Sierra Leone Flag Meaning
A horizontal tricolor of green, white, and blue, symbolizing the land, unity and justice, and the sea and hope, adopted at independence in 1961.
- Continent
- Africa
- Adopted
- 1961
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Colors
- green, white, blue
- Designer
- Unattributed (adopted at independence)
Symbolism
Green Stripe: Represents the rich natural resources and fertile land of Sierra Leone.
White Stripe: Symbolizes justice, peace, and unity among the people.
Blue Stripe: Represents the natural harbor of Freetown and the hope of contributing to world peace through the sea.
History
- 15th Century: Portuguese explorers reached the coast, naming it 'Serra Leoa' (Lion Mountains).
- 1787: Freetown was founded as a settlement for freed slaves by British philanthropists.
- 1808: Became a British Crown Colony, a base for the suppression of the transatlantic slave trade.
- 1961: Gained independence from Britain on April 27, adopting the current flag.
- 1991–2002: Civil war devastated the country, fueled by control of diamond resources.
- 2002–Present: Post-war recovery focused on democracy, reconstruction, and development.
Trivia
- The flag’s blue stripe highlights Sierra Leone’s deep-water port at Freetown, one of the largest natural harbors in the world.
- The name 'Sierra Leone' means 'Lion Mountains,' referencing the mountainous terrain seen by early explorers.
- The capital, Freetown, is historically significant as a resettlement area for freed slaves.
- Sierra Leone is one of the world’s top diamond producers, but resources have fueled conflict.
- The country has a large population of youth, with over 40% under the age of 15.
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