Why visit
Freetown is the capital of Sierra Leone. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
Sierra Leone at a glance
Country center
8.5°, -11.5°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
71,740 km²
27,699 mi²
Subregion
Western Africa
Currency
Sierra Leonean leone (Le)
SLL
Dial
+232
Language
English
Demonym
Sierra Leonean
Internet
.sl
UN
Member state
ISO code
SL / SLE
Where in the world
8.5° · -11.5°
Sierra Leone
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Did you know
- Sierra Leone's capital Freetown was founded in 1792 by freed Black Loyalists and later liberated Africans, similar to Liberia.
- The country is one of the world's major diamond producers, with the gems historically fueling its civil war (1991-2002).
- Lumley Beach in Freetown is one of West Africa's finest stretches of sand and a weekend favorite for locals.
Bordering Sierra Leone
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Freetown
What currency is used in Freetown?
Freetown uses the Sierra Leonean leone (Le), ISO code SLL.
What languages are spoken in Sierra Leone?
The primary language is English.
What is the international calling code for Sierra Leone?
The calling code is +232.
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