It comprises the oldest city and national capital Freetown and its surrounding towns and countryside.

Western Area is the wealthiest region of Sierra Leone, having the largest economy, the country's financial and cultural center, as well as the seat of the country's national government.

Unlike the other regions in Sierra Leone, the western area is not a province.

However, most of the boundaries of the Western Area is the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Western Area is the only region of Sierra Leone without a foreign border.