Sierra Leone
🇸🇱 Western Africa · Republic of Sierra Leone
How Sierra Leone ranks globally
About Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone (officially Republic of Sierra Leone) is a country in Western Africa, with Freetown as its capital. It is home to roughly 8.82 million people, giving a population density of about 123 people per square kilometre. The country covers 71,740 km² of land and shares land borders with 2 neighbouring countries. Its economy is valued at approximately $7.46B in nominal GDP (2025), and it records a Human Development Index of 0.467. The official currency is the Sierra Leonean leone (SLL), and the main language is English.
Key indicators
💹 Economy
👥 People
🌍 Quality of Life
GDP over time
How Sierra Leone measures up
Did you know?
Sierra Leone is the 100th most populous country in the world, with about 8.82 million people.
By land area it is the 117th-largest country in the world, covering 71,740 km².
It has the world's 156th-largest economy by nominal GDP ($7.46B).
Sierra Leone shares land borders with 2 countries.
It is classed by the UN as a country of low human development, with an HDI of 0.467.
Sierra Leone has a population density of about 123 people per square kilometre.
Quick quiz — do you know Sierra Leone?
What is the capital of Sierra Leone?
Travel & practical
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Neighbouring countries
More countries in Africa
Explore more: all countries · all comparisons