Country Profile: Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, located in Western Africa along the North Atlantic Ocean, is characterized by its tropical climate and diverse geography ranging from coastal marshes to mountainous regions. With a population estimated at over 9 million, the nation has a rich cultural backdrop shaped by its history of trading and colonization, culminating in independence from the UK in 1961. The country is primarily agricultural, but its economy is marred by high levels of corruption and youth unemployment, while its governance has undergone significant evolution since the end of the civil war in 2002.
Geography
Sierra Leone's geographical landscape features a coastline of 402 km, bordered by Guinea to the north and Liberia to the south. The country's diverse terrain varies from coastal mangrove swamps to upland plateaus and mountains, with the highest point being Loma Mansa at 1,948 meters. The tropical climate leads to a rainy season from May to December, making the coastal areas some of the wettest in Western Africa.
- Total area: 71,740 sq km
- Land boundaries: 1,093 km
- Population distribution: Clusters in lower elevations of the south and west
- Natural resources: Includes diamonds, gold, and bauxite
- Agricultural land: 54.7% of total land (2023)
People and Society
Sierra Leone has an estimated population of 9,121,049 as of 2024, with significant ethnic diversity including Temne, Mende, and Limba groups. The nation is predominantly Muslim (77.1%) and has English as its official language, although several vernacular languages are widely spoken. The population is young, with a median age of just 19.4 years, reflecting a high birth rate and a dependency ratio of 74.3.
- Urban population: 44.3% (2023)
- Life expectancy: 59.4 years (2024)
- Literacy rate: 43.6% (2019)
- Population growth rate: 2.32% (2024)
- Birth rate: 30.8 births/1,000 (2024)
Economy
Sierra Leone's economy is categorized as low-income, primarily dependent on subsistence agriculture, with significant contributions from iron ore and diamond mining. Despite a slow recovery from the civil war, challenges including high inflation and systemic corruption persist. Real GDP growth was estimated at 4% for 2024, with a GDP per capita of $3,100.
- GDP: $7.548 billion (2024)
- Unemployment rate: 3.2% (2024)
- Poverty rate: 56.8% below the national poverty line (2018)
- Exports: $1.382 billion (2023)
- Imports: $2.264 billion (2023)
Government
The Republic of Sierra Leone operates as a presidential republic with a mixed legal system of common and customary law. The current president, Julius Maada BIO, was re-elected in June 2023. The governance structure is supported by a unicameral legislature and a judiciary with a judiciary system that includes the Supreme Court.
- Independence: April 27, 1961
- Administrative divisions: 4 provinces and 1 area
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
- Legislature: 149 seats in Parliament
- Next election: Expected in June 2028
Military and Security
The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) is structured as a Joint Force Command, comprising land, air, and maritime components. Military expenditures are projected to be 0.5% of GDP in 2024, reflecting ongoing efforts to secure the nation’s borders and support civil authorities during crises.
- Active personnel: Approximately 10,000 (2025)
- Military service age: 18-25 for voluntary service
- Military equipment: Includes a mix of older and newer equipment, primarily from donations
- Military history: RSLAF's origins trace back to colonial times
- International assistance: Ongoing collaboration with foreign militaries post-civil war
Energy
Sierra Leone's energy sector remains underdeveloped, with electricity access at only 29.4% of the total population. The energy generation capacity is dominated by hydroelectric sources, yet the rural electrification rate is notably low at 5%.
- Installed capacity: 149,000 kW (2023)
- Electricity consumption: 131.321 million kWh (2023)
- Energy consumption per capita: 2.301 million Btu/person (2023)
- Rural electrification rate: 5%
- Urban electrification rate: 55.3%
Environment
Sierra Leone faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil exhaustion due to land use practices, and water pollution. The nation is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and preserving biodiversity.
- Total water resources: Approximately 160 billion cubic meters (2022)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 1.342 million metric tonnes (2023)
- Municipal solid waste generated: 610,200 tons (2024)
- Percent of municipal waste recycled: 9.7% (2022)
- Biodiversity agreements: Parties include the Biodiversity and Climate Change agreements
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,121,049 | Estimate for 2024 |
| Area | 71,740 sq km | |
| GDP | $7.548 billion | Estimate for 2024 |
| Energy Consumption | 131.321 million kWh | Consumption in 2023 |
| Birth Rate | 30.8 births/1,000 | Estimate for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% | Estimate for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy | 59.4 years | Estimate for 2024 |
| Urbanization Rate | 44.3% | Urban population for 2023 |
| Literacy Rate | 43.6% | Estimate for 2019 |
| Agricultural Land Usage | 54.7% | Total agricultural land (2023) |
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