has been completed. Christian holidays are observed as well.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. In
Sierra Leone, April 27th celebrates its independence from Great Britain.
14. What arts and literature are important in this country?
Government funding for the arts is very limited, so many artists must fund their own work.
Storytelling is a common art, and there are many rich and lively stories told by storytellers, who
are referred to colloquially as liars. Woodcarving, tie-dyeing, basket weaving and textile
making are all commonly practiced. Additionally, there is a national dance troupe that goes
around the world to perform.
15. What types of food are popular in this country? What meals do they have and how are they
usually served?
Rice is considered the staple, and many foods contain rice. Other foods are considered just
snacks if not eaten with rice, such as seafood, potatoes and cassava. Chicken bones are
considered a delicacy due to their brittleness and sweet marrow. Street foods include fresh
mangoes, oranges, pineapple, or papaya, fried plantains, potato or cassava chunks with pepper
sauce, small bags of popcorn or peanuts, bread, roasted corn, or skewers of grilled meat or
shrimp. Some tribes place certain taboos on various foods.

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Religion
Religion in Sierra Leone

Islam

30%

Christianity
Indigeneous Beliefs
60%

10%

In Sierra Leone, the most predominant religion is Islam. Islam diffused into Sierra Leone
through black Muslim groups who infiltrated the country from the north in the seventeenth
century. Their influence remained, and by the end of the nineteenth century, Islam had become
the religion of many Sierra Leoneans. Islam is a universalizing religion, because it operates on a
global scale and can appeal to people no matter where they reside. Christian adherents form a
minority within Sierra Leone, and are the influence of former British colonial rule in the country.
During the era when Sierra Leone was a colony of Britain, Britain routinely sent missionaries to
the country to establish churches. The majority of Christians in Sierra Leone are Protestants;
however, Catholics form around 5% of the total population. Christianity is a universalizing
religion, as it is the worlds largest religion, and appeals to people over a large scale.
Approximately 30% of the population in Sierra Leone holds indigenous beliefs; however, it is
very common for Sierra Leoneans who practice either Islam or Christianity to also hold
indigenous beliefs as well. For example, a Sierra Leonean may go to their Protestant church on
Sunday, and later pray to their ancestors as well. These indigenous religions are ethnic, since
they are only concentrated in one part of the world, and do not appeal to a wide variety of
people. Sierra Leone has freedom of religion in its constitution, and enforces this rule. Sierra
Leone has widespread religious tolerance, and the many religious groups that exist in Sierra

Leone coexist and cooperate peacefully.

Language
Language Distribution in Sierra Leone
Sherbro
Loko
Pular
Sherbro; 2% Loko; 2% Pular; 2% Kono; 2%
Kuranko; 3%
Krio; 45%

English;
6%
Limba;
4%
Other; 5%
Themne; 14%
Mende; 17%

Kono
Kuranko
Limba
Other
English
Themne
Mende
Krio

Current Events
Political Events
Sierra Leone Opposition Politician Denied Bail and Sent to Prison

In Sierra Leone, a high profile politician, Alie Kabba was arrested on charges related to bigamy.
However, both parties of the new marriage were divorced before marrying. Just before Christmas
Kabba was arrested, and granted bail on the premises he surrenders his passport and travel
documents. However, even though he strictly complied to the conditions of the bail, law
enforcement arrested him again later that night. Kabba was placed into solitary confinement at
the Pademba Road prison, and was denied visits from relatives and medical professionals. Prior
to his arrest, Kabba was known as a strong critic to the government, and of President Ernest Bai
Koromas record in office. On New Years Eve, he was questioned for several hours by law
enforcement for matters nothing to do with the related charges. He was then placed back into
solitary confinement. Kabba believes that he is a political prisoner and continues to protest his
innocence. Around Sierra Leone, protests are arising on the matter that Kabba was arrested for
his constitutional right for freedom of assembly. Ansumana Vandi, representing the campaign to
free Kabba released a statement saying that the government planned to stop these peaceful
protests and to deploy heavily armed policemen. Additionally, he urged others to protest for
Kabbas release.
This arrest demonstrates censorship in Sierra Leone. Censorship is suppressing speech,
text, and audio and visual materials that is deemed harmful or detrimental to the goals of a
government. For example, in North Korea, the government censors any Western media,
especially from South Korea. This prevents North Koreans from being influenced by any outside
sources other than propaganda from the North Korean government. The Sierra Leonean
government put Alie Kabba in prison for speaking out against the government publically, even if
they claim it was for bigamy. By placing him in prison, the goal of the government was to silence
him and suppress his criticism against the government. This is shown by the allegations against
him being false, and the government choosing to question him on unrelated matters. The
government of Sierra Leone censored the words and beliefs of Kabba to stop him from spreading
such ideas to others. While the constitution of Sierra Leone grants the right for freedom of
speech and assembly, it is not being enforced. The government additionally violated Kabbas
rights further by not following the conditions in the bail. This article demonstrates that the
government of Sierra Leone partakes in censorship, and suppresses resistance against the

government. Additionally, protests are erupting all over Sierra Leone, due to Kabbas
imprisonment. This implies that the civilians of Sierra Leone are not supporting the government.
When the governments civilians are against the government, this implicates that there is not a
strong sense of nationalism. Censorship is unconstitutional, and implies that the government of
Sierra Leone is hostile.

Sierra Leone's On Track to Ban Female Genital Mutilation

Sierra Leone recently backed an international treaty banning female genital mutilation
(FGM). While Sierra Leone was one of the last countries to sign, the Maputo Protocol is a huge
step for ending FGM in the region, where such practice is rampant. FGM is seen as cultural rite
that is symbolic in a girls transition to a woman. Often, FGM is done without anesthesia, with
unclean materials and with force. Girls and women end up with feeling pain their entire life,
infections, and early death. Girls and women who are uncut, however, are often ostracized in
their society. Sierra Leone backing such a treaty implies that the government is willing to end
this rite. Kavinya Makau, a program officer at Equality Now praises the ratification stating that
"This (ratification) is important because it demonstrates a political commitment to protect the
rights of girls and women in Sierra Leone, and provides a legal framework for them to access
justice. However, banning FGM is proving to be difficult, as secret womens societies that have
considerable political power continue to back it. FGM currently affects over 140 million girls in
Africa and Asia, and affects over 90% of women in Sierra Leone. To stamp out the practice, the
government has begun to issue fines for FGM. Additionally, Sierra Leone imposed restrictions
on travel and gatherings to prevent people for partaking in cutting ceremonies. According to
FGM activist and survivor Alimatu Dimonekene, the ban on FGM will only be effective if it is a
blanket approach and all levels of government are actively involved in preventing it.
Sierra Leones recent attempts in preventing FGM show the impact globalization has on
influencing other nations and their cultures. Globalization is the occurrence of interaction and
integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, driven by
international cooperation. For example, the spread of Western influence has impacted many
cultures in such a way that cultures are slowly becoming Westernized through popular media,
and beliefs. Western influence has been a great driving force to stop FGM. With the help of
media, support groups, and new polices, FGM has been exposed all over the world as a violent
act against women. With the western influence pushing on this non-western tradition, polices
have been created to make FGM illegal in some African countries, such as Sierra Leone.
Globalization is key in creating discourse on practices such as FGM seen as a cultural rite in
many countries. This works in two ways. First, when countries with FGM widespread are
impacted by Western influence, they slowly change their values and traditions, such as FGM.

Laws are passed against it, while the government takes a more Western viewpoint against such
practice. Second, globalization allows for the world to know that FGM is occurring in countries,
and gives way for activists and others to pressure these countries to change laws, implement
policy changes and create discourse. Overall, globalization is the reason why FGM has become a
problem that people want eradicated. Globalization additionally contributed to a more negative
viewpoint of FGM, and countries all over the world are banning the practice.

Cultural Events
Samuel Etoo: Football is a Symbol of Hope

Cameroonian soccer star Samuel Etoo is traveling across West Africa to promote health
and unity. A successful soccer player, Etoo is using his wealth to help Africa, including his home
country, Cameroon. Etoo has played for Barcelona, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, and
has won the African Cup of Nations twice with his country. However, he decided to use his six
figures wealth to travel around Africa with FIFA and inspire others. He founded the Samuel
Etoo Foundation, which works for children in Africa and improving their health and education.
Etoo travels around Africa, meeting with children, donating to charity, and spreading his
message around the continent. In Sierra Leone, Etoo visited Freetown and an orphanage. This
visit coincided with the statement released by the World Health Organization declaring the
country Ebola-free. Etoo praised the country on the matter, saying Im excited to be home in
Africa and proud to see what my brothers in Sierra Leone have achieved in successfully fighting
against the Ebola virus. Health is the most important thing in life. With health and a strong dream
you can achieve anything in life. Football has an important role to play in educating young girls
and boys to live a healthy lifestyle. Etoos visit and the end of a crisis that has plagued Sierra
Leone for years certainty uplifted the country. In Sierra Leone, soccer is the most popular sport,
and Etoo is considered an idol by many of the locals.
This article demonstrates the globalization of recreational activities, such as sports
all around the world. Globalization of recreational activities occurs through trade,
colonialization, pop culture, or mass communication. Recreational activities can include sports,
hobbies, and games. Additionally, the article shows how countries diffuse cultural aspects of
their culture to their colonies. Globalization occurs though international cooperation and
interactions, and involves the spread of activities, ideas and beliefs. Soccer is the most popular
sport in Sierra Leone, and many people consider soccer stars such as Samuel Etoo as their idols.
Globalization contributed to soccer being a popular sport internationally. As Sierra Leone was a

colony of Great Britain prior to the 1960s, Sierra Leone shares many cultural characteristics with
Great Britain. Great Britains most popular sport is soccer as well, and this had a profound
influence on Sierra Leone. This occurs, because a colony has constant communication and trade
with their mother country. For example, many countries often send missionaries to colonies to
convert the natives into the countrys religion. Colonies and their mother countries diffuse ideas,
beliefs and culture back and forth within their communications. While Great Britain does not
control Sierra Leone anymore, the shared culture implicates that a country will have an influence
on its colonys culture, even decades after having power over the colony.

Sierra Leones National Dance Troupe Evicted by Government

In Sierra Leone, the government asked the Sierra Leonean Dance Troupe to leave the
land they have lived on for decades. The Dance Troupe is a cultural symbol that has been around
for decades and is famous for traveling around the world and competing. Many members of the
Dance Troupe are descendents of the original Dance Troupe. Despite the lack of support from the
government, the Dance Troupe still continues to perform around the world. Their spokesman
Saidu Kamara, states that the Dance Troupe stopped receiving funding and support from the
government in 2007, when the current government under Ernest Bai Koroma came into power.
The Dance Troupe states that their profession used to allow them to feed their family and afford
their needs, but the new cuts have taken a toll on their quality of life. While the Dance Troupe
had sought a court injunction to prevent eviction of their land, they lost the case. Kamara ends
his statement, saying We have no place to go. We just want the government to help us.
This article demonstrates when governments attempt to suppress a nations
culture. The Dance Troupe is a cultural group and symbol that has been performing since Sierra
Leones independence. Many are upset with the governments decisions to suppress the Dance
Troupe, as it is an expression of the culture of Sierra Leone. The government attempting to evict
the Dance Troupe implies that the government is trying to steer Sierra Leoneans away from their
traditions and culture. A government would do this for multiple reasons. First, if the new
government wants to promote a new set of ideas and beliefs radically different than the current
culture. For example, when the Soviet Union came into power, to promote Communism and
nationalism, religion was banned. Governments frequently suppress cultural identity to promote
own causes. Second, a government that is primarily composed of one ethnic group may try to
suppress the culture of another ethnic group. For example, in the United States in the 1800s, the
U.S government forced Native Americans to assimilate into an American culture identity.
Government may suppress culture through lack of support for culture to continue (by cutting
funding), censorship, and assimilation. This article additionally shows the consequences of

governments not supporting culture. Artists, dancers, and other people who specialize in
expressing cultural identity are hurt in the process. In Sierra Leone, they are losing their home
and source of income. In more extreme cases, people who choose to express their cultural
identity could be arrested or even killed. The consequence is not just for those who specialize in
culture, as it also harms the government. The civilians will be less supportive of a government
that does not allow them to express themselves. When a nation is divided between the people and
the political power, it is a weak nation. Governments who suppress culture endanger the people,
and ultimately, endanger themselves.

Social Events
The Imam of the United Kingdom Armed Forces and Advisor to the Chief of Defense
Staff, Sheik Asim Hafiz described the religious tolerance present in Sierra Leone as amazing
during a visit to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. When Hafiz was visiting Sierra
Leone for the past week, he was inspired by the cooperation between the various religious groups
that include a majorly Muslim population, a large Christian minority and of those who follow
indigenous beliefs. It is noted that when British officials were giving a presentation, many
religious groups sat mixed in the crowd. British officials stressed the importance of being able to
be united and cooperate in times of hardship. Hafiz praised Sierra Leoneans for remaining
peaceful, even while struggling with the Ebola virus outbreak that has devastated the country. He
recalls that Even though Sierra Leone has gone and is still going through so many difficulties,
the people still have a smile on their faces which is very hard to see in other societies. In Sierra
Leone, the religious groups live in peace, and frequently intermarry.
This article demonstrates the level of religious tolerance that currently exists in Sierra
Leone. In many regions in the world, religious tolerance is a difficult goal to achieve that takes
many years. This is due to the fact that compromise may be seen as sin in many religions, and
religion inspires peoples morals and actions. The concept of religious conflict is the reason for
many wars and disputes throughout the entire world since the beginning of history. Religion is
arguably the source of the most violence throughout history. Many western countries history
involves long periods of religious intolerance. For example, conflicts between Northern Ireland
and Ireland were due to religion, where Ireland was Catholic and Northern Ireland was
Protestant. While religious conflict commonly happens in many countries, Sierra Leones

religious groups are able to live peacefully together. Currently, Sierra Leones population is 60%
Muslim, 10% Christian and 30% Indigenous Believers.

Map
In Sierra Leone, the capital of Freetown is located on the West coast, by a port. Freetown
is located by the North Atlantic Ocean, because this makes it an ideal place to trade, and interact
with other states. Since Sierra Leone used to be a British colony, Great Britain could have placed
the capital in a location that is easily accessible for Britain to travel to. Many large cities, such as
Bo, are near rivers that lead to the ocean. This allows for these cities to be easily accessible as
well. Many cities in Sierra Leone are ports as well, including Freetown, Pepel and the Sherbo
Islands. Rivers also provide a source of arable land. This is crucial, because only 23.4% of the
land of Sierra Leone is arable. In the east, there are high plateaus mountains, the highest, Mount
Bintumani, rises to 1,948 meters. Fewer cities are located in the east than the west, because
mountains are difficult to pass through, and often do not have an abundance of arable land.
Additionally, in the west, the land is mostly grassland, and preferable for farming. However, the
in the east, the land is barren and arid. Due to its close proximity to the Sahara Desert, dust
storms are common as well. Many prominent cities in Sierra Leone are located in the west.
While Sierra Leone has a natural abundance of resources, such as titanium ore, diamonds, cocoa,
coffee and fish, rapid population growth is putting a strain on resources.

Symbolism
On maps of Sierra Leone, there is a variety of different geographical landforms and lands.
Multiple triangles represent a mountain range, which is found in Eastern Sierra Leone. The
highest peak is symbolized by a large triangle that is shaded. The highest peak is Mount which is
1,948 meters tall. Rivers are symbolized by a blue line, such as Moa River. Desert areas are
represented by sandy colored shading, while grassy areas are represented by green colored
shading. While the western half of Sierra Leone is mostly grasslands, the eastern half is
comprised of desert. Within political geography, international boundaries are symbolized by a
red thick line. Sierra Leone has international boundaries between Guinea in the north, and
Liberia in the east. Additionally, Sierra Leone has providence boundaries, symbolized with a
light black line. Sierra Leone has four providences: Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern.
The capital, Freetown, which is located on the west coast, is represented by a large red square.
Other major cities, such as Bo, are symbolized by black circles.

Population
Population Pyramid of Sierra Leone

Population Pyramid of Sierra Leone

65+
55-64

Age

25-54
15-24
0-14

10

Male pop. in %

Population Statistics
Projected Population 2025: 8,292,590
Projected Population 2050: 10,595,740
Infant Mortality Rate: 92.0/1000 births
Fertility Rate: 4.9 children/women
Urban Population % and #: 41/ 2,297,490
CO2 emissions/capita: 0.2
Population with access to clean water: 60.0%
# of vehicles/1000: 8
Economically active male/female: 68%/65%
HIV infection rate: 1.4%

10

Sierra Leone on the Demographic Transition Model

Sierra Leone is considered to be in stage 2 of the Demographic Transition model. The
Demographic Transition Model is for the purpose of classifying countries based on how their
population will change, based on crude birth rate, crude death rate, total fertilitary rate and the
current population size. Stage 2 on the Demographic Transition model is classified by very high
crude birth rates, often much higher than the crude death rate. This occurs when a country is not
developed, but had medical technology diffused by developed countries. While the birth rate
remains high, death rates are low, due to new cures for diseases and advanced technology. In
stage 2, the population growth of a country grows rapidly, and doubling time is much shorter.
Sierra Leones population is characterized by high crude birth rate (37.03 births per 1000 people)
and a lower death rate (10.81 deaths per 1000 people). The birth rate is roughly three
times larger than the death rate. Additionally, Sierra Leone has a very low life
expectancy, at around 58 years old. This causes the population pyramid to have a
large % of children and young people, but a very small % of people over 50 and be
much larger in the bottom. While Sierra Leone has a high infant mortality rate, the
crude birth rate is larger, and the average amount of children a woman in Sierra
Leone will have is roughly 5. Sierra Leone is currently at a rapid population growth
at about 2.33%. This is causing the population to continue to grow, and is expected
to roughly double by 2050.

Ethnicity and Political Organization

Graph of Distribution of Ethnicities

Ethnicities in Sierra Leone

Temne
Mende

19%
35%

2%
5%

Limba
Kono
Kriole

8%

Other
31%

Sierra Leone is a multiethnic state, and holds host to a variety of ethnicities, such as
Temne, Mende, Limba , Kono and Kriole. Ethnic groups are concentrated in certain
regions. For example, The Temne is concentrated in West and Central Sierra
Leone,the Mende are primarily in South and Central Sierra Leone and the Limba are
mostly in the Northeast. The ethnic groups live peacefully, and it is common for a
Sierra Leonean child to learn the languages of neighboring ethnicities. The state of
Sierra Leone is usually classified as compact. Compact states are small states that
are round in shape, with the capital in the center. They are seen as an efficient state,
as communication is easily feasible and no region is isolated. Sierra Leone is a
relatively small state, and roundish in shape. However, the capital is not in the
center of the state, as Freetown is located on the West coast. Sierra Leone shares
boundaries with the North Atlantic Ocean in the west, Liberia in the east, and
Guinea in the north. Guinea and Sierra Leone had a disputed boundary in the early
21 s t century over the village of Yenga. In 2005, Guinea and Sierra Leone signed a
treaty stating that the village belonged to Sierra Leone. However, Guinean troops

continued to occupy the boundary. In 2012, Guinea and Sierra Leone both agreed to
pull out troops from the area.
Demonym: Sierra Leonean

National Anthem
High We Exalt Thee, Realm Of The Free
1. High we exalt thee, realm of the free;
Great is the love we have for thee;
Firmly united ever we stand,
Singing thy praise, O native land.
We raise up our hearts and our voices on high,
The hills and the valleys re-echo our cry;
Blessing and peace be ever thine own,
Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.
2. One with a faith that wisdom inspires,
One with a zeal that never tires;
Ever we seek to honour thy name,
Ours is the labour, thine the fame.
We pray that no harm on thy children may fall,
That blessing and peace may descend on us all;
So may we serve thee ever alone,
Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.
3. Knowledge and truth our forefathers spread,
Mighty the nations whom they led;
Mighty they made thee, so too may we
Show forth the good that is ever in thee.
We pledge our devotion, our strength and our might,
Thy cause to defend and to stand for thy right;
All that we have be ever thine own,
Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone gained independence from Great Britain in 1961, after being under colonial
rule for 150 years. After gaining their independence, the new state declared three days of public
celebration. Their national anthem was composed by John Joseph Akar, the first postIndependence director of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service as well as the founder of Sierra
Leones national Dance Troupe. The lyrics were created by Clifford Fyle, a professor at Fourah
Bay College in Sierra Leone. The national anthem has a major theme of unity, with lyrics such as
Firmly united ever we stand and We pledge our devotion, our strength and our might.

Additionally, there are major themes of freedom, the title being High We Exalt Thee, Realm Of
The Free. Lyrics such as Thy cause to defend and to stand for thy right show how Sierra
Leoneans value freedom and self-determination. This relates to their national history, as the
Sierra Leone constitution gives freedom of speech, religion and assembly. Like most national
anthems, there is also a strong sense of nationalism. The anthem repeatedly mentions the
greatness of Sierra Leone, the strength, intelligence and courage of the leaders that fought for
Sierra Leones independence, and the love that Sierra Leoneans have for their country. The music
of the national anthem is very patriotic and sounds like a march, with fast beats and trumpets.

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