Sierra Leone is a country in Western Africa, Africa. In 2025 it has about 8.8 million people (UN estimate), the 101st most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1961Population: 101st
Sierra Leoneシエラレオネ
Region
Western Africa, Africa
Population
about 8.8 million (101st)
Area
72,300 km² (114th)
UN member since
September 27, 1961
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Sierra Leone in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 8.8 million, the 101st most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/14 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 72,300 km², the 114th largest of the 193. That is about 1/5 of Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 122.
Joining the United Nations
Sierra Leone joined the United Nations on September 27, 1961.
That was 5 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Think about it
Q1Compare Sierra Leone’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Sierra Leone on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Sierra Leone, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 16 UN member states in Western Africa. The one with the most people is Nigeria.