71,740 sq km (27,699 sq miles).

4,428,000 (1997).

59.9 per sq km.

Freetown.

1,300,000 (1994).

Sierra Leone is bordered to the northwest, north and northeast by Guinea Republic, and to the southeast by Liberia. To the south and southwest lies the Atlantic Ocean. A flat plain up to 110km (70 miles) wide stretches the length of the coast except for the Freetown peninsula, where the Sierra Lyoa Mountains rise to 1000m (3280ft). In some coastal areas, sand bars have formed that stretch out as far as 112km (70 miles). Behind the coastal plain is the central forested area, drained by eight principal rivers, which has been cleared for agriculture. The land rises in altitude eastwards to the Guinea Highlands, a high plateau with peaks rising to over 1830m (6000ft) in the Loma Mountains and Tingi Hills area. The Mende tribe is prominent in the south and the Temne in the west and central areas.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1961. Head of State and Government: President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah since 1966.

The official language is English. Krio is also widely spoken. Local dialects are Mende, Limba and Temne.

Animist (40%), Islam (40%) and Christian (20%).

GMT.