Where is Sierra Leone located? Sierra Leone is a country located in West Africa, on the western coast of the African continent. It is one of the countries in the West African region.
Sierra Leone is situated on the southwest coast of West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean to the west. It shares borders with several neighboring countries. To the northeast, it is bordered by Guinea. To the southeast, it shares a border with Liberia. The country has a rich coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean to its west.
Where is Sierra Leone located: Africa.
Location of Sierra Leone on the World Map
Sierra Leone World
Map of Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone Profile – Where is Sierra Leone located
Here are 10 of the most important facts about Sierra Leone:
- Official Name: Republic of Sierra Leone
- Capital City: Freetown
- Population: Approximately 7.8 million (as of 2021)
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Sierra Leonean leone (SLL)
- Major Religion: Islam and Christianity (with Muslims being the majority and Christians forming a significant minority)
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Area: Approximately 71,740 square kilometers
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product): $4.1 billion (as of 2021)
- Main Exports: Diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, and fish.
Borders of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone shares land borders with two countries.
| Bordering Country | Approximate Length of Border (in kilometers) |
|---|---|
| Guinea | 762 km |
| Liberia | 299 km |
Sierra Leone Map
Navigate over this map with your mouse to discover the Sierra Leone map location.
Sierra Leone
Most Extreme Points of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has several extreme points in different directions:
- Northernmost Point: Near the border with Guinea, north of the town of Kambia.
- Southernmost Point: Along the Atlantic coast, south of the town of Shenge.
- Easternmost Point: Near the border with Liberia, east of the town of Koindu.
- Westernmost Point: The point on the Atlantic coastline, near the capital city of Freetown.
Highest Points of Sierra Leone
The highest point in Sierra Leone is Loma Mansa (Bintimani), reaching an elevation of approximately 1,945 meters above sea level. It is part of the Loma Mountains range.
| No. | Mountain | Elevation (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Bintumani | 1,945 |
| 2 | Mount Loma | 1,945 |
| 3 | Mount Tonkolili | 1,840 |
| 4 | Mount Yambata | 1,815 |
| 5 | Mount Lomabiri | 1,800 |
How big is Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone covers an area of approximately 71,740 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in the world.
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
Here is a comparison of Sierra Leone with its neighboring countries based on approximate size and population as of 2021:
| Country | Approximate Size (sq. km) | Approximate Population | Sierra Leone’s Size Compared to Neighboring Country | Sierra Leone’s Population Compared to Neighboring Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberia | 111,369 | 5.2 million | 0.64 times smaller | 0.69 times smaller |
| Guinea | 245,857 | 13.1 million | 0.29 times smaller | 0.27 times smaller |
| Ivory Coast | 322,463 | 26.4 million | 0.22 times smaller | 0.16 times smaller |
| Mali | 1,240,192 | 20.3 million | 0.06 times smaller | 0.03 times smaller |
| Senegal | 196,722 | 17.6 million | 0.37 times smaller | 0.04 times smaller |
| Gambia | 10,689 | 2.5 million | 6.71 times smaller | 0.46 times smaller |
What to Visit in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone offers a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Here are the top tourist attractions:
- Freetown: The capital and largest city of Sierra Leone, Freetown is known for its historical sites like the Cotton Tree, lively markets, and beautiful beaches such as Lumley Beach.
- Bunce Island: A significant historical site, this island was a major slave trade fort in the 18th century. Today, it stands as a haunting reminder of the past and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee.
- Tiwai Island: A unique wildlife sanctuary located on the Moa River, it’s renowned for its diverse primate population and rare species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
- Banana Islands: Comprising three islands, they offer pristine beaches, diving opportunities, and remnants of colonial-era history and the Krio culture.
- Loma Mountains: The highest point in Sierra Leone, the Loma Mountains provide trekkers with scenic views and a chance to encounter diverse flora and fauna.
- Outamba-Kilimi National Park: Located in the northwest, this park offers a mix of savannah and jungle landscapes, home to elephants, chimpanzees, and various bird species.
- Bo: The country’s second-largest city, Bo is an essential cultural and educational center, known for its traditional music and dance festivals.
- Kent Beach: A tranquil getaway, Kent Beach offers visitors golden sands and clear waters, perfect for relaxation.
- Tokeh Beach: Another of Sierra Leone’s famous beaches, Tokeh is known for its wide expanse of sandy coastline and lush surroundings.
- Makeni: An essential economic hub, Makeni boasts local markets, colonial-era architecture, and a warm, welcoming community.
These Sierra Leone destinations in Sierra Leone offer a diverse range of experiences, from diving deep into the nation’s history to basking in its natural beauty. When planning your visit, it’s always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions or requirements, ensuring a smooth trip to this West African gem.
