Overview of Sierra Leone

Profile

The capital Freetown was founded by freed slaves and still retains a strong Creole culture as a port city. The country's near-circular territory features diverse landscapes from coastal white-sand beaches to inland tropical rainforests, savanna highlands, and Mount Bintumani at 1,948m elevation. Major exports include minerals such as diamonds and rutile, while cocoa and seafood are also important products. Although English is the official language, Krio and various tribal languages are widely used in daily conversation. In terms of religion, Muslims and Christians coexist peacefully, and interfaith harmony is considered a national pride.

Official name: Republic of Sierra Leone
Common name: Sierra Leone
Numeric code: 694
Alpha-3 code: SLE
Alpha-2 code: SL
Population: Approximately 9 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 125 per km2
Primary languages: English, Krio, Temne, Mende
Major religions: Islam, Christianity, Traditional religions
National anthem: High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free
Calling code: +232
Internet TLD: .sl

History

From a slave trade hub through British colonial rule to independence in 1961. Experienced civil war in the 1990s, with peace established in 2002.

This region was named "Serra Leão" (Lion Mountain) by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. In the late 18th century, Freetown was established as a settlement for freed slaves as a result of Britain's abolition movement. It became a British Crown Colony in 1808, and the interior was incorporated as a protectorate in the latter half of the 19th century. Independence was achieved on April 27, 1961, as a Commonwealth realm, transitioning to a republic in 1971. The civil war that erupted in 1991 intensified over diamond interests, leading to international intervention and UNAMSIL deployment before ending in 2002. Since then, multi-party democratic elections have progressed, with infrastructure reconstruction, mining development, and tourism promotion as ongoing challenges.

Geography & climate

Mosaic of coastal mangrove wetlands, peninsula hills and white-sand beaches, inland savanna highlands, and eastern mountainous tropical rainforests.

Tropical monsoon climate

Area: Africa / 71740 km²
Capital: Freetown
Largest city: Freetown
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Sonfon
Bordering countries: Guinea, Liberia

Natural resources

Diamonds, Rutile, Iron ore, Bauxite, Gold, Hydropower, Fishery resources, Titanium ore, Abundant tropical timber, Fertile alluvial soil

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Leone (New Leone) (SLE)

GDP (nominal): 4.2 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 14.6 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Krio, Temne, Mende

Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Temne, Mende, Limba, Kuru, Malinke/Mandinka, Loko, Krio (Creole), Fula

Life expectancy

Approximately 60 years (2022 WHO estimate)

Literacy rate

43.2%

National sports

Soccer, Basketball, Cricket, Athletics, Boxing, Floorball