Sierra Leone

Freetown is the capital of Sierra Leone, located on the Sierra Leone Peninsula along the Atlantic coast. Founded in 1787 as a settlement for freed enslaved people, its very name—“Free town”—offers a helpful mnemonic for remembering the capital. Today, it’s the country’s largest city and main port, anchoring Sierra Leone’s political and economic life. To avoid confusion with nearby capitals: Monrovia is Liberia’s capital, Accra is Ghana’s, and Abuja is Nigeria’s. All are in West Africa, which makes mix-ups common. Remember: Sierra Leone = “Free”-town; Liberia = Monrovia (named after U.S. President James Monroe); Ghana = Accra; Nigeria = Abuja (a planned inland capital).