Sierra Leone - Bankole Kamara Taylor

This work looks at Sierra Leone, its people and history. Other subjects are also covered to provide a general introduction to the country. It is not intended for academic specialists, and it is not an in-depth study of the country. It is written from the perspective of a layman or general reader who simply wants to know some important things about this West African country. Sierra Leone is one of the oldest countries in Africa. And before it won independence in 1961, it was also one of the oldest colonies on the continent. Only two African countries won independence in 1961, both from the same colonial power, Great Britain. They were Sierra Leone, on 27 April, and Tanganyika on 9 December. The history of Sierra Leone is also one of the most tragic. But Sierra Leone still is one of the most fascinating countries on the continent in spite of the horrendous tragedy it went through during the civil war in the 1990s. The fact that it emerged intact from that brutal conflict is strong testimony to the resilience of the Sierra Leonean people against overwhelming odds which could have broken weaker souls.