| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | SLISO 3166 [2024] |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | SLEISO 3166 [2024] |
| Capital | FreetownGeoNames [2024] |
| Continent | AfricaGeoNames [2024] |
| Common name | Sierra LeoneCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Official name | Republic of Sierra LeoneCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Local name | Sierra LeoneCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Etymology | Portuguese explorer Pedro de SINTRA is usually credited with naming the country "Serra da Leao" (Lion Mountains) in 1462, but Venetian explorer Alvise CA' DA MOSTO recorded the name as "Serre-Lionne" in 1457, referring to the rumbling of thunder over the mountainsCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Government type | Presidential republicCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Independence | 27 April 1961 (from the UK)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National holiday | Independence Day, 27 April (1961)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Head of state | Julius Maada BIO (Pres.)CIA World Leaders [2025] |
| Currency code (ISO 4217) | SLEISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Currency | LeoneISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Administrative subdivisions | 5ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Subdivision names | Eastern / North Western / Northern / Southern / Western Area (Freetown)ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Historical overview | No authoritative open source found |
| National symbols | lionCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National anthem | title: "High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free"; lyrics/music: Clifford Nelson FYLE/John Joseph AKA; history: adopted 1961CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National colors | green, white, blueCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Citizenship rules | citizenship by birth: no; citizenship by descent only: at least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Sierra Leone; dual citizenship recognized: yes; residency requirement for naturalization: 5 yearsCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
Portuguese explorer Pedro de SINTRA is usually credited with naming the country "Serra da Leao" (Lion Mountains) in 1462, but Venetian explorer Alvise CA' DA MOSTO recorded the name as "Serre-Lionne" in 1457, referring to the rumbling of thunder over the mountains
description: three equal horizontal bands of light green (top), white, and light blue meaning: green stands for agriculture, mountains, and natural resources; white for unity and justice; and blue for the sea and the natural harbor in Freetown
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
