Sierra Leone lies less than
10o from the equator. It faces the Atlantic Ocean to the west and is bounded by
Guinea and Liberia. It covers an area of 71,740 square kilometres (27,699 square miles).
The beautiful interior
plains are covered by savanna grasslands, rocky scarps and hills. A high,
mountainous region includes Bintimani Peak 1,948 metres (6,390 feet) which is
the highest in the country. The main rivers are the Great Scarcies, Little
Scarcies, Rokel (called Sierra Leone in its lower course), Jong, and Mano. The
splendid Sierra Leone and Sherbro estuaries are navigable for ocean going
vessels and well worth exploring. English is the official language but Krio is
also spoken.
Wildlife includes the
monkey, chimpanzee, tiger, porcupine, antelope, crocodile, and many species of
birds. Outamba-Kilimi National Park, which opened in 1981, protects the
wildlife. Tourism is promoted and Sierra Leone is well worth a visit.
