Country Profile: Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a West African nation bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, Guinea, and Liberia. It has a diverse geography, characterized by dense jungles, coastal mangrove swamps, and upland plateaus. The population of approximately 9.3 million is predominantly Muslim and includes several major ethnic groups, with the Temne and Mende being the largest. Economically, Sierra Leone is classified as a low-income country relying heavily on subsistence agriculture and rich in natural resources like diamonds and iron ore. The government operates as a presidential republic, with recent political developments indicating a move towards greater cooperation among political parties.

Geography

Sierra Leone is located in Western Africa with a total area of 71,740 sq km, slightly smaller than South Carolina. The country features a tropical climate with a distinct rainy season from May to December and a dry season during the winter months. The terrain includes a coastal belt, wooded hill country, and mountainous regions in the east, leading to significant biodiversity.

1,093 km: Total land boundaries with Guinea and Liberia.
402 km: Coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean.
54.7%: Percentage of land devoted to agriculture (2023).
34.3%: Forest area (2023).
1,948 m: Highest point at Loma Mansa (Bintimani).

People and Society

Sierra Leone's population is estimated at 9,331,203 in 2025, with a significant youth presence, where about 40.1% are aged 0-14. The country is characterized by various ethnic groups and languages, with Temne and Mende being prominent, and English as the official language. The average life expectancy is around 59.4 years, reflecting ongoing health challenges.

77.1%: Muslim population.
43.6%: Literacy rate (2019).
2.24%: Estimated population growth rate (2025).
30.04 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025).
70.1 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2025).

Economy

Sierra Leone's economy is primarily low-income, heavily reliant on subsistence farming, and is gradually recovering from the effects of the civil war. The country has rich natural resources, including diamonds and iron ore, but faces systemic corruption and high unemployment. The GDP for 2024 is projected to reach $26.728 billion.

3.2%: Unemployment rate (2024).
56.8%: Population living below the poverty line (2018).
25.4%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024).
$3,100: GDP per capita (2024).
28.6%: Inflation rate (2024).

Government

Sierra Leone is a presidential republic with a legal system that combines English common law and customary law. The country has experienced significant political changes, with the latest presidential elections held in June 2023. The government structure includes a unicameral legislature and a president who serves as both head of state and government.

Julius Maada BIO: Current President since June 2023.
149: Total seats in Parliament.
81: Seats held by the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP).
29.5%: Percentage of women in Parliament.
18: Minimum voting age.

Military and Security

The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) serves as the country's military, organized into land, air, and maritime branches. The military faces challenges including limited modernization and antiquated equipment, yet plays a vital role in national security and border protection.

0.5%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024).
10,000: Estimated active military personnel (2025).
18-25 years: Age for voluntary military service.
3: Number of helicopters (2025).
81.921 million kWh: Electricity losses in transmission/distribution (2023).

Energy

Sierra Leone's energy sector is predominantly reliant on hydroelectric power, with 84.4% of its installed capacity stemming from this source. However, access to electricity remains limited, particularly in rural areas.

29.4%: Total population with access to electricity (2022).
131.321 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
9,000 barrels/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).
2.301 million Btu/person: Energy consumption per capita (2023).

Environment

The country faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. Sierra Leone has signed various international environmental agreements aimed at protecting its rich biodiversity and natural resources.

54.7%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
1.342 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023).
610,200 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
160 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
9.7%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,331,203 (2025 est.)
Area	71,740 sq km
GDP	$26.728 billion (2024 est.)
Energy consumption	2.301 million Btu/person (2023)
Birth rate	30.04 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Unemployment rate	3.2% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	59.4 years (2024 est.)
Literacy	43.6% (2019 est.)
Urban population	44.3% (2023)
Military expenditures	0.5% of GDP (2024 est.)