Sierra Leone

At a Glance

Sierra Leone is a West African country with a stunning Atlantic coastline of near-empty beaches, a capital in Freetown set on a peninsula of lush hills, and a culture of music, dance, and community warmth that has survived enormous challenges. The country is undervisited and genuinely hospitable, with a natural beauty that surprises most who arrive. It suits adventurous travellers who want a West African coastal experience without the tourist infrastructure of the Gambia or Senegal.

• Diamonds fuelled a decade-long civil war ending in 2002 — the origin of the term 'blood diamonds'.
• Introduced free healthcare for pregnant women and children before most wealthier African nations.