Freetown Map

Description:

---

Description:

---

Freetown is the capital and largest city of Sierra Leone, located on the western coast of Africa. With a population of approximately 1.2 million people, it serves as the country's economic, financial, and cultural center. The city was founded in 1792 by freed African American slaves and became the first permanent settlement of free African Americans in Africa.

The city sits on a peninsula at the foot of the Lion Mountains, facing one of Africa's largest natural harbors. This strategic location has made Freetown Harbor a crucial port for both commercial and passenger vessels. The climate is tropical, with significant rainfall during the monsoon season from May to October.

Notable landmarks include the Cotton Tree, a historic symbol of freedom that has stood in the center of the city since the first settlers arrived, and the Sierra Leone National Museum, which houses important artifacts reflecting the country's history and cultural heritage. The St. George's Cathedral, built in 1828, stands as one of the oldest churches in West Africa.

Freetown is home to several educational institutions, including Fourah Bay College, established in 1827, which is the oldest university in West Africa. The city's architecture reflects its colonial past, particularly in areas like Downtown Freetown and Hill Station, where Victorian-style buildings remain.

The city's economy primarily relies on its port activities, government administration, and service sector. Lumley Beach, stretching along the western coast of the city, is a popular recreational area for both locals and tourists. Despite facing challenges from civil war in the 1990s and the Ebola outbreak in 2014, Freetown continues to develop as Sierra Leone's primary urban center.

The Facts:
Province: Western Area.
Population: ~ 1,347,559 (2024 Census).
Metropolitan population: ~ 1,600,000.
Main sights: National Museum, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Lumley Beach, St George's cathedral, National Railway Museum, John Obey Beach, Sierra Leone Peace Museum, Sierra Leone National Museum.