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Sierra Leone

Africa

Republic of Sierra Leone

📍 Essential Info

CapitalFreetown

TimezoneUTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Population9.3M

LanguagesEnglish (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Kr...

Governmentpresidential republic

🔌 Practical Info

Driving SideRight

Electrical PlugsVaries

Internet Code.sl

Internet Users21%

GDP per Capita$3,100

🌍 Geography

LocationWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia

Size Comparisonslightly smaller than South Carolina

Climatetropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)

Terraincoastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in east

👥 People & Culture

Ethnic GroupsTemne 35.4%, Mende 30.8%, Limba 8.8%, Kono 4.3%, Korankoh 4%, Fullah 3.8%, Mandingo 2.8%, Loko 2%, Sherbro 1.9%, Creole 1.2% (descendants of freed Jam...

ReligionsMuslim 77.1%, Christian 22.9% (2019 est.)

Median Age19.7 years

Life Expectancy59.4 years

National HolidayIndependence Day, 27 April (1961)

Cultural Information

Detailed cultural tips and phrases for Sierra Leone are not yet available. We're continually expanding our cultural guides. Check back soon!

Data sourced from the CIA World Factbook