Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a sovereign nation situated on the southwest coast of West Africa. It is bordered by Guinea to the north and Liberia to the east, with the Atlantic Ocean forming its entire western boundary. The country's geography is characterized by a mix of coastal plains, savannas, and dense tropical rainforests. The capital and largest city is Freetown, which serves as the primary economic and administrative hub. Historically, the nation has endured periods of intense conflict, most notably the civil war of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, which profoundly shaped its modern political and social landscape.