Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, slightly smaller than South Carolina, is considered to be one of the wettest countries in Africa, receiving nearly two hundred inches of rain a year. Sheltered by the swamps in the south and mountains in the north, Sierra Leone was not exposed to foreign occupation for many years. Trading posts were established in time by several European powers, and the region was eventually used to repatriate freed slaves from the UK, Canada, Jamaica, and those rescued from illegal slave-trading ships. Although initial colonies struggled considerably from disease and resistance from local residents, the Freetown settlement succeeded, and remains the country’s capital today. At first, the settlements were under a British company, but, in time, Sierra Leone became both a British colony and protectorate until its freedom in 1961.

After a few years of relative peace, unrest emerged and Sierra Leone experienced a series of political leaders each becoming more authoritarian and corrupt. This led to a civil war which lasted eleven years and claimed fifty-thousand lives. Ebola’s outbreak in 2014 further hampered the nation’s recovery. These factors have greatly impoverished the nation. Although it exports include diamonds, gold, and other metals, most of its inhabitants live in extreme poverty. Although Sierra Leone was originally the "educational centre for British West Africa," only a little over 40% of the population are literate today.

Its unique history combining ethnicities from around the world, gave rise to what is now the country’s trade language of Krio. Although there are three African languages spoken in different regions of the country, Krio is understood by the majority of the nearly seven million inhabitants. Islam was introduced centuries ago, and still claims nearly 80% of the population. The remaining 20% largely claim a pseudo-Christian faith, while very few truly know the Bible and the truth of salvation.

Missionaries in Sierra Leone:

Missionaries in Africa (listed with BIMI account numbers)