Transport in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa with many ways for people to travel, like roads, railways, airports, and water routes. The country has highways and airports to help people move around.

In the past, people in Sierra Leone drove on the left side of the road, like in Great Britain. But in 1971, the country changed this rule, and people began driving on the right side of the road. There is a law about cars, but the government had some trouble making sure everyone followed it.

Railways

Main article: Rail transport in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has about 192 kilometres (119 miles) of railway lines. These tracks are narrow and measure 1,067 mm wide.

The country once had more railways, but they closed in 1974. Today, the railways mainly help move iron ore from mines to ports. Sierra Leone’s railways do not connect to nearby countries like Guinea or Liberia.

Walking

Many people in Sierra Leone walk because they have little money and fuel for cars and buses is expensive. In small villages, there are not many roads or vehicles, so people walk to go to school, visit friends, or travel to nearby towns.

Highways

Sierra Leone has about 11,700 kilometres of highways, but only 936 kilometres are paved. When work on roads and bridges is done, the Trans–West African Coastal Highway will pass through Sierra Leone. This highway will connect the country to Conakry in Guinea, Monrovia in Liberia, and eleven other nations in the Economic Community of West African States.

Water

Sierra Leone has 800 kilometers (about 497 miles) of waterways for travel. About 600 kilometers (373 miles) of these can be used all year.

The country has important ports in Bonthe, Freetown, and Pepel. The Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown is the main port where big ships can stop. Sierra Leone also has two large cargo ships.

Airports

Sierra Leone has ten airports in Sierra Leone. One of these airports has a long paved runway. The other nine airports have shorter, unpaved runways. The country also has two heliports.