Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, has a special significance in the history of the transatlantic slave trade as the departure point for thousands of west African captives. The capital, Freetown, was founded as a home for repatriated former slaves in 1787.

Which country capital city is Freetown?

Freetown, capital, chief port, and largest city of Sierra Leone, on the rocky Sierra Leone Peninsula, at the seaward tip of a range of wooded hills, which were named Serra Leôa (“Lion Mountains”) by the Portuguese navigator Pedro de Sintra when he explored the West African coast in 1462.

Why is it called Freetown?

Freetown is so named for a reason. Land bought from local Themne chiefs in the late 18th century became the new home for resettled freed slaves from Britain and North America, and of 'recaptives' taken off seized slave ships on the Atlantic after Britain passed the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.

What is the capital city of Liberia?

Monrovia, capital, largest city, and chief Atlantic port of Liberia, located on Bushrod Island and Cape Mesurado. It was founded during the administration of U.S. Pres. James Monroe (for whom it was named) by the American Colonization Society as a settlement for freed American slaves.

How many Freetowns are there?

There are 17 places in the world named Freetown!

Freetown can be found in 8 countries throughout the world. In some countries the place can be found more than once. For example America, Liberia and Bahamas. America has the highest number of places called Freetown, spread accross 7 regions.

Ready To Visit Africa? Here's The Real Truth About Freetown Sierra Leone ( TravelBossity )

16 related questions found

Which is the capital of Senegal?

Senegal is the westernmost point on the African mainland, and its capital, Dakar, has historically served as the gateway to West Africa.

What is the capital of South Africa?

South Africa has three cities that serve as capitals: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).

What is the capital of Singapore?

Singapore became the regional capital in 1836. Prior to Raffles' arrival, there were only about a thousand people living on the island, mostly indigenous Malays along with a handful of Chinese.

What is the capital of Australia?

Canberra, federal capital of the Commonwealth of Australia. It occupies part of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), in southeastern Australia, and is about 150 miles (240 km) southwest of Sydney.

Where is Lesotho country?

Lesotho, country in Southern Africa. A scenic land of tall mountains and narrow valleys, Lesotho owes a long history of political autonomy to the mountains that surround it and protect it from encroachment.

Where is Nigeria in Africa?

A virtual guide to Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a country in the south east of West Africa, with a coast at the Bight of Benin and the Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria is bordered by Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, it shares maritime borders with Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Where is Gambia Africa?

The Gambia is the smallest country in West Africa. It has a short coast on the Atlantic Ocean but is otherwise completely surrounded by Senegal. The Gambia is a mainly flat and low-lying strip of land bisected by the River Gambia. It has rocky hills to the east and many sandy beaches along the coast.

Why is Sierra Leone poor?

Experts believe that four primary factors contribute to Sierra Leone's overwhelming levels of poverty: government corruption, a lack of an established education system, absence of civil rights and poor infrastructure. These factors make poverty difficult to beat.

What language do they speak in Sierra Leone?

Although English, as the official language, is spoken in schools, government administration and the media, Krio is widely spoken as a lingua franca. As of 2005, approximately 97% of the population speak the Krio language (either as first, second or third language).

Is Blood Diamond a true story?

he Kimberley Process grew out of a 2000 meeting in Kimberley, South Africa, when the world's major diamond producers and buyers met to address growing concerns, and the threat of a consumer boycott, over the sale of rough, uncut diamonds to fund the brutal civil wars of Angola and Sierra Leone—inspiration for the 2006 ...

Is Freetown safe to visit?

Crime levels are high, including in Freetown. Common crimes include armed robbery, violent assault, burglary, pickpocketing and bag snatching. Crime increases at night.

What language do they speak in Liberia?

More than two dozen languages are spoken in Liberia. English is the official language. Predominant languages include Kpelle, Bassa, Grebo, Dan, Kru, Mano, Loma, and Mandingo (spoken by the Malinke).

Is Liberia a poor country?

Despite its abundant natural wealth and favorable geographic location, Liberia is among the world's poorest countries. ... The country is rich in natural resources which include iron ore, diamonds, gold, fertile soil, fishery, and forestry. However, the economic potential of these assets remains largely untapped.

Which part of Africa is Liberia?

Liberia, country along the coast of western Africa.