Sierra Leone

Freetown · Africa

Population

9.1M

World Bank, 2025

Area

71,740 km²

GDP

$7.0B

World Bank, 2025

GDP Per Capita

$806.655

World Bank, 2025

Life Expectancy

61.8 yrs

World Bank, 2025

Capital

Freetown

Sierra Leone is a country located in Western Africa, with its capital in Freetown. As of 2025, it has a population of 9.1M and covers an area of 71,740 km². The economy of Sierra Leone has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $7.0B (World Bank, 2025), translating to a per-capita income of $806.655 with annual economic growth of 4.3%. Life expectancy in Sierra Leone stands at 61.8 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The official language is English, and the currency is the Leone (Le). Sierra Leone shares land borders with 2 countries.

How Large Is Sierra Leone's Economy?

Sierra Leone's GDP of $7.0B makes it a low-income economy by World Bank classification. GDP per capita of $807 is 63% below the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025). The most recent annual growth rate of 4.3% is above the global median of 3.1% (World Bank, 2025). The unemployment rate of 3.1% is 60% below the regional average of 7.8 (World Bank, 2025). Inflation of 28.6% is severely elevated at 28.6%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power. Sierra Leone's official currency is the Leone (Le). As a UN member, Sierra Leone participates in multilateral trade frameworks.

GDP

$7.0B

World Bank, 2025

GDP Per Capita

$806.655

World Bank, 2025

GDP Growth

4.3%

Unemployment

3.1%

Inflation

28.6%

Currencies

SLE

What Are Sierra Leone's Demographics?

With 9.1M people, Sierra Leone is a nation of 9.1M people. At 127 people per km², the country is moderately populated. Life expectancy stands at 61.8 years, 10.2 years below the global average of 72 years. Infant mortality of 56.2 per 1,000 live births is 28% above the regional average of 44 (World Bank, 2025). The country's official language is English.

Population

9.1M

World Bank, 2025

Life Expectancy

61.8 yrs

World Bank, 2025

Infant Mortality

56.2 per 1k

Literacy Rate

—

Languages

English

CO₂ Per Capita

—

Where Is Sierra Leone Located?

Sierra Leone covers 71,740 km² (28,000 sq miles) and shares land borders with 2 countries. The country sits within the Africa region, Western Africa subregion, spanning Africa. Freetown serves as the seat of government and administrative capital of Sierra Leone. The country spans 1 time zone. Recognized internationally by ISO codes SL and SLE, Sierra Leone is an independent sovereign state and a full UN member. Its 1 currency (SLE) reflects its participation in multilateral trade and monetary frameworks.

Area

71,740 km²

Region

Africa

Subregion

Western Africa

Capital

Freetown

Timezones

UTC

Continents

Africa

Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: March 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sierra Leone

What is the population of Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone has a population of 9.1M as of 2025, according to World Bank data. Life expectancy is 61.8 years.

What is the capital of Sierra Leone?

The capital of Sierra Leone is Freetown. It serves as the country's administrative and political center.

What is the GDP of Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone's GDP is $7.0B as of 2025 (World Bank). GDP per capita is $806.655. The economy grew at 4.3% in 2025.

What is the life expectancy in Sierra Leone?

The average life expectancy in Sierra Leone is 61.8 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The infant mortality rate is 56.2 per 1,000 live births.

What region is Sierra Leone in?

Sierra Leone is located in Africa, specifically in Western Africa. It is part of the continent of Africa.

What is the size of Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone covers an area of 71,740 km² (27,699 square miles). The population density is approximately 126.5 people per km².

What currency does Sierra Leone use?

Sierra Leone uses the Leone (Le) with currency code SLE.

What language is spoken in Sierra Leone?

The official language of Sierra Leone is English.

Is Sierra Leone a member of the United Nations?

Yes, Sierra Leone is a member of the United Nations.

What is Sierra Leone's GDP?

Sierra Leone's GDP is $7.0B (World Bank, 2025). This places it among Africa's economies by total output.

What is Sierra Leone's GDP per capita?

Sierra Leone's GDP per capita is $807, which is 63% below the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025).

What is Sierra Leone's inflation rate?

Sierra Leone's inflation rate is 28.6%, severely elevated at 28.6%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power (World Bank, 2025).

What is the population density of Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone has a population density of 127 people per km², making it moderately populated.

What is the life expectancy in Sierra Leone?

Life expectancy in Sierra Leone is 61.8 years, 10.2 years below the global average of 72 years (World Bank, 2025).

What is the total area of Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone has a total land area of 71,740 km² (28,000 sq miles). This measurement covers the country's total sovereign territory as recorded by international geographic databases.

How many countries does Sierra Leone border?

Sierra Leone shares land borders with 2 countries (identified by the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 codes: GIN, LBR). These borders define the country's overland connections to the wider region.