Biggest Cities In Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a country in the western region of Africa bordering Liberia, Guinea, and the Atlantic Ocean. Sierra Leone has a population of more than 7 million people and has some major cities that subdivide the country. Freetown, a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean, is the biggest and capital city of Sierra Leone.

Freetown

Freetown is located in the Western region of the country and it is a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean besides being the capital city of Sierra Leone. The city was established by Lieutenant John Clarkson, African American ex-slaves and free people known as the Nova Scotian Settlers on March 11th, 1792, making Freetown the oldest capital created by African Americans. Freetown is Sierra Leone's political, economic, cultural, financial, and educational center. The city of Freetown primary economic growth is dependent on the harbor which occupies a segment of the Sierra Leone River Estuary which is one of the largest deepwater harbors in the world. The city is has a culturally diverse population of different religions and ethnicities. In Freetown there no particular ethnic group that dominates the population since it is home to all of Sierra Leone's people. The widely spoken dialect and the main language of communication in the city is the Krio. Freetown is governed by the city council that is elected directly and serves for a four-year term and is headed by the Mayor.

Bo

Bo is located in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone, and the whole urban center is commonly known as Bo Town. It is the second largest city in Sierra Leone and the biggest city in the southern province serving as the administrative center and capital of Bo district. The population of Bo is estimated at about 233,684 . Just like Freetown, Bo has an ethnically diverse population but is home to the Mende people, and the primary language is the Krio language. The city houses the second largest university in Sierra Leone known; Njala University. Bo is also headed by a mayor and governed by the city council.

Kenema

Located in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone is Kenema which is also the biggest city in the province and the third largest city in the country. The city is the main economic center of the province. Just like Freetown and Bo, Kenema is home to an ethnically diverse population whose main dialect is the Krio language. Kenema is also governed by an elected city council and headed by a Mayor. Football is an important part of Kenema's culture being home to one of Sierra Leone's most famous international footballer known as Mohamed Kallon.

Makeni

Located in the Northern Province is Makeni city which is the capital of Bombali district and the largest city and economic center in the Province. Makeni is also the fourth largest city in the country. Makeni is home to the largest private university in Sierra Leone; University of Makeni and St. Francis Secondary School which is one of Sierra Leone's most prominent schools. Despite Makeni being ethnically diverse just as the other major cities in the country, the Temne people account for the largest ethnic group in the city and the main language is the Krio language. Makeni is also governed by a directly elected city council that is headed by the Mayor. Makeni is home to Sierra Leone's incumbent President, Ernest Bai Koroma.

Koidu Town

Located in the Eastern Province is Koidu Town which is not only the largest city in that province but the capital of Kono District which rich in diamond. Koidu town is considered to be the fourth largest city by population in Sierra Leone after Freetown, Bo, Kenema, and Makeni with a population of 92,770. Koidu Town is ethnically diverse, and the primary language is the Krio language. The city is governed by an elected city council and is headed by a Mayor. Koidu Town is home to two of the ten most rough and largest diamonds in the world and was found in the Woyie River which flows through the city.

Administrative Regions Of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has other smaller cities and towns that make up the geographic region of the country. Sierra Leone is subdivided into four regions which are the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Provinces which are further subdivided into 14 districts. Each district has both major and small cities and towns.