Introduction / History
The Krios (Sierra Leone Creole) are descendants of West Indian slaves from the Caribbean (primarily Jamaica) and freed slaves from the United States who landed in Freetown at the beginning of the nineteenth century. They were subjects of the British crown and enjoyed its protection as nationals. They speak Krio, a mixture of English and African languages.

Where are they located?
They live mostly in Freetown and surrounding areas as well as Gambia, Guinea, Senegal, United Kingdom and the United States. In the United States they are mostly settled in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Texas, New York, Georgia, California and North Carolina.

What are their lives like?
One very unique attribute of a Sierra Leonean Krio living outside of Sierra Leone is that they can usually adapt easily to Western lifestyle, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom.

A typical Krio meal is foo-foo, a dough-like paste made from cassava. This is a spicy dish consisting of leafy greens with tripe (sheep or goat stomach), fish, beef, salt pork, and chicken.

What are their beliefs?
Most Krios are Christians, though they some also follow traditional beliefs. A very small number of Krios are Muslims--mostly women who marry with other local tribesmen who are Muslims.

What are their needs?
There is a great lack of literacy among them in Sierra Leone. Elsewhere education is held in high regard.