Sierra Leonean Leone (Old) flag

Sierra Leonean Leone (Old)

Leone

Currency Code

SLL

ISO 694

Symbol

SLL

Native: Le

Decimal Digits

2

Rounding: 0

Countries

SL

Using this currency

Currency Units

Major Unit

Name: leone

Symbol: Le

Minor Unit

Name: cent

Symbol:

Value: 0.01

Banknotes

Frequently Used

Le1000Le2000Le5000Le10000Le20000

Coins

Frequently Used

Le10Le50Le100Le500

Plural Forms

English Plural

Sierra Leonean leones

Native Plural

Leones

Overview

The Sierra Leonean leone (old) was the currency of Sierra Leone from 1964 to 2022, when it was replaced by the new leone (SLE) at a rate of 1000:1. The old leone experienced severe devaluation due to civil war, Ebola crisis, and economic challenges. Sierra Leone has one of the world's poorest economies despite rich mineral resources.

Economy

  • Sierra Leone is a member of AU, ECOWAS, Commonwealth, OIC.
  • Main industries include: Diamond mining, Iron ore, Titanium ore, Bauxite, Gold, Chromite, Agriculture, Fishing.
  • Sierra Leone is part of the World Trade Organization.
  • Imports are foodstuffs, machinery, equipment, fuels, lubricants, chemicals.
  • Major exports include diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish.
  • GDP: $4.1 billion (2023 est.).
  • GDP per capita: $491 (2023 est.).
  • Unemployment rate: 4.5% (2017 est.).
  • Inflation rate: 27.2% (2023 est.).
  • Main trading partners: China, Belgium, United States, Germany, Netherlands, India.
  • Trade agreements: ECOWAS, African Continental Free Trade Area, EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

History

  • Previous currencies used: British West African pound, British pound sterling.
  • The leone was introduced in 1964, replacing the British West African pound. Named after the country itself ('lion mountains'), it suffered severe depreciation during decades of political instability.
  • 1964: Leone introduced, replacing British West African pound at 2:1
  • 1967: Military coup and economic disruption
  • 1991-2002: Civil war devastated economy and currency
  • 2014-2016: Ebola outbreak severe economic impact
  • 2018: New banknotes introduced
  • 2022: Currency redenominated 1000:1, replaced by SLE
  • Exchange rate peg: Free floating (heavily depreciated).

General Information

  • ISO 4217 Code: SLL
  • Symbols: SLL/Le
  • Status: Replaced by SLE (new leone) in 2022
  • Currency Subunits: 100 cents
  • Central Bank: Bank of Sierra Leone
  • Monetary Policy: Currency was replaced in 2022 due to excessive inflation and devaluation. New leone (SLE) introduced with improved monetary framework.
  • Bills: 1000 SLL, 2000 SLL, 5000 SLL, 10000 SLL, 20000 SLL
  • Coins: 10 leones, 50 leones, 100 leones, 500 leones
  • USD Exchange Rate: Approximately 20,000-22,000 SLL per USD (before replacement)
  • Pegged To: None (Floating)
  • Replacement Rate: 1000 SLL = 1 SLE (2022 redenomination)
  • Capital: Freetown
  • Population: 8,420,641 (2023 est.)
  • Area: 71,740 km²
  • Languages: English (official), Mende, Temne, Krio
  • Time Zones: UTC+0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
  • Government Type: Presidential republic
  • Head of Government: President (head of state and government)
  • Independence: April 27, 1961 (from United Kingdom)
  • Ethnic Groups: Temne 35.5%, Mende 33.2%, Limba 6.4%, Kono 4.4%, Fullah 3.4%, Loko 2.9%, Koranko 2.8%, Sherbro 2.6%, Mandingo 2.4%, Creole 1.2%, Other 5.2%
  • Religions: Muslim 77.1%, Christian 22.9%
  • Literacy Rate: 43.2% (2018 est.)
  • Transport: Lungi International Airport, limited road network, no railways, Freetown port
  • Communications: Basic telecommunications, 12% internet penetration, mobile network coverage
  • Energy: Biomass 90%, Hydroelectric 8%, Petroleum 2%
  • Countries Using This Currency: Sierra Leone
  • Data Sources: Central Bank: Bank of Sierra Leone (bsl.gov.sl), Economic Data: Statistics Sierra Leone, World Bank, IMF, Trade Data: National Revenue Authority, Demographic Data: Statistics Sierra Leone, Geographic Data: Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, Historical Data: Bank of Sierra Leone archives
  • Last Updated: 2025