Sierra Leone: flag, capital, currency and history
Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in Western Africa, Africa. Its capital is Freetown. The currency is the Sierra Leonean leone. Languages spoken include English.
Quick facts about Sierra Leone
- Official name
- Republic of Sierra Leone
- Capital
- Freetown
- Region
- Africa, Western Africa
- Currency
- Sierra Leonean leone (SLL, Le)
- Languages
- English
- Calling code
- +232
- Internet domain
- .sl
- Area
- 71,740 km² (27,699 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Sierra Leonean
- National day
- Independence Day, April 27
Flag of Sierra Leone
Download the flag of Sierra Leone as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇸🇱.
History of Sierra Leone
The region was home to various West African peoples and trading communities before Portuguese navigators reached the coast in the 1460s. European traders operated along the coast, and the area was affected by the Atlantic slave trade. In 1787 Britain established a settlement for freed Black Londoners, and in 1792 Freetown was founded with settlers from Nova Scotia. It became a Crown colony in 1808, and a protectorate was declared over the interior in 1896. Sierra Leone became independent in 1961. A civil war from 1991 to 2002 devastated the country, after which peace and elections were restored.
Key dates
- 1462Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra reaches the coast and names the mountains Serra Leoa.
- 1787The British establish a settlement for freed Black Londoners on the peninsula.
- 1792Freetown is founded with settlers from Nova Scotia.
- 1808The Freetown settlement becomes a British Crown colony.
- 1896Britain declares a protectorate over the interior.
- 1961Sierra Leone becomes independent on 27 April.
- 1991A civil war begins and continues until 2002.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone uses the Sierra Leonean leone (SLL, Le). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Sierra Leone?
The capital of Sierra Leone is Freetown.
What currency does Sierra Leone use?
Sierra Leone uses the Sierra Leonean leone (SLL, symbol Le).
What languages are spoken in Sierra Leone?
Languages used in Sierra Leone include English.
What is the calling code of Sierra Leone?
The international calling code of Sierra Leone is +232. Its internet domain is .sl.
Which countries border Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone shares land borders with Guinea and Liberia.
On which continent is Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone is in Africa, in the region of Western Africa.
What is the national day of Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone marks Independence Day on April 27.
Neighbours of Sierra Leone
More countries in Western Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).