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Sierra Leonean
/siˌɛrə liˈoʊniən/

Sierra Leone is a West African nation on the Atlantic coast, with its capital city of Freetown founded in 1792 as a settlement for freed slaves. The country's name is derived from Portuguese and is often translated as Lion Mountains, a reference to the mountainous peninsula around Freetown. Sierra Leone has a rich cultural heritage, and its history includes strong ties to liberation movements and the struggle against slavery. The nation is known for diamond mining, which has played a major role in its economy, and its beautiful beaches attract travelers seeking sun and sea. The country's rainforests and mountains offer scenic hiking, while wildlife such as chimpanzees lives in its protected reserves. English is the official language, and Krio is widely spoken as a lingua franca that unites the country's diverse communities. Visitors will find Sierra Leone warm, resilient, and full of cultural richness.
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From Portuguese 'Serra Leoa' meaning 'Lion Mountains', referring to the mountainous peninsula around Freetown.
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Want to explore where Sierra Leoneans live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
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Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!
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Take a Quiz →Discover demonyms from other places in this region