Trivia in Sierra Leone

Learn fascinating facts and trivia about this country

Africa / Western Africa

National symbols

Flag: Horizontal tricolor of green, white, and blue

Sierra Leone Flag

Emblem: National coat of arms featuring a lion and three towers in the center shield, with two lions as supporters

Sierra Leone Emblem

Trivia & facts

  • The country name originates from Portuguese 'Serra Leão' (Lion Mountain).
  • The country's shape is nearly circular, earning it the nickname 'the world's roundest country'.
  • Known as the setting for 'blood diamonds' mined during the civil war.
  • No UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but Bunce Island slave fort is on the tentative list.
  • At Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, visitors can observe orphaned chimpanzee rehabilitation.
  • Driving follows the British style of left-hand traffic.
  • The first Saturday of every month is National Cleaning Day, with residents participating in community cleanup activities.
  • The main beer is 'Star Beer,' a national brand that is also exported.
  • One of the world's oldest West African English newspapers, 'The Sierra Leone Telegraph,' is still published.
  • Mobile money payments are rapidly spreading and considered safer than cash.

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