Sierra Leone
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 8
Currency
💱 Sierra Leonean leone
Languages
🗣️ English
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Sierra Leone
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Sierra Leonean
Independence
April 27, 1961 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.sl
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+232
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Freetown
ISO Alpha-2
SL
ISO Alpha-3
SLE
UN Code
694
Geographic Coordinates
8.5,-11.5
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
71,740#120 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
8,460,512#101 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
117.21
Highest Point (m)
1,948 meters (Mount Bintumani)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Atlantic Ocean)
Land Use
Agricultural land comprises about 58% of the total land area.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 50 square kilometers are irrigated.
Coastline Length
402 kilometers
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April).
Natural Resources
Diamonds, rutile, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Guinea, Liberia
Major Rivers
The Rokel River (also known as the Sierra Leone River) is a major river.
Major Lakes
Sierra Leone has no major lakes.
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
5 regions and 1 municipality.
Legal System
Based on English common law, with Islamic and customary law influences.
Chief of State
President Julius Maada Bio
Head of Government
President Julius Maada Bio
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the President.
Elections
Presidential elections are held every five years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court of Sierra Leone
Legislative Branch
Parliament (consisting of the President and Parliament)
Major Political Parties
Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) and All People's Congress (APC)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Sierra Leonean leone
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7.46#163 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
32.78#147 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
846.3#200 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
29.54
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
25.7
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
41.6
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7.49#37 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,934,968
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.15#141 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 70% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
The budget is primarily focused on infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.56#162 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.11#164 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Significant fluctuations occur; details available from the central bank.
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates can be found at major financial websites.
GDP by Sector
Primarily services, agriculture, and industry.
Major Industries
Mining (diamonds, rutile), agriculture, and tourism.
Major Export Partners
Belgium, China, and the United States.
Major Import Partners
China, India, and the United States.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
43.58#160 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
30.1
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.2
Net Migration Rate
Negative; emigration exceeds immigration.
Median Age
Approximately 18 years (2021 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
45.93#156 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Rapid urbanization is underway.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
62#203 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 1.6% of adults (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
4.72
Ethnic Groups
Temne, Mende, Limba, Kono, and others.
Religions
Predominantly Muslim, with a significant Christian minority.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English
Education
Education System
The education system in Sierra Leone is based on a structure of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2001)Checked September 29, 2026
6.4
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education in Sierra Leone is a significant portion of the budget, but faces resource constraints.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include Fourah Bay College, and Njala University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Sierra Leone boasts a rich cultural heritage reflected in its diverse ethnic groups, music, dance, and traditional practices.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Armed Forces Day (2026-02-18)
- International Women's Day (2026-03-08)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Independence Day (2026-04-27)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
- Boxing Day (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include Afrobeat, Highlife, and traditional Sierra Leonean music.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include rice, cassava leaf stew (plasas), and groundnut stew.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, with cricket and athletics also played.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Sierra Leone Cultural Festival, and various ethnic group celebrations.
Famous People
Famous people include Ishmael Beah (author), and Fatima Sesay (model).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Sierra Leone has several cultural heritage sites, including historical settlements and monuments.
UNESCO Sites
Sierra Leone has not yet listed any sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Annual Tourist Visits
Relatively low number of annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is developing, with potential for growth.
Top Tourist Attractions
Beaches, historic sites, and national parks.
Famous Cities
Freetown is the capital and largest city.
National Parks
Several national parks, including Gola Rainforest National Park.
Protected Areas
Protected areas exist, covering a portion of the country.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary, check current regulations.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise a high degree of caution due to safety and security concerns.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is generally low; improvements are ongoing.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively low compared to developed nations.
Number of Hospitals
There are a limited number of hospitals; access varies.
Universal Healthcare
Sierra Leone's healthcare system faces significant challenges; universal healthcare is not fully implemented.
Medical Services Overview
Access to healthcare is limited, particularly outside urban areas.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are limited and primarily available in urban centers.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 999.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is 999.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire service is 999.
Crime Rate
The crime rate varies, with some areas experiencing higher rates of petty theft and other crimes.
Safety Index
The safety index is moderate, with some safety concerns in specific areas.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure accounts for a portion of the national budget.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire, are available, though resources may be limited.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) comprises the army, navy, and air force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Access to electricity is limited, especially in rural areas.
Water Access
Access to clean water is a challenge for many Sierra Leoneans.
Sanitation Access
Access to sanitation is limited and needs improvement.
Railways
Sierra Leone has a limited railway network primarily for freight transport.
Roadways
Roads vary in quality, with many unpaved roads.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes roads, limited railways, and air travel.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Lungi International Airport (FNA), Bo Airport (KBS), Kenema Airport (KEN), Yengema Airport (WYE)
Ports
Freetown is the main port city.
Public Transit
Public transit options include buses and taxis.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
25.1#187 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Approximately 58 per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup ecosystem, but growing.
Innovation Index
Low ranking, facing innovation challenges.
ICT Development Index
Low ICT development index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited number of TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Several radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.17#181 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data is limited, but air quality is generally poor, especially in urban areas, due to vehicle emissions and industrial activity.
Water Pollution Level
High levels of water pollution due to inadequate sanitation, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited use of renewable energy; some solar power initiatives are present.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and coastal degradation are significant issues.
Natural Hazards
Floods, droughts, and landslides are common.
Waste Management
Poor waste management infrastructure; open dumping and burning are common practices.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major international environmental agreements, including climate change, biodiversity, and ozone layer protection.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Embassies in several countries including the US, UK, China.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth, African Union
Major Treaties
Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Convention on Biological Diversity.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel for holders of Sierra Leonean passports to a limited number of countries.