People & place
120 /km² across 72,300 km²
Sierra Leone has a recorded population of 8,642,022 and a reported surface area of 72,300 km².
My Atlas
Saved on this browser. No account needed.
Western AfricaSierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a country or territory in Western Africa. Its capital is Freetown.
- Population
- 8.6M120 /km²
- Surface area
- 72,300 km²
- GDP
- $7.0B$807 per capita
- Capital
- Freetown
Sierra Leone is located in Western Africa, and its capital is Freetown. It has a population of approximately 8,642,022 and covers an area of about 72,300 km². Its official currency is the Sierra Leonean leone (SLL).
What stands out
Economic snapshot
$6.97 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $6.97 billion and GDP per capita at $807 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Sierra Leonean leone (SLL)
Sierra Leone uses Sierra Leonean leone (SLL), calling code +232, internet domain .sl.
About Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa, officially known as the Republic of Sierra Leone. It is bordered by Guinea to the north, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest.
The country has a varied topography, including mountains, savannah, and coastal plains. The highest point is Mount Bintumani in the Loma Mountains. Sierra Leone has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Sierra Leone is ethnically diverse, with several major ethnic groups including the Mende, Themne, Krio, and Limba. The Krio people, descendants of freed slaves from North America and the Caribbean, have significantly influenced the country's culture and politics. Traditional music, dance, and storytelling remain important cultural expressions.
Sierra Leone was founded as a colony in 1787 by freed slaves from Britain. It became a British Crown Colony in 1808. Independence was gained on April 27, 1961. The country endured a brutal civil war from 1991 to 2002, which left a lasting impact.
Key facts
- Capital: Freetown
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Country data & reference
Capital
Freetown
Population
8,642,022 (120 /km²)
Surface Area
72,300 km²
GDP
$6.97 billion (2024)
GDP per Capita
$807 (2024)
Region / Subregion
Native Name
Sierra Leone
Nationality
Sierra Leonean
Currency
Sierra Leonean leone (SLL - Le)Phone Code
+232
Top-Level Domain
.sl
ISO Codes
SL / SLE
Coordinates
8.5, -11.5
Time zones
- Africa/Freetown (UTC\u00b100)
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Sierra Leone: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Sierra Leone?
The capital of Sierra Leone is Freetown.
What is the population of Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone has a recorded population of approximately 8,642,022 people.
How big is Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone covers an area of about 72,300 km².
What is the population density of Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone has a population density of roughly 120 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $6.97 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone has a GDP per capita of approximately $807.
What currency is used in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone uses the Sierra Leonean leone (SLL), with the symbol Le.
Where is Sierra Leone located?
Sierra Leone is located in Western Africa, Africa.
What are people from Sierra Leone called?
People from Sierra Leone are referred to as Sierra Leonean.
What is the phone calling code for Sierra Leone?
The international dialing code for Sierra Leone is +232.
What is the internet domain for Sierra Leone?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Sierra Leone is .sl.
What time zone is Sierra Leone in?
Sierra Leone uses the Africa/Freetown time zone.
What is Sierra Leone known for?
Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa, officially known as the Republic of Sierra Leone. It is bordered by Guinea to the north, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest.
Compare Sierra Leone
Or start with a nearby country: