SIERRA LEONE – Country Information

Population:
The population of Sierra Leone is 6,624,933 as of 2020.

Size:
71,737 sq km / 27,698 sq mi (larger than West Virginia)

Capital City:
The capital city of Freetown operates one of the world’s largest natural harbors.

Ethnic Groups:
35.5% Temne
33.2% Mende
6.4% Limba
4.4% Kono
3.4% Fullah
2.9% Loko
14.2% Other

Religion:
78.6% Muslim
20.8% Christian
0.6% Other / Nonreligious

Languages:
English

Mende, Temne, and Krio are widely spoken in Sierra Leone.

Geography:
Sierra Leone is located on the west coast of Africa and consists of mangroves, wooded hill country, plateaus, and eastern mountains. 

Economy:
Sierra Leone is a poor country but possesses substantial mineral, agriculture, and fishery resources. Private financing controls mining concerns, commerce, and banking.

Interesting Fact:
The original name given by the Portuguese for Sierra Leone was Serre Lyoa meaning, “Lion Mountains.”

Important Facts:
Sierra Leone was colonized by freed slaves coming from England in 1787. It became a British colony in 1808 and gained its independence on April 27, 1961.