Western Area

The Western Area is an administrative division in Sierra Leone that encompasses Freetown and surrounding coastal communities. The region stretches along the Atlantic coastline and serves as the center of the country's economic and administrative activity.

The region was established in 1808 when the British founded Sierra Leone as a colony for returning Africans. This founding made the Western Area the center of European settlement and administration in the country.

The region serves as a meeting point where different religious communities coexist, with their practices visible in daily life throughout neighborhoods and streets.

The region consists of two districts: the Western Area Rural with Waterloo as its administrative center, and the Western Area Urban centered on Freetown. Visitors can explore either area depending on whether they prefer the city or more rural settings.

This region stands alone as the only administrative division in the country with no land borders to other regions, being largely surrounded by water. This geographic isolation has shaped its development in distinctive ways.

GPS coordinates: 8.33460,-13.06560

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41