🇸🇱
Flag of Sierra Leone
flæg ɒv si'ɛrə li'oʊn
Definitions
1
Symbol · National
Uncommon
The national flag of Sierra Leone, featuring horizontal bands of green, white, and blue. Represents the sovereign nation of Sierra Leone in West Africa.
Used to represent Sierra Leone in international contexts, sports events, or when discussing the country.
Looking forward to our humanitarian trip to 🇸🇱 next month!
Social media post
Congratulations to the 🇸🇱 team on qualifying for the tournament!
Sports discussion
The colors symbolize agriculture (green), peace and justice (white), and the natural harbor of Freetown (blue).
2
Identity · Heritage
Uncommon
Used to express Sierra Leonean identity, heritage, or cultural pride by citizens or diaspora communities.
Often included in social media profiles, usernames, or posts celebrating Sierra Leonean culture.
Proud 🇸🇱 celebrating Independence Day today! #SaloneForever
Social media celebration
Sierra Leone has a rich cultural heritage with diverse ethnic groups including Temne, Mende, and Creole populations.
Evolution Timeline
1961
Sierra Leone gained independence from Britain, establishing the flag represented by this emoji.
Independence movement and decolonization
2015
Emoji introduced as part of Unicode 8.0, allowing digital representation of Sierra Leone's flag.
Global standardization of national flag emojis
2018
Increased usage during Sierra Leone's general election, symbolizing democratic participation.
Political engagement and national identity expression
Cultural Context
Sierra Leone was founded as a settlement for freed slaves in 1787, with Freetown established as a British colony in 1792, giving the flag deep significance in representing freedom.
The flag represents unity among Sierra Leone's diverse ethnic groups following a civil war (1991-2002) that devastated the country.
The flag emoji has gained importance for digital diplomacy and online engagement by Sierra Leone's government and diaspora communities.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
More frequently used due to historical colonial ties and significant Sierra Leonean diaspora community.
United States
Used in educational contexts, international relations discussions, and by Sierra Leonean-American communities.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used more formally in business contexts and diplomatic communications related to Sierra Leone.
Gen_Z: Used to express heritage pride in social media bios and during international sporting events or cultural celebrations.
Older: Less frequently used, primarily for formal national recognition or official communications.
Millennials: Employed in professional networking, diaspora community building, and discussions about development initiatives.
Common Combinations
🇸🇱❤️
Love for Sierra Leone or Sierra Leonean pride
Used by citizens and diaspora to express patriotism and national pride.
🇸🇱🙏
Prayers for Sierra Leone or gratitude related to the country
Often used during national challenges or celebrations.
🇸🇱💎
Sierra Leone's diamond industry or natural resources
References the country's significant diamond exports and mining sector.