Map of Sierra Leone – Regions, Cities, Districts & Geography
Explore Sierra Leone using this interactive map and practical guide to its capital, Freetown, administrative regions, major towns, coastline, rivers and mountain landscapes. Located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Sierra Leone borders Guinea and Liberia. Use the map to understand how its coastal settlements, inland transport routes and highland areas fit together.
Sierra Leone is a West African country bordered by Guinea to the north and east, Liberia to the southeast and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and southwest. Its capital is Freetown. It has four provinces plus the Western Area. Administrative changes gazetted in September 2026 added two districts to the previously recognised 16; some maps still show the older arrangement.
Interactive Map of Sierra Leone
Zoom in to locate Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Port Loko, Koidu, coastal settlements, major roads and the GuineaâLiberia borders. Zoom out to view Sierra Leone in the wider West African region.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Where Is Sierra Leone Located?
Sierra Leone lies on Africa's western coastline, between Guinea to its north and east and Liberia to its southeast. Its western shoreline faces the Atlantic Ocean. Freetown is situated on a mountainous coastal peninsula beside an extensive natural harbour. The country's interior contains lowland plains, plateaux and higher ground, particularly towards the northeast.
Look for the broad estuaries and mangrove-lined coast, then follow the inland road network towards provincial towns. English is the official language; Krio and several other languages are widely used in everyday life.
Provinces and Administrative Areas
Sierra Leone's main administrative geography comprises four provinces and the Western Area. The Western Area contains Freetown and nearby communities on the peninsula. The provinces and their familiar district names are outlined below.
| Area | General location | Key towns and districts |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Province | North and north-central | Makeni; Bombali, Tonkolili, Koinadugu and Falaba |
| North Western Province | Northwest and northern coast | Port Loko; Kambia, Karene and Port Loko |
| Eastern Province | East and southeast | Kenema and Koidu; Kenema, Kono and Kailahun, plus newly gazetted Kpanguima |
| Southern Province | South and southwest | Bo; Bo, Bonthe, Moyamba and Pujehun, plus newly gazetted Bandajuma |
| Western Area | Freetown peninsula | Freetown, Waterloo; Western Area Urban and Rural |
2026 boundary update: In September 2026, government gazette notices established Bandajuma and Kpanguima districts, raising the reported total from 16 to 18. Their implementation and legal status have been publicly debated. Older reference materials and digital maps may continue to display 16 districts or show boundaries that have not yet been updated.
Major Cities and Towns
Freetown is the national capital, principal port and a major commercial and administrative centre. Its peninsula setting means the city extends along coastal and hillside neighbourhoods. Bo is an important southern city, while Kenema serves the east. Makeni is a major northern centre, Port Loko connects settlements in the northwest and Koidu is associated with the eastern diamond-producing area.
Other places worth locating include Lungi, near the country's international airport across the estuary from Freetown, as well as Kabala, Kailahun, Pujehun, Bonthe and Waterloo. At national map scale, smaller towns may appear only after zooming in.
Mountains, Rivers and Coastline
Sierra Leone's geography includes sandy beaches, mangrove estuaries, forested uplands and high mountains. The Freetown Peninsula rises steeply above the coast. Farther inland, the Loma Mountains contain Mount Bintumani, the country's highest peak. The Sula and Tingi ranges are additional landmarks in the upland interior.
Major river systems include the Rokel (Seli), Sewa, Moa and Mano. Rivers influence agriculture, settlement and local transport, but road bridges and crossing conditions differ across regions. Along the coast, the Sherbro area, offshore islands and broad tidal waterways make the geography particularly varied.
Roads, Airports and Getting Around
The road network links Freetown with inland centres including Bo, Kenema and Makeni. Travel distances shown on a map do not necessarily reflect journey times: road surfaces, rainfall, bridge conditions and local traffic can all affect travel. In the capital, steep terrain and concentrated traffic also influence movement.
Freetown International Airport is located at Lungi, on the opposite side of the Sierra Leone River estuary from central Freetown. Travellers should check current transfer arrangements, including available road and water connections, rather than assuming the airport is directly within the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Sierra Leone?
Freetown, on the Atlantic coast, is the capital and an important port city.
Which countries border Sierra Leone?
Guinea borders Sierra Leone to the north and east, while Liberia lies to the southeast. The country also has an Atlantic coastline.
How many provinces are in Sierra Leone?
There are four provincesâNorthern, North Western, Eastern and Southernâplus the separately administered Western Area.
How many districts does Sierra Leone have?
Older maps commonly list 16 districts. Two additional districts, Bandajuma and Kpanguima, were gazetted in September 2026, bringing the reported total to 18, although administrative implementation and legal challenges should be considered when comparing sources.
Is Freetown on the mainland?
Yes. Freetown lies on a coastal peninsula connected to mainland Sierra Leone. Its international airport is across an estuary at Lungi.
Can I use this map for navigation?
This map is useful for general orientation and learning about locations. For travel, confirm current road conditions, routes, borders and local guidance with appropriate official sources.
About This Map
This page is for general geographic and educational reference. Place names, roads, administrative boundaries and map details can change or appear differently across sources; this is especially relevant to the 2026 district changes. The embedded map uses OpenStreetMap data, credited above. External websites are independent; links do not imply affiliation or endorsement. Verify time-sensitive information before travelling or making decisions.