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.
