Sierra Leone Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Sierra Leone, State of West Africa; 72,000 km², 7.6 million residents (2019).Sierra Leone borders in the north and northeast to Guinea and in the southeast to Liberia and has the west coast to the Atlantic. The capital is Freetown (1 million residents, 2015).

Country facts

Republic of Sierra Leone / Republic of Sierra Leone
Country abbreviation: SL
Area: 72 000 km²
Population (2019): 7.6 million residents
Capital: Freetown
Main languages: mende, krio, english
State: Republic
Head of State and Head of Government: Julius Maada Bio (President)
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 523
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 500
Currency unit: 1 leone = 100 cents
Currency code: SLL
Country number (telephony): 232
Internet domain name: sl
Time difference compared to Sweden: −1
National Day: April 27 (Independence Day, 1961)

Nature

Land use: forest (28%), agricultural land (8%), other (64%)
Highest mountain: Loma (1,948 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 106 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 2.0%; birth number 32 ‰, death number 12 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (41%), 15-64 (56%), 65- (3%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 53 years, women 55 years
Infant mortality (2019): 56 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 13 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.419 (place 184 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 41%
Most populous city (2015): Freetown (1 million residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (61%), industry (6%), service (33%)
Exports (2017): US $ 808 million
Main export products: iron, diamonds, rutile
Main exporting countries: Ivory Coast, Belgium, USA
Imports (2017): USD 1,107 million
Main import products: food, machinery, fuel
Main importing countries: China, USA, Belgium
Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography of Sierra Leone

Location and Size

Sierra Leone is a country located on the west coast of Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Guinea to the north and east, and Liberia to the southeast. The country covers an area of approximately 71,740 square kilometers (27,699 square miles), making it one of the smaller nations in Africa. Its location along the Atlantic Ocean has historically been significant for trade and its economic development.

The capital city of Sierra Leone, Freetown, is situated on the Atlantic coast and serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub. Freetown is positioned in a natural harbor, which has been a critical factor in Sierra Leone’s development as a port city. The country’s geography is varied, with coastal plains, savannahs, mountains, and river valleys, offering a mix of ecosystems and natural resources.

Topography and Natural Features

Sierra Leone’s topography is diverse, with several distinct regions. The coastal region, where Freetown is located, is characterized by beaches, lagoons, and wetlands. Further inland, the land rises into rolling hills and eventually into mountainous terrain, particularly in the east and northeast. The Loma Mountains, in the northeastern part of the country, contain Sierra Leone’s highest peak, Mount Bintumani, which stands at 1,948 meters (6,394 feet).

Sierra Leone is also home to several significant rivers, including the Sierra Leone River, the Rokel River, and the Moa River, which have historically been crucial for transportation and trade. These rivers also contribute to the fertile soil in the surrounding areas, supporting agriculture.

In addition to its rivers, Sierra Leone is rich in biodiversity, with dense tropical rainforests and a variety of flora and fauna. The country’s natural beauty, combined with its diverse ecosystems, makes it an attractive destination for eco-tourism. Sierra Leone also has several national parks, such as Gola Rainforest National Park, which is a protected area for wildlife conservation.

Climate of Sierra Leone

Tropical Climate

Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The country’s proximity to the equator results in a consistently warm and humid climate year-round. The average temperature in Sierra Leone is between 26°C (79°F) and 30°C (86°F), with slight variations between coastal and inland areas. Coastal regions, like Freetown, tend to be warmer and more humid due to their proximity to the ocean.

Rainy and Dry Seasons

The wet season in Sierra Leone typically lasts from May to October. During this period, the country experiences heavy rainfall, with the highest amounts occurring in the months of July and August. The coastal areas are generally wetter than the inland regions, though the entire country receives significant rainfall. The rainy season can cause flooding in low-lying areas, particularly in urban centers like Freetown, where inadequate drainage systems exacerbate the effects of the rains.

The dry season lasts from November to April, with the most intense period being from December to February, when the harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert cause a noticeable drop in humidity. The dry season brings cooler temperatures to the country, particularly in the interior and mountain regions, where the nights can be quite chilly. The dry season is considered the best time to visit the country due to more comfortable weather conditions, especially for outdoor activities and tourism.

Precipitation and Winds

Sierra Leone receives considerable rainfall, with annual precipitation ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 millimeters (98 to 138 inches) in the coastal regions. This rainfall supports the country’s agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of crops such as rice, cocoa, and coffee. The wet season is vital for farming, but the heavy rains can also create challenges for infrastructure and communities in flood-prone areas.

The harmattan wind, which originates from the Sahara Desert, blows across the country during the dry season, bringing dust and dry air, particularly in the northern and inland regions. These winds can create hazy conditions and reduce visibility, affecting daily life and agriculture, though the cooler temperatures they bring are often welcomed.

People of Sierra Leone

Population and Demographics

Sierra Leone has a population of around 8 million people, with the majority residing in urban areas, particularly in the capital city of Freetown. The population is ethnically diverse, with over a dozen ethnic groups living within the country. The largest ethnic groups are the Temne, Mende, and Limba, but there are also smaller communities of people such as the Krio, who are descendants of freed slaves from the United States and the Caribbean, and the Fula, among others.

Sierra Leone’s population is youthful, with a significant portion of the population under the age of 30. The country has a high birth rate and a relatively low life expectancy compared to global standards, which is largely attributed to the country’s ongoing health and development challenges, such as limited access to healthcare, malnutrition, and the aftermath of the civil war.

Language and Religion

The official language of Sierra Leone is English, which is used in government, education, and official documents. However, there are many local languages spoken across the country, including Krio, which is a widely spoken creole language derived from English and various African languages. Krio has become the lingua franca and is used for everyday communication in urban and rural areas alike.

Sierra Leone is predominantly Muslim, with about 78% of the population adhering to Islam, mainly Sunni Islam. Christianity is also practiced by a significant portion of the population, accounting for about 20%, with the majority of Christians belonging to Roman Catholic and Protestant denominations. There is also a small number of adherents of indigenous African religions, particularly among the Temne and Mende ethnic groups. Religious tolerance is an important feature of Sierra Leone’s culture, with Muslims and Christians coexisting peacefully.

Education and Health

Sierra Leone’s education system faces significant challenges, particularly in rural areas. Primary education is free and compulsory, though the quality of education varies widely between urban and rural areas. Many children in rural areas lack access to schools, and inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of qualified teachers contribute to poor educational outcomes. Secondary education is not universally accessible, and while the literacy rate has improved over time, it remains below global standards.

Higher education in Sierra Leone is provided by institutions such as Fourah Bay College, the University of Sierra Leone, and Njala University. These universities offer programs in various fields, including engineering, law, and health sciences, but face challenges in terms of funding, infrastructure, and resources. Many students pursue higher education abroad due to the limited opportunities at home.

Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, like its education system, has faced significant difficulties, particularly after the civil war and during the Ebola outbreak in 2014-2016. The country has a limited number of healthcare facilities, and access to healthcare in rural areas is particularly scarce. Malaria, maternal and child mortality, and HIV/AIDS are major public health challenges in Sierra Leone. However, international organizations and the government have worked to improve healthcare infrastructure, focusing on expanding access to services and improving the quality of care.

Economy of Sierra Leone

Key Industries

Sierra Leone’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, mining, and services. Agriculture is a major contributor to the economy, providing employment for a large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. Key agricultural products include rice, cassava, palm oil, cocoa, and coffee. Rice is the staple food of the country, and despite the government’s efforts to increase domestic production, Sierra Leone remains dependent on rice imports.

Mining is another critical sector for the Sierra Leonean economy, with the country being rich in natural resources such as diamonds, gold, bauxite, and rutile. Diamonds, in particular, have historically been a major export product for the country, although the industry has been marred by conflicts and the illegal trade of conflict diamonds. Efforts have been made to regulate the diamond trade and ensure that the benefits of mining are shared more equitably.

The services sector in Sierra Leone is growing, with tourism, telecommunications, and financial services emerging as important contributors to the economy. Sierra Leone’s tourism sector has significant potential, with its natural beauty, beaches, and historical sites. However, it remains underdeveloped, and there is a growing focus on improving infrastructure and attracting international investment to the sector.

Economic Challenges

Despite its natural resources and agricultural potential, Sierra Leone faces several economic challenges. The country remains one of the poorest in the world, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. High unemployment, particularly among young people, inadequate infrastructure, and a reliance on imports contribute to economic instability. The country’s infrastructure, particularly in transportation, energy, and healthcare, requires substantial investment.

The impact of the 11-year civil war (1991-2002), the Ebola outbreak, and fluctuating global commodity prices have further complicated economic development. The country has faced challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure, attracting foreign investment, and addressing the systemic issues that hinder economic growth. However, the government, with the support of international partners, continues to work on policies aimed at diversifying the economy, improving governance, and reducing poverty.

Sierra Leone is heavily reliant on foreign aid and remittances from the Sierra Leonean diaspora, particularly those living in the United States and the United Kingdom. Efforts to improve the domestic business environment, such as streamlining regulations and improving access to credit, have been made to encourage entrepreneurship and attract investment.

Government of Sierra Leone

Political System

Sierra Leone is a republic with a multi-party system. The head of state and government is the president, who is elected every five years by popular vote. The president has broad executive powers and serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The president appoints the vice president and the Cabinet, which is responsible for implementing government policies.

The country’s legislative branch consists of a unicameral Parliament, which is made up of 132 members elected by the people. The Parliament is responsible for passing laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the actions of the executive branch. The judiciary is independent, and the country has a Supreme Court, which serves as the highest court of appeal.

Sierra Leone has a history of political instability, with military coups and civil conflict dominating much of the 20th century. However, since the end of the civil war in 2002, the country has made significant strides toward political stability, holding peaceful elections and maintaining a democratic system.

Legal System

Sierra Leone’s legal system is based on a combination of English common law, customary law, and Islamic law. The legal system has undergone reforms since the end of the civil war, with efforts to address human rights abuses, strengthen the rule of law, and increase access to justice. The country’s judiciary, while independent, faces challenges such as inadequate resources, a backlog of cases, and delays in the legal process.

The country has made strides in ensuring that human rights are protected, and it has a relatively progressive legal framework in areas such as women’s rights, although implementation remains uneven. Corruption within the legal system remains a significant issue, and the government has taken steps to combat it through anti-corruption legislation and the establishment of a national anti-corruption commission.

Culture of Sierra Leone

Arts and Music

Sierra Leone has a vibrant cultural heritage that is shaped by its ethnic diversity and its colonial history. Music plays a central role in Sierra Leonean culture, with traditional African rhythms blending with Western influences to create unique genres. Popular musical styles include highlife, palm wine music, and hip hop, along with traditional drumming and choral singing. One of the most famous musicians from Sierra Leone is the late Amara Konneh, known for his contributions to the country’s folk music.

Sierra Leonean art is also diverse, with traditional crafts such as beadwork, weaving, and wood carving being integral to the country’s cultural expression. The influence of Islamic, Christian, and indigenous African traditions is evident in the visual arts, with artwork often reflecting spiritual and cultural themes. Local artists often use their work to address political and social issues and to express their identity.

Festivals and Traditions

Sierra Leone’s culture is rich with festivals and traditions that celebrate the country’s diverse ethnic groups. One of the most important cultural events is the Sierra Leonean Carnival, which takes place annually in Freetown. This vibrant celebration features music, dancing, colorful costumes, and cultural performances that reflect the country’s African, European, and Creole heritage. Other important cultural festivals include the Bondo Festival, celebrated by the Mende people, and the Masquerade Festival, which involves traditional dances and masks.

Religious festivals, such as Christmas and Easter, are widely celebrated by Christians, while Islamic holidays, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are important to the Muslim population. These religious events are marked by communal prayers, feasts, and cultural rituals.

Cuisine

Sierra Leonean cuisine is a blend of traditional African flavors and influences from the country’s colonial past. Rice is the staple food, often served with sauces made from vegetables, fish, or meat. One of the most popular dishes is “jollof rice,” a tomato-based rice dish often accompanied by chicken or beef. “Cassava leaves” is another staple, made by cooking the leaves of the cassava plant in a rich, flavorful sauce. Seafood is also a significant part of Sierra Leonean cuisine, with fish, crabs, and shellfish being common ingredients.

Traditional food is often enjoyed in communal settings, with meals shared among family and friends. The use of spices, particularly chili peppers, garlic, and ginger, adds bold flavors to the dishes, which are central to Sierra Leonean hospitality and culture. Street food, such as fried plantains and fried fish, is commonly available in urban areas, providing a quick and delicious meal for both locals and visitors.