Sierra Leone Map

Description:

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Sierra Leone is a country located on the southwest coast of West Africa. It shares borders with Guinea to the north and east, and Liberia to the southeast. The country covers an area of 71,740 square kilometers (27,700 sq mi) and has a population of approximately 8.9 million people as of 2023.

The nation's capital and largest city is Freetown, which serves as the country's economic, financial, and cultural center. English is the official language, although Krio, an English-based creole, is the most widely spoken language throughout the country.

Sierra Leone gained independence from British colonial rule on April 27, 1961. The country experienced a devastating civil war from 1991 to 2002, which resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced more than 2 million people. Since the end of the conflict, Sierra Leone has been rebuilding its infrastructure and strengthening its democratic institutions.

The economy of Sierra Leone is primarily based on mining, particularly diamonds, rutile, and bauxite. Agriculture also plays a significant role, with rice being the major food crop. The country possesses substantial natural resources, including some of the largest deposits of rutile in the world.

Tourism in Sierra Leone is gradually developing, with several notable attractions. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary near Freetown is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating endangered chimpanzees. The country's beaches, particularly River No. 2 Beach and Tokeh Beach, are known for their pristine white sand and clear waters. Bunce Island, a former slave trading post, serves as an important historical site.

The climate is tropical, with two distinct seasons: the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. The country's terrain varies from coastal mangrove swamps to wooded hill country and an upland plateau. Sierra Leone is home to diverse wildlife, including various species of primates, birds, and reptiles, though many species are threatened by habitat loss and hunting.

The Facts:
Capital: Freetown.
Area: 27,700 sq mi (71,740 sq km).
Population: ~ 8,900,000 (2023 estimate).

Largest cities: Freetown, Kenema, Bo, Koidu, Makeni, Waterloo, Port Loko, Wangechi, Kalewa, Magburaka, Kabala, Moyamba, Kailahun, Bonthe, Kambia, Alikalia, Binkolo, Daru, Falaba, Gbinti, Kamakwie, Kaima, Koindu, Lungi, Lunsar, Madina, Mange, Mano, Matru, Momaligi, Njala, Pepel, Pendembu, Shenge, Sulima, Sumbaria, Taiama, Tongo, Tumbu, Worodu, Yana, Yele, Yengema, Yonibana.

Official language: English.
Currency: Leone (SLL).

Provinces of Sierra Leone: Eastern, Northern, North West, Southern, Western Area.

Districts of Sierra Leone: Kailahun, Kenema, Kono, Bombali, Falaba, Koinadugu, Tonkolili, Kambia, Karene, Port Loko, Bo, Bonthe, Moyamba, Pujehun, Western Rural, Western Urban.