Moving to Sierra Leone: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

6,624,933

Population Growth Rate

2.3%

Urban Population

39.200000

Population in Major Urban Areas

FREETOWN (capital) 941,000

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Age Structure

41.900000

Median Age

19.000000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

38

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

11.26

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

4.87

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

11%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

11%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

19

Mother's mean age at first birth

19

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-3.48

Ethnic Groups

20 native African tribes 90% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%, other 30%), Creole (Krio) 10% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century), refugees from Liberia's recent civil war, small numbers of Europeans,

Nationality Noun

Sierra Leonean(s)

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Literacy - total population

35.1%

Literacy - male

39.8%

Literacy - female

20.5%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write English, Mende, Temne, or Arabic

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

2.9%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

7.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

56.980000

Infant Mortality Rate

74.950000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

74.950000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

890

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.02

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.4

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

18.8%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

6.8%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

87.100000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

22.500000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

18.6%

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Economic Overview

• Growth: Sierra Leone is classified as a low-income country, heavily reliant on agriculture, mining, and other natural resources. Its GDP growth has been volatile in recent years, influenced by factors such as global commodity prices, political stability, and external aid. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy was showing signs of recovery, with GDP growth projected to be around 5-6% in 2020 and beyond.
• Agriculture: Agriculture is a critical sector of the economy, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to GDP. The main agricultural products include rice, cassava, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and various fruits and vegetables. However, the sector faces challenges such as low productivity, limited access to modern inputs and technology, and vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. Mining and
• Natural Resources: Sierra Leone is rich in mineral resources, including diamonds, rutile, bauxite, gold, and iron ore. Mining plays a significant role in the economy, contributing to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings. Efforts have been made to improve transparency and governance in the mining sector, although challenges remain in terms of sustainable resource management and equitable distribution of benefits. Infrastructure and
• Energy: Sierra Leone faces significant infrastructure deficits, including inadequate road networks, limited access to electricity, and insufficient water and sanitation facilities. Improving infrastructure is essential for economic development and attracting investment in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Efforts are underway to expand access to energy through investments in renewable energy projects and infrastructure development. Foreign Aid and
• Investment: Sierra Leone relies heavily on foreign aid and investment to finance development projects and support social services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The government has pursued policies to attract foreign investment, particularly in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and tourism. However, challenges such as corruption, bureaucracy, and inadequate infrastructure have hindered investment inflows. Social
• Challenges: Sierra Leone faces various social challenges, including high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Access to healthcare and education remains limited, particularly in rural areas. The country also continues to recover from the devastating effects of the Ebola virus outbreak in 2014-2016, which had significant economic and social impacts. COVID-19
• Pandemic: Like many countries, Sierra Leone has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted economic activities, led to job losses, and strained healthcare systems. Efforts to contain the spread of the virus have included lockdowns, travel restrictions, and vaccination campaigns, with varying degrees of success.

Industries

• mining (diamonds)
• small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear)
• petroleum refining

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$1,600.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

-23.9%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$13,150,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$1,600.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

-23.9%

GDP - official exchange rate

$4,266,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 87.5% government
• consumption: 10.6% investment in fixed
• capital: 15.6% investment in
• inventories: 0.5% exports of goods and
• services: 7.6% imports of goods and
• services: -21.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

66.8%

GDP by Sector- Industry

3.4%

GDP by Sector- services

29.8%

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Inflation Rate

11.7%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

leone (SLL)

Currency Name and Code

Leone (SLL)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

20.5%

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Labor Force

2,207,000

Major Industries

• mining (diamonds)
• small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear)
• petroleum refining

Agriculture Products

• rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts
• poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs
• fish

Population Below Poverty Line

70.2%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

573,287

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

48%

Annual Budget

$96,000,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

13.3%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Sierra Leone

Country Name

Sierra Leone

Local - Long

Republic of Sierra Leone

Local - Short

Sierra Leone

Etymology- history of name

the Portuguese explorer Pedro de SINTRA named the country "Serra Leoa" (Lion Mountains) for the impressive mountains he saw while sailing the West African coast in 1462

Independence

27 April 1961 (from the UK)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 27 April (1961)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest effective 1 October 1991
• amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in two successive readings and assent of the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting fundamental rights and freedoms and many other constitutional sections also requires approval in a referendum with participation of at least one half of qualified voters and at least two thirds of votes cast; amended several times, last in 2016

Legal System:

mixed legal system of English common law and customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Julius Maada BIO (since 27 June 2023); Vice President Mohamed Juldeh JALLOH (since 27 June 2023); note - the president is chief of state, head of government, and Minister of Defense
• head of government: President Julius Maada BIO (since 27 June 2023); Vice President Mohamed Juldeh JALLOH (since 27 June 2023)
• cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president, approved by Parliament; the cabinet is responsible to the president
• elections/appointments: president directly elected by 55% in the first round or absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 June 2023 (next to be held in 2028)
• election results: 2023: Julius Maada BIO reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Julius Maada BIO (SLPP) 56.2%, Samura KAMARA (APC) 41.2%, other 2.6% 2018: Julius Maada BIO elected president in second round; percent of vote - Julius Maada BIO (SLPP) 51.8%, Samura KAMARA (APC) 48.2%

Legislative Branch:

• chief of state: President Julius Maada BIO (since 27 June 2023); Vice President Mohamed Juldeh JALLOH (since 27 June 2023);
• Note: the president is chief of state, head of government, and Minister of Defense head of government: President Julius Maada BIO (since 27 June 2023); Vice President Mohamed Juldeh JALLOH (since 27 June 2023) cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president, approved by Parliament; the cabinet is responsible to the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by 55% in the first round or absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 June 2023 (next to be held in 2028)
• Election Results: 2023: Julius Maada BIO reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Julius Maada BIO (SLPP) 56.2%, Samura KAMARA (APC) 41.2%, other 2.6% 2018: Julius Maada BIO elected president in second round; percent of vote - Julius Maada BIO (SLPP) 51.8%, Samura KAMARA (APC) 48.2% Legislative branch
• Description: unicameral Parliament (146 seats; 132 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by a district block proportional representation vote and 14 seats filled in separate elections by non-partisan members of Parliament called "paramount chiefs;" members serve 5-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 24 June 2023 (next to be held in 2028)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SLPP 81, APC 54;
• Composition: men 94, women 41, percent of women 30.3%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court chief justice and other judges of the Judicature appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (a 7-member independent body of judges, presidential appointees, and the Commission chairman) and subject to the approval of Parliament; all Judicature judges appointed until retirement at age 65
• subordinate courts: magistrates' courts; District Appeals Court; local courts

Regions or States:

• Summary: 4 provinces
• and 1 area*
• Eastern
• Northern
• North Western
• Southern
• Western*

Political Parties and Leaders:

• All People's Congress or APC [Samura KAMARA]
• Sierra Leone People's Party or SLPP) [Julius Maada BIO] numerous other parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Sierra Leone dual citizenship
• recognized: yes residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

Capital Name

Freetown

Capital - geographic coordinate

8 29 N, 13 14 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• ATMIS
• AU
• ECOWAS
• EITI (compliant country)
• FAO
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO (pending member)
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NAM
• OIC
• OPCW
• UN
• UNAMID
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UNIFIL
• UNISFA
• UNOOSA
• UNSOM
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Bryan David HUNT (since 8 September 2023)
• Embassy: Southridge-Hill Station, Freetown
• Mailing Address: 2160 Freetown Place, Washington DC 20521-2160
• Telephone: [232] 99 105 000
• Email: consularfreetown@state.gov
• Website: https://sl.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Sidique Abou-Bakarr WAI (since 8 April 2019)
• Chancery: 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009-1605
• Telephone: [1] (202) 939-9261
• FAX: [1] (202) 483-1793
• Email: info@embassyofsierraleone.net
• Website: https://embassyofsierraleone.net/

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

8 30 N, 11 30 W

Total Area

27,699 Square Miles 71,740 Square Kilometers

Land Area

27,652 Square Miles 71,620 Square Kilometers

Water Area

46 Square Miles 120 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

595 Miles 958 Kilometers

Border Countries

Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km

Coastline

250 Miles 402 Kilometers

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Terrain

coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in east

Highest Point

1,948 Meters

Highest Point Location

Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

Lowest Point Location

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite

Irrigated Land

113 Square Miles 293 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

The tropical climate has rainy and dry seasons, high temperatures, and almost constant humidity.

The rainy season extends from May to November but is heaviest between July and September, when over half of the annual rainfall occurs.

In Freetown, annual rainfall is 150 inches or more; inland areas receive less.

The beginning and end of the rainy season are marked by frequent strong electrical storms, similar to those occurring during the hot summer months in the eastern U.S.

Coastal temperatures during the rainy season range from a daily high of about 80°F. to a nightly low of about 76°F.

Relative humidity in Freetown rarely falls below 80%, except when the harmattan reaches the coast.

This current of dry, dusty air flows from the Sahara Desert toward the south and west, usually reaching Sierra Leone in December.

During this season, which lasts through February, Freetown experiences its coolest weather.

Terrain

coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in east

Location

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia

Total Area

27,699 Square Miles 71,740 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km

Environment - Current Issues

• rapid population growth pressuring the environment
• overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil exhaustion
• civil war depleting natural resources
• overfishing

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

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Exports

$216,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$560,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish

Major Imports

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels and lubricants, chemicals

Top Export Partners

Belgium 41.6%, Germany 31.7%, UK 4%, US 4%

Top Import Partners

Germany 26.1%, UK 10.7%, Netherlands 7.5%, US 5.7%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.9%, Italy 4.3%

Export Partners

Belgium 41.6%, Germany 31.7%, UK 4%, US 4%

Import Partners

Germany 26.1%, UK 10.7%, Netherlands 7.5%, US 5.7%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.9%, Italy 4.3%

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Country Description

Sierra Leone is a developing country in western Africa still recovering from a ten-year civil war that ended in 2002.

English is the official language, but Krio, an English-based language, is widely used.

Tourist facilities in the capital, Freetown, are limited; elsewhere, they are rudimentary or nonexistent.

Safety & Security

Security in Sierra Leone has improved significantly since the end of the civil war in 2002.

The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) withdrew in December 2005 and Sierra Leone resumed responsibilities for its own security.

The Sierra Leonean police are working to improve its professionalism and capabilities, but these fall short of U.S. standards in response time, communications, and specialty skills.

Areas outside Freetown lack most basic services.

U.S.

Embassy officials are free to travel throughout Sierra Leone.

Travelers are urged to exercise caution especially when venturing beyond the capital.

Road conditions are hazardous and serious vehicle accidents are common.

Travel outside the capital after dark is not allowed for U.S.

Embassy officials and should be avoided by all travelers.

Emergency response to vehicular and other accidents ranges from slow to nonexistent.

There are occasional unauthorized, possibly armed, roadblocks outside Freetown, where travelers might be asked to pay a small amount of money to the personnel manning the roadblock.

Because many Sierra Leoneans outside of Freetown speak broken English or Krio, it can be difficult for foreigners to communicate their identity.

Public demonstrations are rare, but can turn violent.

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid large crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations.

You should maintain security awareness at all times.

In addition, you should carry a means of communication at all times (fully charged cell phone with emergency contacts).

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Crime

Entrenched poverty in Sierra Leone has led to criminality.

Visitors and resident U.S. citizens have experienced armed mugging, assault, and burglary.

Petty crime and pick-pocketing of wallets, cell phones, and passports are very common especially on the ferry to and from Lungi International Airport as well as in the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in the Lumley Beach and Aberdeen areas of Freetown.

The majority of these crimes against U.S. citizens are non-violent confrontations characterized as crimes of opportunity (i.e., pick-pocketing, theft of unattended possessions in public places or hotel rooms, bag snatching, and financial confidence scams).

Law enforcement authorities usually respond to crimes slowly, if at all.

Police investigative response is often incomplete and does not provide support to victims.

Inefficiency and corruption are serious problems at all levels within the government of Sierra Leone.

U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Sierra Leone should maintain a heightened sense of awareness of their surroundings to help avoid becoming victims of crime.

Home invasions, especially targeting westerners, are extremely common in Sierra Leone.

Most residential break-ins are perpetrated by small groups of well-organized, armed bandits equipped with tools.

These criminals are motivated, intrepid, and aggressive.

They do not fear confrontation and are often armed with machetes or homemade firearms.

They often use stealth techniques to enter a residence, such as taking advantage of a rainstorm to mask their movements, sneaking past a sleeping guard, cutting through roofs, or tunneling under walls.

Expatriates are frequent targets due to their perceived wealth.

Over the past, the U.S.

Embassy has received several reports of crime perpetrated on westerners driving vehicles.

In each case, cars were stopped in traffic or moving slowly when thieves reached in open windows or opened unlocked doors to steal purses, telephones, and a variety of other valuables from the unsuspecting motorist.

Thefts tended to occur on poorly maintained roads requiring slow speed and elaborate maneuvering around potholes and drainage canals.

Criminals also threw rocks and caused diversions to distract drivers while simultaneously entering the passenger side of the vehicle to steal property.

Specifically, thieves have targeted Signal Hill Road (near the UNIPSIL Headquarters) in Western Freetown because it is a high-traffic area with poor road conditions, lack of street lights, and heavy foliage.

For more information about driving safety, see the Embassy’s Security Messages for U.S.

Citizens here.

The Embassy also receives regular reports from U.S. citizens investing in Sierra Leone who have been victims of fraud, often in the mining industry.

While law enforcement authorities have been involved in investigating the cases, many remain unresolved.

Investors are urged to proceed cautiously when engaging in business transactions with individuals presenting themselves as legitimate diamond or gold dealers.

It is not uncommon for registered diamond or gold dealers to target foreigners using sophisticated financial scams resulting in significant financial loss.

Business fraud is rampant and the perpetrators often target foreigners, including U.S. citizens.

Schemes previously associated with Nigeria are now also prevalent in Sierra Leone, and pose a danger of grave financial loss.

Typically these scams begin with unsolicited communication (usually e-mails) from strangers who promise quick financial gain, often by transferring large sums of money or valuables out of the country, but then require a series of "advance fees" to be paid, such as fees for legal documents or taxes.

The final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees.

A common variation is the scammer’s claim to be a refugee or émigré of a prominent West African family, or a relative of a present or former political leader who needs assistance in

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Sierra Leone, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you or if you take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some activities that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Sierra Leone, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It is very important to know what is legal and what is not wherever you go.

Persons violating Sierra Leone laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Sierra Leone are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

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Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in Sierra Leone fall critically short of U.S and European standards.

There are no 911 equivalent ambulance services in Sierra Leone.

Trauma care is extremely limited, and local hospitals should only be used in the event of an extreme medical emergency.

Blood transfusions can be life-threatening rather than life-saving due to lack of screening and poor quality control.

Many primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack adequate professional training.

Instances of misdiagnosis, improper treatment, and the administration of improper drugs have been reported.

Quality and comprehensive medical services are very limited in Freetown, and are almost nonexistent for all but the most minor treatment outside of the capital.

Medicines are in short supply and due to inadequate diagnostic equipment, lack of medical resources, and limited medical specialty personnel, complex diagnosis, and treatment are unavailable.

Life-threatening emergencies often require evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense.

Visitors with serious health concerns, e.g., diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or who are on blood thinners (with the exception of aspirin) are discouraged from traveling to Sierra Leone.

All visitors traveling to Sierra Leone must have current vaccinations prior to arrival in Freetown.

These include, but are not limited to, tetanus, yellow fever, polio, meningitis, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and rabies.

The cholera vaccine is not required.

The International Certificate of Vaccinations yellow card should be hand-carried as proof of current yellow fever inoculation.

Visitors should begin taking malaria prophylaxis two weeks prior to arrival, and hand-carry enough medication for the duration of their visit.

It is mandatory that visitors bring their own supply of medications.

The quality of medications in Sierra Leone is inconsistent and counterfeit drugs remain a problem.

Local pharmacies are generally unreliable.

In the event medications are needed, such as over-the-counter medication, antibiotics, allergy remedies, or malaria prophylaxis, travelers may contact the U.S.

Embassy's American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit to receive general information about reliable pharmacies.

ACS maintains a list of physicians, clinics, and pharmacies as provided by the Embassy Health Unit.

Gastrointestinal diseases, malaria, and HIV pose serious risk to travelers in Sierra Leone.

Lassa Fever is endemic in Eastern Province.

Since sanitary conditions in Sierra Leone are poor and refrigeration is unreliable, use caution when eating uncooked vegetables, salads, seafood, or meats at restaurants and hotels.

Only bottled water should be consumed.

In the past, even some bottled water was found to be contaminated by bacteria.

Swimming in the ocean is safe, but swimming in rivers is not.

Traffic Safety

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Sierra Leone is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Most main roads in Freetown are narrow and paved, but have potholes.

Extremely narrow unpaved side streets are generally navigable.

Most roads outside Freetown are unpaved and are generally passable with a four-wheel drive vehicle.

However, certain stretches of mapped road are often impassable during the rainy season, which usually lasts from May to September.

During the rainy season, add several hours to travel time between Freetown and outlying areas.

There is a major road repair and resurfacing program going on throughout the country that is slowly improving the quality of roads.

Public transport (bus or group taxi) is erratic, unsafe, and not recommended.

Pick pocketing is common in public taxis and mini-buses.

U.S.

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Airports - total

8

Airports with Paved Runways

1

Heliports

2

Roadways- total

7,021 Miles 11,300 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

562 Miles 904 Kilometers

Waterways

497 Miles 800 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Bonthe, Freetown, Pepel

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Telephones

32,800

Cell Phones

776,000

Internet Users

13,000

Internet Country Code

.sl

Internet Hosts

281

Broadcast Media

• 1 government-owned TV station
• 1 private TV station began operating in 2005
• a pay-TV service began operations in late 2007
• 1 government-owned national radio station
• about two dozen private radio stations primarily clustered in major cities
• transmissions of several international broadcasters are available

Telephone System

• assessment: marginal telephone service with poor infrastructure
• domestic: the national microwave radio relay trunk system connects Freetown to Bo and Kenema; while mobile-cellular service is growing rapidly from a small base, service area coverage remains limited
• international: country code - 232; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

74,400,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

80,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

8,768

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Anthem History

• name: "High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free"
• lyrics/music: Clifford Nelson FYLE/John Joseph AKA
• note: adopted 1961

Anthem Lyrics English

High we exalt thee, realm of the free; Great is the love we have for thee; Firmly united ever we stand, Singing thy praise, O native land.

We raise up our hearts and our voices on high, The hills and the valleys re-echo our cry; Blessing and peace be ever thine own, Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.

One with a faith that wisdom inspires, One with a zeal that never tires; Ever we seek to honour thy name, Ours is the labour, thine the fame.

We pray that no harm on thy children may fall, That blessing and peace may descend on us all; So may we serve thee ever alone, Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.

Knowledge and truth our forefathers spread, Mighty the nations whom they led; Mighty they made thee, so too may we Show forth the good that is ever in thee.

We pledge our devotion, our strength and our might, Thy cause to defend and to stand for thy right; All that we have be ever thine own, Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.