Sierra Leone
Republic of Sierra Leone
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.11%
Sierra Leone is a Western Africa country of around 9.08 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 71,740 km², translating to a density of 127 people per km². Its capital is Freetown, and English is the official language, while the Leone serves as the national currency.
Population
9,077,691
Area
71,740 km²
Density
127/km²
World Rank
#101
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 30.6 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 8.3 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 38.1% of the population is under 15, while only 3.2% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Freetown
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- Leone (Le)
- Calling Code
- +232
- Top-Level Domain
- .sl
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 9,077,691
- Land Area
- 71,740 km²
- Population Density
- 127 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.11%
- Annual Growth
- +191,539 people
- Daily Growth
- +525 people
- World Population Share
- 0.11%
- Coordinates
- 8.50°, -11.50°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $807 classifies Sierra Leone as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 3.1%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 35.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
61.8 years
GDP per Capita
$807
Birth Rate
30.6 per 1,000
Death Rate
8.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
45.4%
Fertility Rate
3.79 births/woman
Infant Mortality
56.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.1%
Literacy Rate
43.6%
Internet Users
20.6%
Under 15
38.1%
Over 65
3.2%
Health Spending
4.7% GDP
Gini Index
35.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
3.5M
15-64 years
5.3M
65+ years
294K
Urbanization
About 45.4% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Freetown, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 11309.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
4.1M
45.4%
5.0M
54.6%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 61.8 years is below the global benchmark of 72.8. An infant mortality rate of 56.2 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. Literacy stands at 43.6%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has 4 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Sierra Leone is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Sierra Leone participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 9,077,691 |
| 2030 | 9,831,629 |
| 2035 | 10,780,321 |
| 2040 | 11,733,972 |
| 2045 | 12,691,496 |
| 2050 | 13,652,749 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Sierra Leone.
Largest Cities in Sierra Leone
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Sierra Leone by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sierra Leone?
The population of Sierra Leone is approximately 9.1 million as of 2026, making it #101 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Sierra Leone?
The capital of Sierra Leone is Freetown.
What languages are spoken in Sierra Leone?
The main languages spoken in Sierra Leone are English.
How big is Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone covers an area of 71,740 km² with a population density of 127 people per km².
Is Sierra Leone growing or shrinking?
Sierra Leone is growing at a rate of 2.11% per year, adding approximately 191,539 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Sierra Leone?
The average life expectancy in Sierra Leone is 61.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Sierra Leone?
The GDP per capita of Sierra Leone is $807.