World · permanent entity record · SL
Sierra Leone
Thirty-second orientation
Sierra Leone at a glance
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Sierra Leonean(s); adjective: Sierra Leonean
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Government
- presidential republic
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Languages
- English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves; a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history
Sierra Leone through time
Admitted to the United Nations
Sierra Leone became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04
Source history · changed fields only
Changes since the final CIA profile
| Field | Maintained Almanac value | Final CIA profile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,819,794World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025 | total: 9,331,203 (2025 est.) male: 4,620,638 female: 4,710,565CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-18 |
A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.
World Development Indicators · latest available observation
People, economy, and access
Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.
- Gross domestic product
- $7.5 billion
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Gross domestic product per person
- $846
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Life expectancy at birth
- 62.0 years
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Urban population
- 45.9%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Access to electricity
- 39.2%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- People using the internet
- 25.1%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.
Maintained profile
- Capital
- Freetown
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
- Area
- 71,740 sq km
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
- Population
- 8,819,794
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Currency
- leones (SLL)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
- Languages
- English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves; a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Sierra Leonean(s); adjective: Sierra Leonean
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
- Continent
- Africa
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Africa.”
- Coastline
- 402 km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Climate
- tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Religions
- Muslim 77.1%, Christian 22.9% (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Flag colors
- green, white, blue
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
- National symbol
- lion
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Highest point
- Loma Mansa (Bintimani) · 6,391 ft (1,948 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Lowest point
- Atlantic Ocean · 0 ft (0 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- NATO membership
- Not a member
- NATO, What is NATO? · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
- BRICS membership
- Not a member
- BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data
Final CIA World Factbook profile
This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.
CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b
Introduction1 fields
- Background
- Continuously populated for at least 2,500 years, the area now known as Sierra Leone is covered with dense jungle that allowed the region to remain relatively protected from invading West African empires. Traders introduced Sierra Leone to Islam, which occupies a central role in Sierra Leonean culture and history. In the 17th century, the British set up a trading post near present-day Freetown. The trade originally involved timber and ivory but later expanded to enslaved people. In 1787, after the American Revolution, Sierra Leone became a destination for Black British loyalists from the new United States. When Britain abolished the slave trade in 1807, British ships delivered thousands of liberated Africans to Sierra Leone. During the 19th century, the colony gradually expanded inland. In 1961, Sierra Leone became independent of the UK. Sierra Leone held free and fair elections in 1962 and 1967, but Siaka STEVENS -- Sierra Leone’s second prime minister -- quickly reverted to authoritarian tendencies, outlawing most political parties and ruling from 1967 to 1985. In 1991, Sierra Leonean soldiers launched a civil war against STEVENS’ ruling party. The war caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced more than 2 million people (about one third of the population). In 1998, a Nigerian-led West African coalition military force intervened, installing Tejan KABBAH -- who was originally elected in 1996 -- as prime minister. In 2002, KABBAH officially announced the end of the war. Since 1998, Sierra Leone has conducted democratic elections dominated by the two main political parties, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) party. In 2018, Julius Maada BIO of the Sierra Leone People’s Party won the presidential election that saw a high voter turnout despite some allegations of voter intimidation. BIO won again in June 2023, although irregularities were noted that called into question the integrity of the results. In October 2023, the Government of Sierra Leone and the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress, signed the Agreement for National Unity to boost cooperation between political parties and begin the process of reforming the country’s electoral system.
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Geography18 fields
- Location
- Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area
- total : 71,740 sq km land: 71,620 sq km water: 120 sq km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area - comparative
- slightly smaller than South Carolina
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land boundaries
- total: 1,093 km border countries (2): Guinea 794 km; Liberia 299 km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maritime claims
- territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Terrain
- coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in east
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Elevation
- highest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 279 m
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural resources
- diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 54.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 21.9% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 30.5% (2023 est.) forest: 34.3% (2023 est.) other: 11% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major watersheds (area sq km)
- Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- population clusters are found in the lower elevations of the south and west; the northern third of the country is less populated, as shown on this population distribution map
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural hazards
- dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to February); sandstorms, dust storms
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Geography - note
- rainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 in) a year, making it one of the wettest places along coastal western Africa
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
People and Society34 fields
- Population
- total: 9,331,203 (2025 est.) male: 4,620,638 female: 4,710,565
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Nationality
- noun: Sierra Leonean(s) adjective: Sierra Leonean
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ethnic groups
- Temne 35.4%, Mende 30.8%, Limba 8.8%, Kono 4.3%, Korankoh 4%, Fullah 3.8%, Mandingo 2.8%, Loko 2%, Sherbro 1.9%, Creole 1.2% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century; also known as Krio), other 5% (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Languages
- English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves; a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Religions
- Muslim 77.1%, Christian 22.9% (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Age structure
- 0-14 years: 40.1% (male 1,843,606/female 1,812,304) 15-64 years: 57.4% (male 2,557,715/female 2,675,418) 65 years and over: 2.5% (2024 est.) (male 114,405/female 117,601)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Dependency ratios
- total dependency ratio: 72.7 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 68.4 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 4.4 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 22.9 (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Median age
- total: 19.7 years (2025 est.) male: 19 years female: 19.9 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Birth rate
- 30.04 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Death rate
- 8.8 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Net migration rate
- 1.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- population clusters are found in the lower elevations of the south and west; the northern third of the country is less populated, as shown on this population distribution map
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 44.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major urban areas - population
- 1.309 million FREETOWN (capital) (2023)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sex ratio
- at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Mother's mean age at first birth
- 19.6 years (2019 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maternal mortality ratio
- 354 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Infant mortality rate
- total: 70.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 76 deaths/1,000 live births female: 66.2 deaths/1,000 live births
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Life expectancy at birth
- total population: 59.4 years (2024 est.) male: 57.8 years female: 61 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total fertility rate
- 3.52 children born/woman (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Drinking water source
- urban: 79.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 54.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 65.3% of population (2022 est.) urban: 20.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 45.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 34.7% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Health expenditure
- 8.6% of GDP (2021) 5.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Physician density
- 0.13 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sanitation facility access
- urban: 81.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 37.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 57.2% of population (2022 est.) urban: 18.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 62.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 42.8% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Alcohol consumption per capita
- total: 3.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 2.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Tobacco use
- total: 9.8% (2025 est.) male: 14.8% (2025 est.) female: 4.9% (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Children under the age of 5 years underweight
- 12% (2021 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Currently married women (ages 15-49)
- 61.5% (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Child marriage
- women married by age 15: 8.6% (2019) women married by age 18: 29.6% (2019) men married by age 18: 4.1% (2019)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Education expenditure
- 2.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 20.5% national budget (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Literacy
- total population: 43.6% (2019 est.) male: 54.6% (2019 est.) female: 33.9% (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Environment10 fields
- Environmental issues
- overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn agriculture resulting in deforestation, soil exhaustion, and flooding; loss of biodiversity; air pollution; water pollution; overfishing
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International environmental agreements
- party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 54.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 21.9% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 30.5% (2023 est.) forest: 34.3% (2023 est.) other: 11% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 44.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Carbon dioxide emissions
- 1.342 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 1.342 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Particulate matter emissions
- 45.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Waste and recycling
- municipal solid waste generated annually: 610,200 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 9.7% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total water withdrawal
- municipal: 111 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 55.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 45.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total renewable water resources
- 160 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Government23 fields
- Country name
- conventional long form: Republic of Sierra Leone conventional short form: Sierra Leone local long form: Republic of Sierra Leone local short form: Sierra Leone etymology: Portuguese explorer Pedro de SINTRA is usually credited with naming the country "Serra da Leao" (Lion Mountains) in 1462, but Venetian explorer Alvise CA' DA MOSTO recorded the name as "Serre-Lionne" in 1457, referring to the rumbling of thunder over the mountains
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Capital
- name: Freetown geographic coordinates: 8 29 N, 13 14 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name described the original settlement in 1781, which served as a haven for free-born and freed African Americans
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Administrative divisions
- 4 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, North Western, Southern, Western*
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legal system
- mixed system of English common law and customary law
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Constitution
- history: several previous; latest effective 1 October 1991 amendment process: 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
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International law organization participation
- has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Citizenship
- citizenship by 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
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Executive branch
- chief of state: President Julius Maada BIO (since 27 June 2023) head of government: President Julius Maada BIO (since 27 June 2023) cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president, approved by Parliament; the cabinet is responsible to the president election/appointment process: 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) most recent election date: 24 June 2023 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% expected date of next election: June 2028 note: the president is chief of state, head of government, and minister of defense
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legislative branch
- legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 149 (135 directly elected; 14 indirectly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 6/24/2023 parties elected and seats per party: Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) (81); All People's Congress (APC) (54) percentage of women in chamber: 29.5% expected date of next election: June 2028 note: 14 seats are reserved for "paramount chiefs," who are indirectly elected to represent the 14 provincial districts
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Judicial branch
- highest court(s): Superior Court of Judicature (consists of the Supreme Court at the top, with the chief justice and 4 other judges, the Court of Appeal with the chief justice and 7 other judges, and the High Court of Justice with the chief justice and 9 other judges) judge selection and term of 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 are subject to approval by Parliament; all Judicature judges serve until retirement at age 65 subordinate courts: magistrates' courts; District Appeals Court; local courts
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Political parties
- All People's Congress or APC Sierra Leone People's Party or SLPP
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation in the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed SOWA (since 24 July 2025) chancery: 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009-1605 telephone: [1] (202) 939-9261 FAX: [1] (202) 483-1793 email address and website: info@embassyofsierraleone.net https://embassyofsierraleone.net/
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation from the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Jared M. YANCEY (since 18 September 2025) embassy: Southridge-Hill Station, Freetown mailing address: 2160 Freetown Place, Washington DC 20521-2160 telephone: [232] 99 105 000 email address and website: consularfreetown@state.gov https://sl.usembassy.gov/
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International organization participation
- ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, C, 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
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National holiday
- Independence Day, 27 April (1961)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Flag
- description: three equal horizontal bands of light green (top), white, and light blue meaning: green stands for agriculture, mountains, and natural resources; white for unity and justice; and blue for the sea and the natural harbor in Freetown
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National anthem(s)
- title: "High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free" lyrics/music: Clifford Nelson FYLE/John Joseph AKA history: adopted 1961
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National heritage
- total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Gola-Tiwai Complex (n)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Economy30 fields
- Economic overview
- low-income West African economy; primarily subsistent agriculture; key iron and diamond mining activities suspended; slow recovery from 1990s civil war; systemic corruption; high-risk debt; high youth unemployment; natural resource rich
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
- $26.728 billion (2024 est.) $25.7 billion (2023 est.) $24.312 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP growth rate
- 4% (2024 est.) 5.7% (2023 est.) 5.3% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP per capita
- $3,100 (2024 est.) $3,000 (2023 est.) $2,900 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP (official exchange rate)
- $7.548 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Inflation rate (consumer prices)
- 28.6% (2024 est.) 47.6% (2023 est.) 27.2% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by sector of origin
- agriculture: 25.4% (2024 est.) industry: 27.3% (2024 est.) services: 44.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by end use
- household consumption: 87.6% (2024 est.) government consumption: 5.5% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 29.5% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 20.9% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -43.5% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Agricultural products
- cassava, rice, oil palm fruit, vegetables, sweet potatoes, milk, citrus fruits, fruits, groundnuts, sugarcane (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industries
- diamond mining; iron ore, rutile and bauxite mining; small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, footwear)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industrial production growth rate
- 4.7% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Labor force
- 2.863 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Unemployment rate
- 3.2% (2024 est.) 3.2% (2023 est.) 3.2% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
- total: 3.6% (2024 est.) male: 4.8% (2024 est.) female: 2.5% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population below poverty line
- 56.8% (2018 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
- 35.7 (2018 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Household income or consumption by percentage share
- lowest 10%: 3.4% (2018 est.) highest 10%: 29.4% (2018 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Remittances
- 4.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 4.1% of GDP (2022 est.) 2.6% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Budget
- revenues: $740 million (2019 est.) expenditures: $867 million (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Current account balance
- -$606.358 million (2023 est.) -$452.094 million (2022 est.) -$522.815 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports
- $1.382 billion (2023 est.) $1.202 billion (2022 est.) $928.689 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - partners
- China 67%, India 6%, Belgium 5%, Netherlands 4%, Ireland 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - commodities
- iron ore, titanium ore, diamonds, aluminum ore, cocoa beans (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports
- $2.264 billion (2023 est.) $2.074 billion (2022 est.) $1.91 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - partners
- China 32%, India 15%, UAE 5%, USA 5%, Turkey 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - commodities
- rice, plastic products, packaged medicine, cement, cars (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
- $495.699 million (2023 est.) $624.496 million (2022 est.) $945.908 million (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Debt - external
- $1.451 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exchange rates
- leones (SLL) per US dollar - 21.305 (2023 est.) 14.048 (2022 est.) 10.439 (2021 est.) 9.83 (2020 est.) 9.01 (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Energy5 fields
- Electricity access
- electrification - total population: 29.4% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 55.3% electrification - rural areas: 5%
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity
- installed generating capacity: 149,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 131.321 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 81.921 million kWh (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity generation sources
- fossil fuels: 3.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 9.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 84.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Petroleum
- refined petroleum consumption: 9,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Energy consumption per capita
- 2.301 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Communications6 fields
- Telephones - fixed lines
- total subscriptions: 0 (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Telephones - mobile cellular
- total subscriptions: 8.93 million (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 108 (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadcast media
- 1 state-owned TV station; 3 private TV stations; 1 pay-TV service; 1 state-owned national radio station; about 24 private radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters available (2019)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Internet users
- percent of population: 21% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadband - fixed subscriptions
- total: 0 (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2021 est.) less than 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transportation5 fields
- Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
- 9L
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Merchant marine
- total: 584 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 33, container ship 8, general cargo 320, oil tanker 97, other 126
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ports
- total ports: 3 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 2 ports with oil terminals: 2 key ports: Bonthe, Freetown, Pepel
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Military and Security6 fields
- Military and security forces
- Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF): organized as a Joint Force Command with land, air, and maritime components Ministry of Internal Affairs: Sierra Leone Police (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military expenditures
- 0.5% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.3% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military and security service personnel strengths
- estimated 10,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
- the RSLAF has a small inventory comprised of obsolescent or secondhand imported armaments (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military service age and obligation
- 18-25 for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military - note
- the RSLAF’s primary responsibilities are securing the country's borders and territorial waters, supporting civil authorities during internal emergencies, and participating in peacekeeping missions; since the end of the civil war in 2002, it has received assistance from several foreign militaries, including those of Canada, China, France, the UK, and the US the RSLAF’s origins lie in the Sierra Leone Battalion of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF), a multi-regiment force formed by the British colonial office in 1900 to garrison the West African colonies of Gold Coast (Ghana), Nigeria (Lagos and the protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria), Sierra Leone, and The Gambia; the RWAFF fought in both World Wars (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.