Sierra Leone

The Republic of Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Guinea on the north and Liberia on the southeast, with the Atlantic Ocean on the southwest. The name Sierra Leone was adapted from the Spanish version: Sierra León, and in turn, from the Portuguese Serra-Leão, which stands for "lioness mountains." It was an important centre of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Much like neighbouring Liberia, it was founded by freed slaves, who in 1791 founded the capital, Freetown. In 1806, Freetown became a British Protectorate (as did the remainder of the country in 1896), reaching independence in 1961. From 1991 to 2002, the country has suffered greatly from a devastating civil war.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Sierra Leone

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The head of state and government is the president, who is elected every five years (most recently in May 2002). He appoints and heads a cabinet of ministers. The Sierra Leonean parliament is unicameral, with 124 seats. 112 members are elected concurrently with the presidential elections; the other 12 seats are filled by a paramount chief from each administrative district.

Related Topics:
Unicameral - Paramount chief - Administrative district

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Local Government elections were held in 2004 (for the first time since 1972), electing 456 councillors sitting in 19 local councils.

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National Pledge of Sierra Leone:

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I pledge my love and loyalty to my country Sierra Leone

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I vow to serve her faithfully at all times

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I promise to defend and honor her good name

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Always work for her unity, peace, freedom and prosperity

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And put her interest above all else

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So help me God (last line sung slower and repeated)

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