The Krio people group migrated to the United States from Sierra Leone. Traditionally, Krio people in Sierra Leone were descendants of freed African American, West Indian and Liberated African slaves who settled in the Western Area of Sierra Leone between 1787 and about 1885. Originally, it was a British colony, supported by abolitionists, under the Sierra Leone Company as a place for freedmen.

Many Krio in the United States are often have a formal education. The New York City Public School system recently recognized Krio as a "home language" allowing children to be recognized as speaking Krio.

A majority of Krio are Christians yet mix Christianity with traditional African beliefs and practices, making their primary something other than evangelical Christianity and commonly known as a ethnic religion. Nevertheless, many Krio are evangelical Christians. Christians resources are available in the Krio language.