The Republic of Sierra Leone celebrates its Independence Day on April 27.
Sierra Leone proclaimed its independence from the United Kingdom in 1961.
The first Europeans to set foot in Sierra Leone were the Portuguese in the late 15th century.
In the 17th century, the more significant European group in this region became the British.
In 1787, the British founded Granville Town as the first settlement of the so-called Province of Freedom.
Five years later, settlers from Nova Scotia established Freetown.
The colonial era in Sierra Leone began in 1800.
In 1924, the British government divided the territory into two parts, a colony and a protectorate.
Antagonism between the two entities escalated after WWII.
In 1951, the educated leaders of the protectorate formed the Sierra Leone People's Party.
In 1953, Sierra Leone was granted local ministerial powers.
Four years later, the first parliamentary elections took place.
In 1960, an independence conference was held, and on April 27, 1961, Sierra Leone was granted independence from the UK.
