Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa, Africa. Its capital is Freetown, with a population of approximately 8.1M and a total area of 71,740 km². The official language is English and the currency is the Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL).
Sierra Leone covers an area of 71,740 km² with a population density of 113/km² people per km². The country has a GDP of $4.1B ($506 per capita) and gained independence in 1961. It has a coastline of 402 km.
Sierra Leone's name means Lion Mountains in Portuguese — named by Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra in 1462. The country has some of West Africa's most beautiful beaches and was a major destination for freed slaves returning from America and Britain.
⚠️ Travel information is approximate and may change. Always verify visa requirements, entry rules and travel advisories with official government sources before travelling.
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A 500-year-old cotton tree where freed slaves gave thanks — the most important symbol in Sierra Leone
A rescue sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees just outside Freetown
A wildlife sanctuary on a river island — one of the highest primate densities in the world
Three pristine islands off Freetown with coral reefs, turtles and colonial ruins
The capital of Sierra Leone is Freetown.
The official language(s) of Sierra Leone are English.
The population of Sierra Leone is approximately 8.1M.
Sierra Leone uses the Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL).
Sierra Leone is located in Africa, in the West Africa region.
Sierra Leone has a GDP of $4.1B, with a GDP per capita of $506.
The best time to visit Sierra Leone is November–April. The climate is Tropical, dry season November–April.
Visa required for most nationalities
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