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Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

🏙️ Capital city:

Freetown

📈 Country population:

8.8 million

🗺️ Country area:

71,740 km²

Core Facts / Infobox

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Official NameRepublic of Sierra Leone
Common NameSierra Leone
Political StatusSovereign unitary presidential republic
ISO CodesSL, SLE, 694
Internet TLD.sl
Calling Code+232
Capital CityFreetown
Largest CityFreetown
Coordinates8.46° N, 11.78° W
Time ZoneUTC+0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
Population (2025 est.)~8.8 million
Area71,740 km²
Population Density~123 per km²
LanguagesEnglish (official); Krio widely spoken
CurrencySierra Leonean Leone (SLE)
Driving SideRight
GDP (Nominal)~USD 5 billion
GDP Per Capita~USD 600
HDILow
Life Expectancy~61 years
Continent & SubregionAfrica — West Africa
National DayIndependence Day (27 April)
National AnthemHigh We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free

Geography & Environment

  • Located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa.
  • Borders Guinea and Liberia.
  • Features coastal plains, mangroves, plateaus, and mountains.
  • Known for natural harbors, including one of the world’s largest at Freetown.
  • Climate: tropical with wet and dry seasons.

Demographics

  • Population: ~8.8 million.
  • Major ethnic groups: Temne, Mende, Limba, Kono.
  • Urban population centered in Freetown and Bo.
  • Religions: Islam (majority), Christianity, traditional beliefs.

History

  • Established as a settlement for freed slaves in the late 18th century.
  • Became a British colony in 1808.
  • Gained independence in 1961.
  • Experienced a civil war from 1991–2002.
  • Post-war period focused on peacebuilding and recovery.

Government & Politics

  • Political system: Presidential republic.
  • Head of State & Government: President.
  • Legislature: unicameral Parliament.
  • Administrative divisions: provinces and districts.

Economy

  • Low-income developing economy.
  • Key sectors: agriculture, mining, services.
  • Main exports: diamonds, iron ore, rutile, cocoa.
  • Strengths: mineral resources, port access.
  • Weaknesses: poverty, infrastructure gaps.

Culture & Society

  • Strong traditions in music, dance, and storytelling.
  • Krio culture influential nationwide.
  • Community and extended family ties are central.

Food & Cuisine

  • Staple foods: rice, cassava, palm oil.
  • Traditional dishes: cassava leaves, groundnut stew, plasas.
  • Rice is a central part of daily meals.

Education & Institutions

  • Education system rebuilding and expanding.
  • Major institution: Fourah Bay College (University of Sierra Leone).

Tourism

  • Emerging tourism sector.
  • Attractions include River No. 2 Beach, Banana Islands, Freetown Peninsula.
  • Strong potential for beach and eco-tourism.

Practical Information

  • Emergency number: 999.
  • Plug type: D/G; Voltage: 230V.
  • Infrastructure improving, strongest in Freetown.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

  • Popular sports: football.
  • Active music and cultural scene.
  • Notable figures: Bai Bureh, Ishmael Beah.

Neighboring Countries of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is located in West Africa and borders two countries: Guinea to the north and east, and Liberia to the southeast. To the south and west, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.

Famous For

  • Freetown harbor.
  • Diamonds.
  • Krio heritage.
  • Beautiful Atlantic beaches.

Sources

  • World Bank
  • United Nations (UN Data)
  • IMF
  • CIA World Factbook
  • Statistics Sierra Leone