GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Sierra Leone.
Capital
Freetown.
Geography
According to a2zgov, Sierra Leone borders the Republic of Guinea in the northwest, north and northeast and Liberia in the southeast. In the south and southwest lies the Atlantic Ocean. A plain up to 110 km wide stretches along the coast, on the Freetown Peninsula the Sierra Lyoa Mountains rise (up to 1000 m). Some coastal regions have up to 112 km long sandbanks in front of them. The z. Partly agriculturally used forest area through which the three most important rivers flow. The land rises to the eastern Guinea Highlands, a high plateau with elevations of over 1830 m in the Loma Mountains and Tingi Hills.
Government
Presidential republic (in the Commonwealth) since 1978. Constitution of 1991. Parliament with 124 members. Independent since 1961 (former British colony).
Head of state
Ernest Bai Koroma, since September 2007.
Head of government
Ernest Bai Koroma, since September 2007.
Electricity
220/240 V, 50 Hz; Adapter recommended.
Time zone
Greenwich Mean Time: CET -1
MONEY
Currency
1 leone = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: Le, SLL (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation to the denomination of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500 le; Coins with denominations of 500 and 100 Le.
Credit cards
Apart from large hotels and the duty-free shop at the airport, major credit cards are currently not accepted. At some ATMs it is possible to withdraw money with Visa. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
There are no ATMs in Sierra Leone that work with debit cards.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Bank opening times
Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-1.30 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the national currency is limited to 50,000 Le. The importation of foreign currencies is unlimited, mandatory declaration from US $ 5,000. The maximum export amount is the amount declared on entry, minus the exchange amounts (keep official evidence, e.g. bank receipts).
Currency Exchange
The exchange of euros, US dollars and British pounds sterling is possible in banks, exchange offices and large hotels.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English (but only spoken by a literate minority); Krio (Creole), Malinké, Mende (south), Temne and other native languages are used as colloquial languages.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Sierra Leone duty-free:
200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco;
1 liter of alcoholic beverages.
Prohibited imports
Drugs and narcotics.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
English is most common in business circles. Appointments and business cards are common, punctuality is expected. September through June are the best months for business travel.
Business hours: Mo-Fr 08.00-12.00 / 12.30 and 14.00-16.30 / 17.00.
Economy
Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Chamber)
Lamina Sankoh Street, Freetown
Tel: (022) 22 63 05th
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service.
Cellphone
GSM 900. Network operators are Celtel (SL) Ltd. (Internet: www.sl.celtel.com/en/index.html or www.msi-cellular.com), Millicom (Internet: www.buzzsl.com) and LINTEL (Sierra Leone) Ltd.. The transmission / reception area for mobile communications is limited to the cities of Blama, Bo, Freetown, Kenema, Kono, Lungi, Magbruka, Makali, Makeni, Masingbi, Matotoka, Mile 91, Moyamba, Njala, Tiama, Yamandu and their surroundings. Roaming contracts exist with telephone companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Internet
Internet provider is Sierrra Tel Internet (Internet: www.sti.net). There is an internet café in Freetown.
Post Office
Airmail shipments to Europe take about 5 days.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Masks, leatherwork and wood carvings. Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 8 am-12pm and 2pm-5pm
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are night clubs and two casinos in Freetown. The hotels on Lumley Beach and in the Cape Sierra region offer music, dancing and typical local entertainment. The most famous local music groups perform on the terrace of a beach club.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
30% followers of natural religions; 60% Muslims (Sunnis) and 10% Christians (mostly Protestants).
Social rules of conduct
Tribal chiefs, religion and secret societies still play a large role in social life and ensure social cohesion. You shake hands to greet you, and the usual forms of courtesy also apply here. Small gifts from the company or from the guest’s home country are gladly accepted. Everyday clothing is accepted everywhere, and elegant clothing is only expected on special occasions. Tip: Hotels and restaurants charge 10-15% for service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Religion
30% followers of natural religions; 60% Muslims (Sunnis) and 10% Christians (mostly Protestants).
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical and humid all year round. It is very hot and dry between November and April, and sea breezes cool the coastal region. The rainy season is from May to November. From December to January the dry and dusty Harmattan wind blows from the Sahara.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +232 Area (square km) 71 740 Population 5879098 Population density (per square km) 82 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No major emergency number 999
