Sierra Leone - The road from Kenema to Kailahun District is jus…

rice farmer in Sierra Leone showing a part of his harvest

The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, in central Freetown with the…

Photograph published on Page 378 of 'The War of the Nations : …

From the source: caption below picture: 'Sehgura players, Sierr…

Sierra Leone

Country Information of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a West African nation located along the Atlantic coast, bordered by Guinea and Liberia. The country covers approximately 71,740 square kilometers and is known for its diverse landscape, which includes tropical rainforests, coastal pla...

Capital

Freetown

Languages

English

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Freetown,Bo,Kenema,Koidu,Makeni,Waterloo,Lunsar,Port Loko,Goderich,Kabala

Major Cities

What Expats Say About Sierra LeoneBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Sierra Leone. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Sierra Leone

Life Expectancy

51.8

Population

7,976,985

Religions

Islam

77.1%

Christianity

22.9%

Ethnic Composition

Temne

35.5%

Mende

33.2%

Limba

6.4%

Kono

4.4%

Fula

3.4%

Climate & Weather in Sierra Leone

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Safety & Security in Sierra Leone

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

POOR

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Africa Average

Low45/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Sierra Leone

Africa Average

Safety Index

Low

Safety from Crime

Concerning

Safe Alone (Day)

Low

Safe Alone (Night)

Critical

Safety from Violent Crime

Concerning

Safety from Property Crime

Dangerous

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Limited

Healthcare Quality

Limited

Emergency Response

Limited

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 232 (universal emergency)

• Ambulance Response: 15-30 minutes urban, up to 60 minutes rural

• Hospital Coverage: Limited public healthcare system with major facilities in Freetown

• Trauma Centers: Basic emergency care in major cities

• Language Support: English is primary emergency service language

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 232

• Medical: 232

• Police: 999

• Fire: 999

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~20 minutes

• Rural areas: ~45 minutes

Hospital System:

Public healthcare system with limited resources, concentrated in urban areas with minimal rural coverage

Major Trauma Centers:

Freetown

Language Support:

Emergency services primarily operate in English

Data Completeness: partial

Entry Restrictions in Sierra Leone

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Sierra Leone

Living Costs in Sierra Leone

Very low cost of living with extremely affordable rent, though economic challenges limit purchasing power. Basic expenses are minimal compared to Western standards.

Crime & Safety in Sierra Leone

High crime rates with significant safety challenges, particularly in urban areas. Petty crime and economic instability contribute to security concerns.

Safety Index: 31.80 | Crime Level: 68.20

Health System in Sierra Leone

Limited public healthcare infrastructure with basic medical services. High dependence on international aid and NGO support for advanced medical treatments.

Quality Rating: 3.5/10

Advantages in Sierra Leone

Rich cultural diversity with welcoming local communities
Beautiful tropical landscapes and pristine natural environments
Strategic location for West African regional opportunities
Young, dynamic population with entrepreneurial potential

Disadvantages in Sierra Leone

Weak economic infrastructure with limited job opportunities
Ongoing recovery from civil conflict and economic challenges
Limited healthcare and education infrastructure
High vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters

Government & Politics in Sierra Leone

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Economic Overview in Sierra Leone

Index

GDP

$4.25B

HDI

0.5

Quality of Life

N/A

NYC baseline: 43

Purchasing Power

N/A

NYC baseline: 42

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Sierra Leone. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Sierra Leone

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

2-8 SLE

Avg: 5 SLE

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

21-98.41 SLE

Avg: 59.71 SLE

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

7.9-10 SLE

Avg: 8.95 SLE

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

0.8-3.28 SLE

Avg: 2.04 SLE

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

600-2500 SLE

Avg: 1550 SLE

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

885-2000 SLE

Avg: 1442.5 SLE

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

750-3500 SLE

Avg: 2125 SLE

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

N/A

Avg: N/A

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.43-0.5 SLE

Avg: 0.46 SLE

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

5-10 SLE

Avg: 7.5 SLE

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Gasoline (1 liter)

1.3-1.43 SLE

Avg: 1.37 SLE

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

60-228.73 SLE

Avg: 144.37 SLE

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

50-100 SLE

Avg: 75 SLE

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

10-25 SLE

Avg: 17.5 SLE

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

2-2.84 SLE

Avg: 2.42 SLE

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

0.47-1 SLE

Avg: 0.73 SLE

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.5-2.4 SLE

Avg: 1.95 SLE

Local Cheese (1kg)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

N/A

Avg: N/A

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

N/A

Avg: N/A

Last updated: 2025-03-30

Education System in Sierra Leone

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone's transportation infrastructure remains underdeveloped but is undergoing significant rehabilitation following the devastating 1991-2002 civil war. The country's mobility landscape is characterized by road-dependent transport (85% of traffic), with approximately 11,700 km of roads but only 15% paved, creating substantial challenges particularly during rainy seasons. Key strengths include ongoing government infrastructure initiatives through the Presidential Infrastructure Initiatives (PII), strategic port facilities in Freetown, and 12 airports including Freetown International Airport. Major challenges include limited public transport integration, poor road maintenance, and connectivity gaps between urban centers and rural areas, though recent projects like the Lumley-Juba bridge and planned Lungi Bridge aim to enhance regional connectivity and economic development.

Public Transport

Below Average

Road Infrastructure

Below Average

Public Transport

2.5/10

Minimal formal public transport system with limited integration. No metro or rail transit in urban areas. Basic bus networks operate in major cities like Freetown, Makeni, and Bo, but coverage is fragmented and unreliable. Transport beyond major urban centers remains difficult and costly.

Road Infrastructure

2.8/10

Poor overall road conditions with significant maintenance challenges. Only 904 km of 11,700 km road network is paved (approximately 8-15%). Dirt roads dominate, creating severe accessibility issues especially during rainy seasons. Government prioritizing trunk road rehabilitation including Bo-Bandajuma and Pendembu-Kailahun routes.

Internet Speed

2.2/10

Limited internet infrastructure with slow average speeds and poor rural coverage. Mobile internet dominance with significant urban-rural connectivity gap. Infrastructure investment ongoing but remains below regional standards.

Avg: 8.5+ Mbps • Minimal fiber deployment, concentrated in Freetown; primarily mobile-based connectivity

Airport Connectivity

3.5/10

Basic airport infrastructure with limited international connectivity. Freetown International Airport serves as primary hub but accessibility constrained by ferry-dependent access from Lungi. 12 total airports with 4 major facilities. Proposed Lungi Bridge project (8 km span, $1.1 billion) aims to significantly improve airport accessibility and regional connectivity.

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A - No metro system
Bus Trip: N/A - Limited formal pricing data available
Taxi: N/A - Informal taxi market dominates
High-speed Train: N/A - No high-speed rail network

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Minimal 5G deployment, limited to Freetown area; early-stage rollout expected 2026-2027

4G Coverage: Moderate 4G coverage in urban centers (Freetown, Makeni, Bo); limited rural availability

Mobile networks provide primary internet access with significant urban-rural divide. 4G coverage concentrated in major cities. Network reliability variable in rural areas. Multiple carriers operate but infrastructure investment remains constrained.

Driving License

IDP required

International Driving Permit (IDP) required for foreign visitors. Vehicles drive on right side of road. Foreign licenses accepted with valid IDP; no conversion required for temporary visits. Local driving conditions challenging due to poor road infrastructure and limited traffic management systems.

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Work & Business in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone offers an emerging work and business landscape driven by agriculture, mining, and energy sectors amid economic recovery efforts. With a population of over 7.9 million and GDP of approximately $4.25 billion in SLE, key strengths include political stability, natural resources, and government initiatives like the 2026 Budget targeting 30,000 agribusiness jobs and infrastructure upgrades. Opportunities exist for workers in farming, mining, and renewable energy, while entrepreneurs benefit from simplified business setup in 8 days, though challenges like high inflation and low Ease of Doing Business ranking persist.

Employment Rate

48.0%

Below-average employment rate with widespread underemployment and informal jobs despite official unemployment around 3%. Youth and gender gaps persist; 2026 Budget aims for 30k agriculture jobs and skills training to address challenges.

Startup Ecosystem

32.0%

Emerging startup ecosystem with limited VC funding and incubators, but government support via economic reforms and agribusiness focus. Simplified business setup in 8 days aids entry; ranks 163/190 in Ease of Doing Business.

Average Salary Range

Limited data on average salaries; informal sector dominates with low formal wages adjusted for high inflation (47.6% in 2023). Remittances (6% GDP) support households; purchasing power strained by rising food/fuel costs.

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens require a visa for stays over 90 days; work permits needed via Ministry of Labour for employment.

Non-EU Citizens:

Non-EU citizens need work visa and permit; applications through Immigration Department with job offer, skills proof.

Visa policy mandates work permits for foreigners; processes involve employer sponsorship, medical checks, timelines 4-8 weeks. No digital nomad visa; focus on skilled workers in priority sectors like agriculture, mining.

Business Registration

Timeline:

8 days

Simple process with 5 procedures via SLIEPA; online options available. Common structures include private limited companies; low costs support ease, though overall Ease of Doing Business rank is 163/190.

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No specific remote work law; general labour laws apply to remote arrangements with employer contracts.

Limited remote work culture due to infrastructure gaps; growing digital access via 2026 Budget's broadband push to 60%. Co-working spaces scarce; hybrid possible in urban areas like Freetown.

Key Industries

Agriculture

Mining

Energy

Fisheries

Tourism

Infrastructure

Job Opportunities by Sector

Agriculture:

High demand for farmers, agribusiness workers; 2026 Budget targets 30k jobs via Feed Salone, smallholder support, aquaculture. Growth in value chains, skills training offered.

Mining:

Opportunities in extraction (iron ore), processing; sector prospers amid exports. Requires technical skills; formal jobs with potential career progression.

Energy:

Renewable energy push via Mission 300, green growth plan; jobs in electrification, clean tech to double to 29k by 2050. Training in engineering, digital tech.

Public Works:

25k short-term jobs planned in 2026 Budget for roads, water; infrastructure focus creates entry-level opportunities with skills development.

Healthcare:

Expansion in free health care, dialysis, pharma; demand for nurses, admins amid human capital push. Stable public sector roles.

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Retirement & Senior Living in Sierra Leone

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Legal & Administrative in Sierra Leone

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Environment & Sustainability in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone faces significant environmental challenges including frequent flooding, coastal erosion, and deforestation, despite low greenhouse gas emissions of 1.8 tonnes per capita. The country has committed to reducing emissions by 10% by 2030 under its updated NDC, with declining emissions trends over the past decade. Limited data on air quality and sustainability metrics highlights the need for improved monitoring, while climate change exacerbates natural disaster risks.

Air Quality Index

Moderate

6.0/10

Stable trend

Air quality data is limited with current AQI and PM levels unavailable. Stable 6-month trend per database. Low industrial activity contributes to relatively low emissions, but biomass burning and urban pollution pose risks. EPA-SL is establishing monitoring through CEDAS in 2025.

Water Quality

Moderate

5.5/10

Water quality faces challenges from pollution and inadequate treatment. Access to clean water is limited, with climate impacts on water resources noted in NDC. Government monitoring exists but data gaps persist; adaptation targets focus on water sector resilience.

Drinking water safety concerns due to contamination; treatment standards developing through EPA initiatives.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure is underdeveloped with no available rate or types in database. Waste sector targeted for 52.5% GHG reduction by 2035 through landfill improvements and organic diversion in NDC 3.0.

Green Spaces

Significant forest cover supports biodiversity but faces deforestation pressures. NDC targets 200,000 ha forest management, 100,000 ha mangroves by 2035 to avoid 18,204 GgCO2e emissions. Protected areas include national parks and reserves.

Forest Coverage: 37.5%

National Parks: 5

Key areas include Gola Rainforest National Park and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Environmental Policies

Sierra Leone ratified Paris Agreement; updated NDC commits to 10% GHG reduction by 2030 from 2005 levels unconditionally. EPA operationalizes environmental data center in 2025. Focus on energy transition and waste management.

Key Policies:

•Updated NDC 2021
•Climate Finance Strategy 2025
•EPA Environmental Protection Act

Renewable Energy: Energy sector 41.6% reduction below BAU by 2035; 50 MW rural mini-grids.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

High risk from floods, landslides, and coastal erosion. Common disasters include seasonal flooding affecting urban areas like Freetown.

floodslandslidescoastal erosion

Climate Change Impacts: Temperature rise of ~1.1°C since pre-industrial; increased extreme rainfall leading to more frequent floods (e.g., 2017 mudslides killed 1,000+). Precipitation patterns show heavier events; sea level rise threatens 30% coastal population. Over last 20 years, flood frequency up 20-30%; NDC identifies coastal zones, disaster risk management as priorities.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam operational since 2009; NDC targets 50 MW rural mini-grids and energy sector 41.6% GHG reduction by 2035 to enhance energy security and reduce fossil fuel imports.

Waste Management

NDC waste sector targets 52.5% GHG reduction by 2035 via landfill gas recovery (135 GgCO2e/year) and organic waste diversion; new landfill facilities with leachate collection.

Forestry

Forest management of 200,000 ha, 100,000 ha mangroves by 2035 to avoid 18,204 GgCO2e emissions; aligns with declining land-use emissions trend.

Wildlife & Nature

Pygmy HippoEndangered

Western ChimpanzeeCritically Endangered

Green TuracoVulnerable

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Geography in Sierra Leone

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Mount Bintumani

Lowest Point

Atlantic Ocean

National Flag

Quick Facts for Sierra Leone

Population

7,976,985

Currency

SLE

Timezone

UTC

Calling Code

+232

Week starts on

monday

Gini Coefficient

35.7 (2018)

Drives on the

right side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.