Country Profile: Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, located in Western Africa, is characterized by its tropical climate and diverse topography, including coastal regions and mountainous areas. The population is approximately 9.33 million, predominantly young and diverse in ethnic composition, with significant Islamic and Christian communities. The economy is primarily based on subsistence agriculture, mining, and is on a slow recovery path following a devastating civil war in the 1990s. The government operates as a presidential republic, with recent political developments aimed at enhancing democratic processes and national unity.

Geography

Sierra Leone is situated in Western Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean to the southwest, and sharing land borders with Guinea to the north and Liberia to the southeast. It features a tropical climate with a coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hills, and upland plateaus. The country has a total area of approximately 71,740 square kilometers and a coastline of 402 kilometers.

402 km: Length of coastline.
71,740 sq km: Total area.
1,948 m: Highest point (Loma Mansa).
34.3%: Forested area (2023).
54.7%: Agricultural land (2023).

People and Society

The population of Sierra Leone is estimated at 9.33 million in 2025, with a youthful demographic structure characterized by a median age of approximately 19.7 years. The society is ethnically diverse, primarily consisting of Temne, Mende, and other groups, and predominantly Muslim. Urbanization is gradually increasing, with about 44.3% of the population living in urban areas.

9,331,203: Estimated population in 2025.
40.1%: Population aged 0-14 years (2025).
2.24%: Population growth rate (2025).
30.04 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025).
59.4 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).

Economy

Sierra Leone's economy is classified as low-income and primarily reliant on subsistence agriculture, with key sectors including agriculture, mining, and services. The country is rich in natural resources, including diamonds, titanium, and gold, but faces challenges such as high unemployment and systemic corruption. The economy is gradually recovering from the civil war, with real GDP growth projected at 4% for 2024.

$26.728 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
3.2%: Unemployment rate (2024).
56.8%: Population below the poverty line (2018).
4.6%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023).
25.4%: Agriculture's share of GDP (2024).

Government

Sierra Leone operates as a presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and government. Julius Maada BIO was re-elected in June 2023 amidst various political challenges and reforms aimed at enhancing the democratic process. The legal system is a mix of English common law and customary law, with a constitution that has been in effect since October 1991.

Julius Maada BIO: President (since June 2023).
149: Seats in the unicameral Parliament.
18: Voting age for universal suffrage.
27 April 1961: Date of independence from the UK.

Military and Security

The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) consists of land, air, and maritime components, focused on securing national borders and participating in peacekeeping missions. The country allocates a modest portion of its GDP to military expenditures, reflecting ongoing recovery and modernization efforts.

10,000: Estimated active military personnel (2025).
0.5%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024).
18-25 years: Age for voluntary military service.
RSLAF: Involved in peacekeeping missions since 2002.

Energy

Sierra Leone's electrification rate is low, with only 29.4% of the total population having access to electricity as of 2022. The country's electricity generation is predominantly from hydroelectric sources, with a small contribution from fossil fuels and solar energy.

29.4%: Total electrification rate (2022).
149,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
131.321 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).

Environment

Sierra Leone faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation, overfishing, and pollution. These issues stem from agricultural practices and urbanization, requiring attention and action to protect biodiversity and natural resources. The country is a signatory to multiple international environmental agreements.

54.7%: Land used for agriculture (2023).
1.342 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023).
610,200 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.).

Transportation

Sierra Leone has limited transport infrastructure, with 8 airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The country relies on its ports, notably Bonthe, Freetown, and Pepel, for maritime trade.

8: Number of airports (2025).
3: Total ports (2024).
584: Merchant marine vessels (2023).

Communications

Communication infrastructure in Sierra Leone includes a mix of state-owned and private media outlets. However, fixed-line connections are virtually nonexistent, with mobile cellular subscriptions being more prevalent.

21%: Internet penetration rate (2023).
8.93 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
1: State-owned TV station.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,331,203	Estimated for 2025
Area	71,740 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$26.728 billion	Estimated for 2024
Birth rate	30.04 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Unemployment rate	3.2%	Estimated for 2024
Life expectancy at birth	59.4 years	Estimated for 2024
Electricity access	29.4%	Total population with electricity access (2022)
Military expenditures	0.5%	As a percentage of GDP (2024)
Total agricultural land	54.7%	Estimated for 2023
Urban population	44.3%	Total population living in urban areas (2023)