Sierra Leone Overview

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Sierra Leone Overview

Sierra Leone lies on the West Coast of Africa and borders Liberia and Guinea. Slowly emerging from a decade-long civil conflict which destroyed much the country’s economy and infrastructure, with the help of development partners like UNDP, Sierra Leone is beginning to build itself back up. Read below for a quick guide for first-time visitors to the country, for answers to questions on weather to money-changing, to health and holidays.

Population
The population of Sierra Leone is estimated at just over six million people comprising of over 20 ethnic groups, including Temne, Mende and Creole.

Economy
Sierra Leone possesses substantial mineral, agricultural and fishery resources. Agriculture constitutes the most important sector of the economy and provides livelihood for over 80% of the population, making it a major contributor to the country’s GDP. Diamonds and other minerals form a substantial portion of the country’s export earnings. Other important products include timber, gold, bauxite, rutile, iron ore, coffee and ginger.

Government
Sierra Leone is governed through the framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Sierra Leone is both head of state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government, and legislative power is vested in both the government and the House of Representatives. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Climate
Sierra Leone has two seasons – the rainy season which begins in May and ends in October; and the dry season which falls between November and April. The average temperature is about 32 degrees C (80 degrees F).

Language
While English is the official language, many tribal languages are also used. In Freetown, Krio is the second language spoken, which is a form of pigeon English encompassing tribal words.

Religion
Sierra Leone has a culture of religious tolerance. Many nationals mix their religious practices with traditional. Visitors wishing to attend Christian and Moslem services can do so at various churches and mosques.

Money
The official currency of Sierra Leone is the ‘Leone’ (LE). The rate of exchange is approximately $1US = 2,950 Leones. The American Dollar is widely accepted, and the Euro and British Pound can be easily exchanged mainly in the capital. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, foreign exchange bureaus or hotels in the main towns. Credit cards and Travelers Cheques are only accepted in a small number of hotels and restaurants, predominantly in Freetown. Money drafts can be received at Western Union, Money Gram and some other banks.

Health Facilities
There are several hospitals and clinics operated by the Government and the private sector which provide both therapeutic and private healthcare. The Choitram Foundation Hospital and Connaught Hospital are the main hospitals that are privately operated in Freetown. For visitors traveling upcountry the Government hospitals, health centres and private clinics can provide similar services.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations against the following illnesses are recommended before traveling to Sierra Leone; Tetanus/ Diptheria, Hepatitis A & B, Polio, Meningitis, Typhoid, Yellow Fever and Rabies.

Communications
Sierratel is the main provider of landlines to both national and international services. Sierratel and other private companies provide wireless services. Celtel, Comium and Africell and Tigo provide GSM mobile services, which are mainly prepaid. SIM packs and recharge cards are easily obtainable at dealer shops nationwide. You can purchase a SIM pack at Lungi International Airport on arrival to Sierra Leone, but ensure the mobile phone has been previously unlocked so it can read the new SIM.

Business / Social Practices
It is customary to shake hands on meeting and taking leave. Business cards (‘complimentary cards’) are exchanged after introductions. When a service charge is included, gratuities are optional. Service charge in restaurants is usually 10%.

Clothing
There are no clothing restrictions for men and women. Sleeveless dresses and tops with trousers are acceptable for women, and men mostly dress casually. Smart casual attire is the norm for work and social functions. If attending an official ceremony, men are expected to wear a jacket and tie. Sandals and flip-flops can be worn around, but for work and formal functions it is recommended to wear a smart casual shoe.

Holidays
The Sierra Leone Government celebrates Islamic, Christian and National Holidays. Holidays marked below with an asterisk (*) are lunar and change annually.

New Year’s Day 1 January
Feast of Moulid Ul Nabi* 20 March
Good Friday 21 March
Easter Monday 24 March
Independence Day 27 April
Eid Ul Fitri* 2 October
Eid Ul Adha* 9 December
UN 10th holiday 24 December
Christmas Day 25 December
Boxing Day 26 December

On arrival
Traveling by air, arrival to Sierra Leone is at Lungi International Airport. Located approximately 115kms from Freetown, there are three options for transiting to the capital. A private helicopter service, UTAir, flies passengers direct from the airport to Aberdeen in Freetown, costing US$70 for the 7-minute journey. Alternatively, a 15-minute taxi ride to Lungi Ferry Terminal can carry you the 45-minute boat journey (costing less than US$2) to Freetown. Arriving in Kissy, in the eastern part of Freetown a taxi can be easily hired to take you to hour hotel. The third option available is to pre-book a hire car to drive from the airport to the capital.

Security
Crime in Sierra Leone is generally stable; however armed robberies and burglaries of residences are frequent especially in the rainy seasons. Petty crime and theft of wallets, mobile phones and passports are common. Commonsense rules to prevent crime should always be applied.