Lying in the western part of the African continent, the Republic of Sierra Leone covers an area of 72,300 square km and has a population of 4.98 million belonging to 20 ethnic groups. The majority of the religious population is Muslim and Christian. English is the official language. Freetown is the national capital. The current president is Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.

Since China and Sierra Leone established diplomatic relations on July 29, 1971, bilateral relations have become increasingly closer. The two countries have been working in close cooperation in the areas such as the economy, trade, culture and education and health, as well as in international affairs. Vice President of Sierra Leone Solomon Berewa visited China in 2006. Bilateral trade reached 32.12 million U.S. dollars in 2005.