National Flag of the Republic of Sierra Leone (1961)

Portuguese explorers named the West African republic of Sierra Leone, which means ‘Lion Mountains’ in Portuguese, in the 15th century after the country’s mountainous region. 

In the late 18th century, the British established a settlement at Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, as a home for freed slaves and by 1896, the country had become a British protectorate.

Sierra Leone adopted its national flag upon independence from British colonial rule on the 27th of April 1961.

The Symbolic Meaning

Green represents agriculture, the country’s natural wealth and its mountains, white symbolises justice and unity, while blue represents the Atlantic Ocean and the natural harbour of the country’s capital, Freetown, which, it is hoped, will contribute to world peace through international trade.