Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a coastal West African nation defined by its vast mineral wealth and a diverse cultural landscape centered on the capital, Freetown. Current estimates indicate the population has reached approximately 9 million people, with an average economic output per person of 877 USD.
Where is Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone
- Continent
- Africa
- Country
- Sierra Leone
- Coordinates
- 8.50°, -11.50°
Population Details
- Population
- 9M
- Area
- 71,740 km²
- Density per km²
- 126 / km²
- Growth rate
- +2.12%
- Annual growth
- +191.3K people
- Daily growth
- +524.15 people
- World population share
- 0.11%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Sierra Leone
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Freetown
- Region
- Africa
- Area
- 71,740 km²
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- Leone (Le)
- Timezones
- UTC
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The economy is primarily driven by the extraction of natural resources like diamonds, iron ore, and gold, alongside a large agricultural sector that employs nearly half of the workforce. Recent data shows an annual GDP growth rate of 4.29% and an unemployment rate of 3.15%, though much of the population remains engaged in subsistence farming. Globally, Sierra Leone occupies the 164th position for total GDP and ranks 201st for GDP per capita, which is the 15th lowest out of 16 nations in the Western Africa subregion.
Society
Health and education outcomes are gradually improving through targeted government programs, although the literacy rate remains at 43.58%, ranking the country 161st of 170 globally. Life expectancy at birth currently stands at 61.964 years, placing the nation 204th out of 215 countries in global rankings. Digital infrastructure is in a developing stage, with 25.1% of the population using the internet, which ranks 191st globally.
Climate & Environment
The country features a tropical climate characterized by a distinct rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. Coastal areas like Freetown experience heavy rainfall and high humidity, with inland temperatures often exceeding 30 °C (86 °F) during the hottest months.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- presidential republic
- Independence
- 1961-04-27 (UK)
Sierra Leone is a presidential republic where the president serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The president is elected by popular vote for a 5-year term and holds executive authority, including the appointment of a cabinet. The legislative branch consists of a unicameral Parliament, which includes members elected from across the country and paramount chiefs who represent the interests of traditional regional leadership. The legal system is derived from English common law and customary law, with a judiciary headed by the Supreme Court. Administratively, the nation is divided into provinces and the Western Area, which encompasses the capital of Freetown. Since the early 2000s, the political system has focused on decentralization to empower local councils and ensure broader representation. Recent political history has been characterized by competitive elections and peaceful transfers of power between major parties, reflecting a commitment to democratic stability following years of internal conflict.
History
The history of Sierra Leone is uniquely linked to the transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent efforts of abolitionists. In 1787, British philanthropists founded a settlement in Freetown for liberated slaves from London, known as the 'Black Poor.' This settlement grew as more people were relocated from the Americas and those rescued from illegal slave ships by the British Royal Navy. The coastal region became a British Crown colony in 1808, while the interior was organized as a protectorate in 1896. This dual status created distinct legal and social systems that persisted until the mid-20th century. Sierra Leone gained independence from the UK on 27 April 1961, initially as a parliamentary democracy before becoming a republic. The late 20th century brought a period of intense instability, including multiple military coups and a devastating civil war that lasted from 1991 to 2002. The conflict, involving the Revolutionary United Front, was characterized by its impact on the diamond mining industry and resulted in massive displacement. Since the official end of the war in 2002, the country has focused on national reconciliation and rebuilding its infrastructure. It faced a significant public health crisis during the 2014 Ebola outbreak but has since continued its path toward economic recovery and democratic consolidation, maintaining a stable multi-party system and fostering regional cooperation within Western Africa.
Notable Facts
- The highest point in Sierra Leone is Loma Mansa, also known as Mount Bintimani, which rises to 1948 m (6391 ft) in the northeastern highlands.
- Freetown is home to the historic Cotton Tree, a massive landmark that symbolizes the arrival of the Black Loyalists who settled the city after the American Revolutionary War.
- Bunce Island, located in the Sierra Leone River, preserves the ruins of a major 18th-century British slave castle that once served as a primary transit point for captives sent to North America.
- The nation exhibits a high degree of religious harmony, with the 77.1% Muslim and 22.9% Christian populations frequently sharing in communal festivities and interfaith marriages.
- Sierra Leone is one of the world's leading producers of rutile, a titanium ore, and its diamond mines produce some of the most valuable gemstones globally.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Loma Mansa (Bintimani) (1,948 m)
- Lowest Point
- Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 402 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in Sierra LeoneExplore weather and climate data for cities in Sierra Leone
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Freetown
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January best | 30°C / 25°C | 36°C / 29°C | 2days (8 mm) Excellent | 10.9h Excellent | 81% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| February | 31°C / 25°C | 36°C / 30°C | 2days (8 mm) Excellent | 11.2h Excellent | 80% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| March best | 31°C / 25°C | 36°C / 30°C | 3days (14 mm) Excellent | 11.6h Excellent | 78% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| April | 31°C / 26°C | 36°C / 31°C | 10days (52 mm) Wet | 11.3h Excellent | 81% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| May | 30°C / 25°C | 36°C / 31°C | 25days (224 mm) Wet | 10h Excellent | 86% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| June | 28°C / 24°C | 34°C / 29°C | 29days (442 mm) Wet | 9h Good | 88% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| July | 27°C / 24°C | 32°C / 28°C | 30days (799 mm) Wet | 6.8h Fair | 90% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| August best | 27°C / 24°C | 31°C / 27°C | 30days (813 mm) Wet | 6.3h Fair | 90% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| September best | 27°C / 24°C | 33°C / 28°C | 29days (660 mm) Wet | 7.2h Good | 90% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| October | 28°C / 24°C | 35°C / 29°C | 30days (298 mm) Wet | 8.9h Good | 89% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| November | 29°C / 24°C | 36°C / 29°C | 21days (130 mm) Wet | 10.3h Excellent | 88% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| December best | 30°C / 24°C | 35°C / 29°C | 10days (38 mm) Wet | 10.7h Excellent | 83% Humid | Fair | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 30°C / 25°C . Feb: 31°C / 25°C . Mar: 31°C / 25°C . Apr: 31°C / 26°C . May: 30°C / 25°C . Jun: 28°C / 24°C . Jul: 27°C / 24°C . Aug: 27°C / 24°C . Sep: 27°C / 24°C . Oct: 28°C / 24°C . Nov: 29°C / 24°C . Dec: 30°C / 24°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 8 mm. Feb: 8 mm. Mar: 14 mm. Apr: 52 mm. May: 224 mm. Jun: 442 mm. Jul: 799 mm. Aug: 813 mm. Sep: 660 mm. Oct: 298 mm. Nov: 130 mm. Dec: 38 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Sierra Leone is approximately 9M (2024).
The capital of Sierra Leone is Freetown.
Sierra Leone's GDP per capita is $877.4 (2024).
Life expectancy in Sierra Leone is 61.96 years (2024).
Sierra Leone covers 71,740 km² (27,699 sq mi).
Sierra Leone has a moderate population density of 126 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Sierra Leone's population is growing rapidly at 2.1% per year — among the fastest in the world.
Based on GDP per capita, Sierra Leone falls in the low GDP-per-person tier at $877.4. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Sierra Leone reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.2 per 100,000 people, below the global average.
The official language of Sierra Leone is English.
Sierra Leone uses the Leone (Le) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Sierra Leone are January, March, August, September, December, based on climate data for the capital.
Current estimates show that the population of Sierra Leone is approximately 9 million people. The nation is experiencing an annual growth rate of 2.12%, which places it 101st in population size globally. About 45.4% of the residents live in urban areas, with many concentrated in the capital city of Freetown.
Sierra Leone's total GDP ranks 41st out of 54 African nations according to the latest data. On a per capita basis, the country ranks 45th in Africa and 15th out of 16 countries in Western Africa. Its economy remains heavily reliant on mining exports and agricultural productivity to drive its 4.29% annual growth.
The adult literacy rate in Sierra Leone is 43.58%, according to recent figures. This places the country 161st out of 170 nations ranked globally for literacy. Educational challenges persist due to the historical impact of civil conflict, though recent government initiatives have focused on increasing school enrollment and foundational learning.
The average life expectancy at birth in Sierra Leone is 61.964 years. This health indicator currently ranks the nation 204th out of 215 countries globally. While maternal and infant mortality rates remain a concern, investments in health infrastructure, such as solar-powered hospitals and specialized maternal centers, are supporting long-term improvements.
Internet users account for 25.1% of the total population in Sierra Leone. The country holds the 191st position globally for internet penetration, reflecting a digital divide between urban centers and rural villages. Most users access digital services via mobile networks, which have expanded significantly over the last decade.
The unemployment rate in Sierra Leone is 3.15%, which ranks the country 142nd out of 186 nations when ordered from the lowest to highest unemployment. While this figure appears low, it primarily reflects a high participation in informal sectors, such as subsistence agriculture and small-scale artisanal mining.
Sierra Leone is currently ranked 101st in the world out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it ranks 34th among 54 countries in Africa and 11th in the Western Africa subregion. This placement is based on the latest official 2024 population data and current growth estimates.
The estimated 2026 population density is 124.8 people per km² (323.2 per sq mi). This ranks the country 90th globally and 15th in Africa for density. Much of the population is concentrated in the Western Area, particularly in the capital city, Freetown, which has the highest density.
The population is increasing at an annual growth rate of 2.1%. This growth is driven by a crude birth rate of 30.1 births per 1,000 people, which significantly exceeds the crude death rate of 8.2 per 1,000. These factors result in a net gain of roughly 503 people daily.
The latest official data shows a fertility rate of 3.7 births per woman. This ranks Sierra Leone 35th globally for fertility. While this rate is high by global standards and drives steady population growth, it has seen a gradual decline as the country improves health and educational services.
Currently, 45.4% of the population resides in urban areas, ranking the nation 158th globally for urbanization. Freetown is the largest urban center and continues to attract rural residents. This urban shift is common across Western Africa as people seek better access to employment, education, and health services.
All Indicators
Explore Sierra Leone's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
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Infrastructure
Geography
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