Freetown - Post Report Question and Answers

What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?

There is a medium-size expat community. Overall morale is good among expatriates and there is generally always something social on weekends if you are interested. - Jan 2022


The expat community here is fairly small and morale level depends on who you ask. The largest expat community are the British. There are some activities that are restarting that allow for the expat community to get together. This can be a very much make your own fun post. - Sep 2021


Small. Larger British contingency though. Morale is not great but post is what you make it. - May 2018


Big with all the NGOS and CDC here. Morale...varies. Tons of dedicated NGO workers, missionaries, mostly single. Embassy community is changing to younger families. Singles have met future spouses here, I have. But then, it can be pretty lame for a young couple. Also, the embassy management is not strong so the basic things that would really benefit morale here, are not in place (you can't get around without a car, housing maintenance is poor). Ebola is over, long over, the country is bouncing back, I expect things will improve. You can't change the entire local culture though or lack of work ethic among local staff. Find your friends, find your sports/yoga/hobbies that keep you sane during rainy reasons, focus on work. - Sep 2017


You have to make a decision to like it, and then you will. There are always social events and beach camping trips going on, you just have to ask and join. - Sep 2014


The community is small but people are pretty happy overall, there are of course outliers who can't stand it but most brought their sense of adventure and sense of humor. Work at the Embassy was a challenging environment. Local staff do not have access to good schooling and some (but thankfully not all) have a poor work ethic. - Jun 2014


Fairly decent. Many embassies are present. - Aug 2013


Subscribe to our newsletter


New book from Talesmag! Honest and courageous stories of life abroad with special needs.

Read More