Country guide - Sierra Leone  

 
 

Introduction: Sierra Leone is located in the south western part of West Africa. It is bound by Guinea to the north and north east, Liberia to the south east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and south west.

Official Name: Republic of Sierra Leone
Area: 71,740 Sq Km (27,699 Sq Miles)
Population: 5,732,500
Continent: Africa
Density per square mile: 207
Capital City: Freetown
Religions: 52% follow local native tribal beliefs, 40% Sunni Muslims, 5% Protestant, 2% Roman Catholic.

Language: English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%).
Government: Constitutional democracy

Currency: Leone
GDP: $2.8 billion
GDP Per Head: $580

Natural Resources: Diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite
Land Use: Arable Land 6.76%
Agriculture: Rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish
Industry: Mining (diamonds); small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining

Tourism: The British & Foreign Commonwealth office strongly advise against travel to areas of Sierra Leone bordering Liberia. We are unaware of any specific threat to Western interests from global terrorism; but British nationals remain potential targets for disaffected groups. All visitors should take sensible precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places.

Natural Hazards: Dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to February); sandstorms, dust storms
Health Risks: Waterborne diseases, malaria and other tropical diseases are prevalent. Vaccination against rabies and yellow fever are strongly advised. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Lassa fever can be contracted in Kenema and the east.Climate: Sierra Leone has a tropical climate with a wet season from May - October and a dry season from November - April. Average annual precipitation varies from 200 inches along the coast and decreases inland towards the north to 86 inches. Average temperature ranges in Freetown are from 21 - 31 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Time: GMT/UTC - No UTC/GMT offset
National Days: Independence Day 27 April

Visas: All British nationals require a visa to enter Sierra Leone. Visas must be obtained before arrival

British Embassy Details

 

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