Sierra Leone flag
Basic facts of Sierra Leone Official name: Republic of Sierra Leone
Capital: Freetown Area: 71,740 sq km, 27,699
Population: 6,286,617 (2008 estimate)
Population growth rate: 2.28 percent (2008 estimate)
Population density: 88 persons per sq km, 227 persons per sq mi (2008 estimate)
Urban/rural distribution:
Share urban 38 percent (2003 estimate)
Share rural 62 percent (2003 estimate)
Largest cities: Freetown, Bo
Languages: English (official), Krio, Mende, Temne
Religious affiliations:
Muslim 46 percent
Indigenous beliefs 40 percent
Christian 10 percent
Other 4 percent
Life expectancy:
Total 40.9 years (2008 estimate)
Female 43.3 years (2008 estimate)
Male 38.6 years (2008 estimate)
Literacy rate:
Total 36.3 percent (2000)
Female 22.6 percent (2000)
Male 50.7 percent (2000)
Form of government: A military coup toppled the civilian government (elected in February 1996) in May 1997; civilian rule returned in February 1998.
Total number of military personnel: 13,000 (2004)
Introduction:
Sierra Leone (country), independent nation in western Africa, bounded on the north and east by Guinea, on the southeast by Liberia, and on the southwest and west by the Atlantic Ocean. The total area of the country is 71,740 sq km (27,699 sq mi). Freetown is the capital and largest city. A low-lying coastal plain in Sierra Leone extends inland from the Atlantic Ocean for about 80 km (about 50 mi). The area closest to the ocean is a largely swampy region; however, the Sierra Leone Peninsula, where FreetownLoma Mountains. Of the numerous short rivers that drain the country the most important are the Kolenté (Great Scarcies) and the Kaba (Little Scarcies), and the Rokel, Jong, Sewa, and Moa. Most are navigable only in the rainy season. is situated, is dominated by hills. To the east the land rises from the coastal plain to a plateau in the north and to hilly terrain in the south. Several small mountain ranges are located near the northern and eastern borders and reach a maximum elevation of 1,945 m (6,381 ft) in Bintumani (Loma Mansa) in the Loma Mountains. Of the numerous short rivers that drain the country the most important are the Kolenté (Great Scarcies) and the Kaba (Little Scarcies), and the Rokel, Jong, Sewa, and Moa. Most are navigable only in the rainy season.
Freetown,Sierra Leone
Freetown is the capital of Sierra Leone. The city contains one of the world’s best deep-water harbors.