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Located on the southwest coast of West Africa, bordering Liberia on its southeastern border, Guinea on the north and the Atlantic Ocean on the west and southwest. The capital city, Freetown, sits on a coastal peninsula, situated next to the Sierra Leone Harbour and cascaded by stunning mountain views.
The current President is His Excellency, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Woni Bio, elected in May 2018 and June 24, 2023, respectively. The Vice President is Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. The country is a secular state and presidential republic with a unicameral parliament. The Constitution provides for the separation of state and religion and freedom of conscience.
Featuring diverse environments ranging from savannas, high mountains, plateaus, lowlands and rain-forested plains containing bush and farmland. The country has some 400 km (249 mi) of Atlantic coastline, giving it lush marine resources and attractive sea views. The country features picturesque scenic views and beautiful topography.
The country has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season from May to November and the dry season from December to May. The average temperature is 26°C (78.8°F) and varies from around 26 to 36°C (78.8 to 96.8°F) during the year.
The country has a population of approximately 8.421 million (2021). There are about sixteen ethnic groups, each with its own language and the largest being the Temne in the North at 35.5% and the Mende in the South-East comprising about 33.2% of the overall population.
Football is the most popular sport in the country. The national football team, popularly known as the Leone Stars, represents the country in international competitions. Other popular sports include volleyball, basketball, and cricket.
The country been ranked as the third most peaceful country in Africa and 47th in the world, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index. This is credited to the country’s security sector which includes the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF): Land Forces, Maritime Forces, Air Wing, Ministry of Internal Affairs: Sierra Leone Police (2023). Military service is voluntary with no conscription.
Historically renowned as the Athens of West Africa, the country continues to build on its notable reputation today, as it is now globally recognized as a champion for education. There are several reputable universities and vocational training institutions including Fourah Bay College, Njala University, Institute of Public Administration and Management, Ernest Bai Koroma University, and Milton Margai University.
The country is notably religious tolerant with Muslims comprising approximately 78.5% of the population, and an influential Christian minority of approximately 20.4% and 1.1% belonging to a traditional African religion or other beliefs (Pew Research Center, 2020). Most of the major Muslim and Christian holidays are observed as official national holidays throughout the country.
The country is a tourist haven with much to explore. It offers stunning beaches, like Number 2 Beach and Laka Beach, as well as attractions like the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Historical sites like Bunce Island, and the Sierra Leone Museum enrich its tourism appeal.
As of 2022, the GDP per Capita was $627 in 2022, an increase of $8 from $619 in 2021. The Nominal (current) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is $3,970,343,852 (USD). The economy has potential in key areas including agriculture, fisheries, mining, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing.
Led by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, the country’s cabinet is a model of diversity and inclusive governance with members representing every district and reflecting various forms of diversity including gender and age. This team is dedicated to national progress, policy shaping, and sustainable development across various ministries.