- Official name
- Republic of Sierra Leone
- Capital
- Freetown
- Region
- Western Africa
- Population (2018 est.)
- ≈ 7.7 million
- Area
- 71,740 km²
- Currency
- Sierra Leonean leone (SLL)
- Neighbours
- Guinea, Liberia
- Internet / phone
- .sl · +232
Where it is
Notable facts
- Freetown was founded in 1792 as a settlement for freed slaves, and Sierra Leone’s name comes from Portuguese for “lion mountains”.
- The country has one of the world’s largest natural harbours.
- Sierra Leone produces high-quality diamonds; the 969-carat “Star of Sierra Leone” was found there in 1972.
- Tiwai Island is one of the most primate-rich areas on Earth for its size.
World Heritage 1 site
National dish
Cassava leaf stew Pounded cassava leaves cooked with palm oil, fish or meat and pepper, served over rice.