Sierra Leone economy — 9 WDI series, 1960–2024 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/category/economy Editorial Intelligence — the definitive encyclopedia of Sierra Leonean development indicators Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:32:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Sierra Leone 2025 forecast (IMF): GDP $7.71B, debt 45.2% GDP https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2025-forecast https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2025-forecast#respond Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:32:38 +0000 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2025-forecast insights IMF projection — WEO 2026-04 This page presents the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook projections for Sierra Leone in 2025, drawn from the WEO 2026-04 release of the IMF DataMapper. These are forecasts, not confirmed outturns;…

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IMF projection — WEO 2026-04

This page presents the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook projections for Sierra Leone in 2025, drawn from the WEO 2026-04 release of the IMF DataMapper. These are forecasts, not confirmed outturns; the last year with an IMF-estimated actual is 2024.

GDP (current USD)
$7.71B
Real GDP growth
4.4%
Inflation (avg CPI)
7.6%
GDP per capita
$874

All IMF projections for Sierra Leone, 2025

Indicator Unit 2024 2025 Δ vs 2024
GDP, current prices (USD billions) USD B 6.97 7.71 +0.74
Real GDP growth (% change) % 4.30 4.40 +0.1 pp
GDP per capita, current (USD) USD 806.51 874.10 +67.59
GDP (PPP, int'l $ billions) int'l $ B 30.48 32.72 +2.24
GDP per capita, PPP int'l $ 3,527.43 3,709.84 +182.41
Inflation, avg consumer prices (%) % 28.40 7.60 -20.8 pp
Inflation, end of period (%) % 13.80 4.30 -9.5 pp
Gross government debt (% of GDP) % GDP 46.70 45.20 -1.5 pp
General government net lending (% of GDP) % GDP -5.20 -4.20 +1.0 pp
Current account balance (USD billions) USD B -0.48 -0.39 +0.09
Current account balance (% of GDP) % GDP -6.90 -5.10 +1.8 pp
Population (millions) M people 8.64 8.82 +0.18M

Trajectory of headline indicators

GDP (USD billions):
2022: 7.12 · 2023: 6.40 · 2024: 6.97 · 2025: 7.71* · 2026: 8.27* · 2027: 8.65* · 2028: 9.04* · 2029: 9.49* · 2030: 9.96* · 2031: 10.42*

Real growth (%):
2022: 5.30 · 2023: 5.70 · 2024: 4.30 · 2025: 4.40* · 2026: 4.50* · 2027: 4.70* · 2028: 4.60* · 2029: 4.60* · 2030: 4.60* · 2031: 4.50*

Inflation (%):
2022: 27.20 · 2023: 47.70 · 2024: 28.40 · 2025: 7.60* · 2026: 7.50* · 2027: 9.00* · 2028: 9.00* · 2029: 9.00* · 2030: 9.00* · 2031: 9.00*

Gov debt (% GDP):
2022: 54.00 · 2023: 49.40 · 2024: 46.70 · 2025: 45.20* · 2026: 44.30* · 2027: 41.20* · 2028: 38.40* · 2029: 36.20* · 2030: 34.10* · 2031: 31.80*

* Forecast. Source: IMF World Economic Outlook (WEO 2026-04). Figures are subject to revision at each WEO cycle (April and October).

Frequently asked questions

What is Sierra Leone's projected GDP in 2025?

The IMF projects Sierra Leone's GDP at current prices to reach about US$7.71 billion in 2025 (World Economic Outlook).

What real GDP growth does the IMF forecast for Sierra Leone in 2025?

Real GDP is projected to grow 4.4% in 2025, per the IMF's latest WEO projections for Sierra Leone.

What is Sierra Leone's inflation forecast for 2025?

The IMF projects average consumer-price inflation of 7.6% in Sierra Leone for 2025.

How big is Sierra Leone's projected public debt in 2025?

General government gross debt is projected at about 45.2% of GDP in 2025, according to the IMF WEO.

What does the IMF expect for Sierra Leone's current account in 2025?

The current account balance is projected at -5.1% of GDP in 2025.

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]]> https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2025-forecast/feed 0 Sierra Leone 2026 forecast (IMF): GDP $8.27B, growth +4.5% https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2026-forecast https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2026-forecast#respond Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:32:38 +0000 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2026-forecast insights IMF projection — WEO 2026-04 This page presents the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook projections for Sierra Leone in 2026, drawn from the WEO 2026-04 release of the IMF DataMapper. These are forecasts, not confirmed outturns;…

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]]> insights
IMF projection — WEO 2026-04

This page presents the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook projections for Sierra Leone in 2026, drawn from the WEO 2026-04 release of the IMF DataMapper. These are forecasts, not confirmed outturns; the last year with an IMF-estimated actual is 2024.

GDP (current USD)
$8.27B
Real GDP growth
4.5%
Inflation (avg CPI)
7.5%
GDP per capita
$919

All IMF projections for Sierra Leone, 2026

Indicator Unit 2024 2026 Δ vs 2024
GDP, current prices (USD billions) USD B 6.97 8.27 +1.30
Real GDP growth (% change) % 4.30 4.50 +0.2 pp
GDP per capita, current (USD) USD 806.51 918.72 +112.21
GDP (PPP, int'l $ billions) int'l $ B 30.48 35.19 +4.71
GDP per capita, PPP int'l $ 3,527.43 3,909.21 +381.78
Inflation, avg consumer prices (%) % 28.40 7.50 -20.9 pp
Inflation, end of period (%) % 13.80 9.00 -4.8 pp
Gross government debt (% of GDP) % GDP 46.70 44.30 -2.4 pp
General government net lending (% of GDP) % GDP -5.20 -2.20 +3.0 pp
Current account balance (USD billions) USD B -0.48 -0.27 +0.21
Current account balance (% of GDP) % GDP -6.90 -3.30 +3.6 pp
Population (millions) M people 8.64 9.00 +0.36M

Trajectory of headline indicators

GDP (USD billions):
2022: 7.12 · 2023: 6.40 · 2024: 6.97 · 2025: 7.71* · 2026: 8.27* · 2027: 8.65* · 2028: 9.04* · 2029: 9.49* · 2030: 9.96* · 2031: 10.42*

Real growth (%):
2022: 5.30 · 2023: 5.70 · 2024: 4.30 · 2025: 4.40* · 2026: 4.50* · 2027: 4.70* · 2028: 4.60* · 2029: 4.60* · 2030: 4.60* · 2031: 4.50*

Inflation (%):
2022: 27.20 · 2023: 47.70 · 2024: 28.40 · 2025: 7.60* · 2026: 7.50* · 2027: 9.00* · 2028: 9.00* · 2029: 9.00* · 2030: 9.00* · 2031: 9.00*

Gov debt (% GDP):
2022: 54.00 · 2023: 49.40 · 2024: 46.70 · 2025: 45.20* · 2026: 44.30* · 2027: 41.20* · 2028: 38.40* · 2029: 36.20* · 2030: 34.10* · 2031: 31.80*

* Forecast. Source: IMF World Economic Outlook (WEO 2026-04). Figures are subject to revision at each WEO cycle (April and October).

Frequently asked questions

What is Sierra Leone's projected GDP in 2026?

The IMF projects Sierra Leone's GDP at current prices to reach about US$8.27 billion in 2026 (World Economic Outlook).

What real GDP growth does the IMF forecast for Sierra Leone in 2026?

Real GDP is projected to grow 4.5% in 2026, per the IMF's latest WEO projections for Sierra Leone.

What is Sierra Leone's inflation forecast for 2026?

The IMF projects average consumer-price inflation of 7.5% in Sierra Leone for 2026.

How big is Sierra Leone's projected public debt in 2026?

General government gross debt is projected at about 44.3% of GDP in 2026, according to the IMF WEO.

What does the IMF expect for Sierra Leone's current account in 2026?

The current account balance is projected at -3.3% of GDP in 2026.

The post Sierra Leone 2026 forecast (IMF): GDP $8.27B, growth +4.5% appeared first on Journal of Sierra Leone Studies.

]]> https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2026-forecast/feed 0 Sierra Leone 2027 forecast (IMF): GDP $8.65B, growth +4.7% https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2027-forecast https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2027-forecast#respond Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:32:38 +0000 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2027-forecast insights IMF projection — WEO 2026-04 This page presents the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook projections for Sierra Leone in 2027, drawn from the WEO 2026-04 release of the IMF DataMapper. These are forecasts, not confirmed outturns;…

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]]> insights
IMF projection — WEO 2026-04

This page presents the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook projections for Sierra Leone in 2027, drawn from the WEO 2026-04 release of the IMF DataMapper. These are forecasts, not confirmed outturns; the last year with an IMF-estimated actual is 2024.

GDP (current USD)
$8.65B
Real GDP growth
4.7%
Inflation (avg CPI)
9.0%
GDP per capita
$942

All IMF projections for Sierra Leone, 2027

Indicator Unit 2024 2027 Δ vs 2024
GDP, current prices (USD billions) USD B 6.97 8.65 +1.68
Real GDP growth (% change) % 4.30 4.70 +0.4 pp
GDP per capita, current (USD) USD 806.51 941.58 +135.07
GDP (PPP, int'l $ billions) int'l $ B 30.48 37.65 +7.16
GDP per capita, PPP int'l $ 3,527.43 4,097.57 +570.13
Inflation, avg consumer prices (%) % 28.40 9.00 -19.4 pp
Inflation, end of period (%) % 13.80 9.00 -4.8 pp
Gross government debt (% of GDP) % GDP 46.70 41.20 -5.5 pp
General government net lending (% of GDP) % GDP -5.20 -0.20 +5.0 pp
Current account balance (USD billions) USD B -0.48 -0.25 +0.23
Current account balance (% of GDP) % GDP -6.90 -2.90 +4.0 pp
Population (millions) M people 8.64 9.19 +0.55M

Trajectory of headline indicators

GDP (USD billions):
2022: 7.12 · 2023: 6.40 · 2024: 6.97 · 2025: 7.71* · 2026: 8.27* · 2027: 8.65* · 2028: 9.04* · 2029: 9.49* · 2030: 9.96* · 2031: 10.42*

Real growth (%):
2022: 5.30 · 2023: 5.70 · 2024: 4.30 · 2025: 4.40* · 2026: 4.50* · 2027: 4.70* · 2028: 4.60* · 2029: 4.60* · 2030: 4.60* · 2031: 4.50*

Inflation (%):
2022: 27.20 · 2023: 47.70 · 2024: 28.40 · 2025: 7.60* · 2026: 7.50* · 2027: 9.00* · 2028: 9.00* · 2029: 9.00* · 2030: 9.00* · 2031: 9.00*

Gov debt (% GDP):
2022: 54.00 · 2023: 49.40 · 2024: 46.70 · 2025: 45.20* · 2026: 44.30* · 2027: 41.20* · 2028: 38.40* · 2029: 36.20* · 2030: 34.10* · 2031: 31.80*

* Forecast. Source: IMF World Economic Outlook (WEO 2026-04). Figures are subject to revision at each WEO cycle (April and October).

Frequently asked questions

What is Sierra Leone's projected GDP in 2027?

The IMF projects Sierra Leone's GDP at current prices to reach about US$8.65 billion in 2027 (World Economic Outlook).

What real GDP growth does the IMF forecast for Sierra Leone in 2027?

Real GDP is projected to grow 4.7% in 2027, per the IMF's latest WEO projections for Sierra Leone.

What is Sierra Leone's inflation forecast for 2027?

The IMF projects average consumer-price inflation of 9.0% in Sierra Leone for 2027.

How big is Sierra Leone's projected public debt in 2027?

General government gross debt is projected at about 41.2% of GDP in 2027, according to the IMF WEO.

What does the IMF expect for Sierra Leone's current account in 2027?

The current account balance is projected at -2.9% of GDP in 2027.

The post Sierra Leone 2027 forecast (IMF): GDP $8.65B, growth +4.7% appeared first on Journal of Sierra Leone Studies.

]]> https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2027-forecast/feed 0 Sierra Leone 2028 forecast (IMF): GDP $9.04B, growth +4.6% https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2028-forecast https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2028-forecast#respond Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:32:38 +0000 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2028-forecast insights IMF projection — WEO 2026-04 This page presents the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook projections for Sierra Leone in 2028, drawn from the WEO 2026-04 release of the IMF DataMapper. These are forecasts, not confirmed outturns;…

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]]> insights
IMF projection — WEO 2026-04

This page presents the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook projections for Sierra Leone in 2028, drawn from the WEO 2026-04 release of the IMF DataMapper. These are forecasts, not confirmed outturns; the last year with an IMF-estimated actual is 2024.

GDP (current USD)
$9.04B
Real GDP growth
4.6%
Inflation (avg CPI)
9.0%
GDP per capita
$964

All IMF projections for Sierra Leone, 2028

Indicator Unit 2024 2028 Δ vs 2024
GDP, current prices (USD billions) USD B 6.97 9.04 +2.07
Real GDP growth (% change) % 4.30 4.60 +0.3 pp
GDP per capita, current (USD) USD 806.51 964.06 +157.55
GDP (PPP, int'l $ billions) int'l $ B 30.48 40.04 +9.56
GDP per capita, PPP int'l $ 3,527.43 4,270.22 +742.78
Inflation, avg consumer prices (%) % 28.40 9.00 -19.4 pp
Inflation, end of period (%) % 13.80 9.00 -4.8 pp
Gross government debt (% of GDP) % GDP 46.70 38.40 -8.3 pp
General government net lending (% of GDP) % GDP -5.20 -0.20 +5.0 pp
Current account balance (USD billions) USD B -0.48 -0.26 +0.22
Current account balance (% of GDP) % GDP -6.90 -2.90 +4.0 pp
Population (millions) M people 8.64 9.38 +0.74M

Trajectory of headline indicators

GDP (USD billions):
2022: 7.12 · 2023: 6.40 · 2024: 6.97 · 2025: 7.71* · 2026: 8.27* · 2027: 8.65* · 2028: 9.04* · 2029: 9.49* · 2030: 9.96* · 2031: 10.42*

Real growth (%):
2022: 5.30 · 2023: 5.70 · 2024: 4.30 · 2025: 4.40* · 2026: 4.50* · 2027: 4.70* · 2028: 4.60* · 2029: 4.60* · 2030: 4.60* · 2031: 4.50*

Inflation (%):
2022: 27.20 · 2023: 47.70 · 2024: 28.40 · 2025: 7.60* · 2026: 7.50* · 2027: 9.00* · 2028: 9.00* · 2029: 9.00* · 2030: 9.00* · 2031: 9.00*

Gov debt (% GDP):
2022: 54.00 · 2023: 49.40 · 2024: 46.70 · 2025: 45.20* · 2026: 44.30* · 2027: 41.20* · 2028: 38.40* · 2029: 36.20* · 2030: 34.10* · 2031: 31.80*

* Forecast. Source: IMF World Economic Outlook (WEO 2026-04). Figures are subject to revision at each WEO cycle (April and October).

Frequently asked questions

What is Sierra Leone's projected GDP in 2028?

The IMF projects Sierra Leone's GDP at current prices to reach about US$9.04 billion in 2028 (World Economic Outlook).

What real GDP growth does the IMF forecast for Sierra Leone in 2028?

Real GDP is projected to grow 4.6% in 2028, per the IMF's latest WEO projections for Sierra Leone.

What is Sierra Leone's inflation forecast for 2028?

The IMF projects average consumer-price inflation of 9.0% in Sierra Leone for 2028.

How big is Sierra Leone's projected public debt in 2028?

General government gross debt is projected at about 38.4% of GDP in 2028, according to the IMF WEO.

What does the IMF expect for Sierra Leone's current account in 2028?

The current account balance is projected at -2.9% of GDP in 2028.

The post Sierra Leone 2028 forecast (IMF): GDP $9.04B, growth +4.6% appeared first on Journal of Sierra Leone Studies.

]]> https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2028-forecast/feed 0 Sierra Leone 2029 forecast (IMF): GDP $9.49B, growth +4.6% https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2029-forecast https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2029-forecast#respond Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:32:38 +0000 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2029-forecast insights IMF projection — WEO 2026-04 This page presents the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook projections for Sierra Leone in 2029, drawn from the WEO 2026-04 release of the IMF DataMapper. These are forecasts, not confirmed outturns;…

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]]> insights
IMF projection — WEO 2026-04

This page presents the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook projections for Sierra Leone in 2029, drawn from the WEO 2026-04 release of the IMF DataMapper. These are forecasts, not confirmed outturns; the last year with an IMF-estimated actual is 2024.

GDP (current USD)
$9.49B
Real GDP growth
4.6%
Inflation (avg CPI)
9.0%
GDP per capita
$991

All IMF projections for Sierra Leone, 2029

Indicator Unit 2024 2029 Δ vs 2024
GDP, current prices (USD billions) USD B 6.97 9.49 +2.52
Real GDP growth (% change) % 4.30 4.60 +0.3 pp
GDP per capita, current (USD) USD 806.51 991.24 +184.73
GDP (PPP, int'l $ billions) int'l $ B 30.48 42.61 +12.12
GDP per capita, PPP int'l $ 3,527.43 4,452.33 +924.90
Inflation, avg consumer prices (%) % 28.40 9.00 -19.4 pp
Inflation, end of period (%) % 13.80 9.00 -4.8 pp
Gross government debt (% of GDP) % GDP 46.70 36.20 -10.5 pp
General government net lending (% of GDP) % GDP -5.20 -0.70 +4.5 pp
Current account balance (USD billions) USD B -0.48 -0.27 +0.21
Current account balance (% of GDP) % GDP -6.90 -2.90 +4.0 pp
Population (millions) M people 8.64 9.57 +0.93M

Trajectory of headline indicators

GDP (USD billions):
2022: 7.12 · 2023: 6.40 · 2024: 6.97 · 2025: 7.71* · 2026: 8.27* · 2027: 8.65* · 2028: 9.04* · 2029: 9.49* · 2030: 9.96* · 2031: 10.42*

Real growth (%):
2022: 5.30 · 2023: 5.70 · 2024: 4.30 · 2025: 4.40* · 2026: 4.50* · 2027: 4.70* · 2028: 4.60* · 2029: 4.60* · 2030: 4.60* · 2031: 4.50*

Inflation (%):
2022: 27.20 · 2023: 47.70 · 2024: 28.40 · 2025: 7.60* · 2026: 7.50* · 2027: 9.00* · 2028: 9.00* · 2029: 9.00* · 2030: 9.00* · 2031: 9.00*

Gov debt (% GDP):
2022: 54.00 · 2023: 49.40 · 2024: 46.70 · 2025: 45.20* · 2026: 44.30* · 2027: 41.20* · 2028: 38.40* · 2029: 36.20* · 2030: 34.10* · 2031: 31.80*

* Forecast. Source: IMF World Economic Outlook (WEO 2026-04). Figures are subject to revision at each WEO cycle (April and October).

Frequently asked questions

What is Sierra Leone's projected GDP in 2029?

The IMF projects Sierra Leone's GDP at current prices to reach about US$9.49 billion in 2029 (World Economic Outlook).

What real GDP growth does the IMF forecast for Sierra Leone in 2029?

Real GDP is projected to grow 4.6% in 2029, per the IMF's latest WEO projections for Sierra Leone.

What is Sierra Leone's inflation forecast for 2029?

The IMF projects average consumer-price inflation of 9.0% in Sierra Leone for 2029.

How big is Sierra Leone's projected public debt in 2029?

General government gross debt is projected at about 36.2% of GDP in 2029, according to the IMF WEO.

What does the IMF expect for Sierra Leone's current account in 2029?

The current account balance is projected at -2.9% of GDP in 2029.

The post Sierra Leone 2029 forecast (IMF): GDP $9.49B, growth +4.6% appeared first on Journal of Sierra Leone Studies.

]]> https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-2029-forecast/feed 0 Sierra Leone 2023: GDP $6.42B, pop 8.46M (election year) https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-indicators-2023 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-indicators-2023#respond Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:58:49 +0000 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-indicators-2023 GDP (current US$) 6.42B Life Expectancy at Birth (years) 61.79 years Population, Total 8.46M people Inflation, Consumer Prices (annual %) 47.64 35 Indicators Across 5 Pillars Environment (6 indicators) Indicator2023 Access to Electricity (% of population) 35.50 Agricultural…

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]]>
GDP (current US$)
6.42B
Life Expectancy at Birth (years)
61.79 years
Population, Total
8.46M people
Inflation, Consumer Prices (annual %)
47.64

35 Indicators Across 5 Pillars

Environment (6 indicators)

Indicator 2023
Access to Electricity (% of population) 35.50
Agricultural Land (% of land area) 54.71
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita) 0.167
Forest Land (% of land area) 34.30
Land Area (sq. km) 72,180 sq. km
Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions 7.79

Health (4 indicators)

Indicator 2023
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) 30.60 per 1,000
Death Rate (per 1,000 people) 8.29 per 1,000
Government Health Expenditure (% of GDP) 0.789
Life Expectancy at Birth (years) 61.79 years

Governance (15 indicators)

Indicator 2023
Control of Corruption (Estimate) -0.569
Control of Corruption (Std. Error) 0.154
Government Effectiveness (Estimate) -0.954
Government Effectiveness (Std. Error) 0.184
Government Expenditure on Education (% of GDP) 2.62
Individuals Using the Internet (% of population) 23.71
Political Stability (Estimate) -0.556
Political Stability (Std. Error) 0.238
Regulatory Quality (Estimate) -0.999
Regulatory Quality (Std. Error) 0.155
Rule of Law (Estimate) -0.827
Rule of Law (Std. Error) 0.137
Statistical Performance Indicators 61.11
Voice and Accountability (Estimate) -0.466
Voice and Accountability (Std. Error) 0.142

Economic (7 indicators)

Indicator 2023
GDP (current US$) 6.42B
Inflation, Consumer Prices (annual %) 47.64
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) 0.603
Real Interest Rate (%) -7.44
Risk Premium on Lending (%) 18.25
Time to Get Operating License (days) 17.93
Trade in Services (% of GDP) 6.59

Demographics (3 indicators)

Indicator 2023
Population Density (people per sq. km) 117.21 per sq. km
Population, Total 8.46M people
Rural Population 4.67M people

Year-over-Year Changes (2022 → 2023)

Indicator 2022 2023 Change
Access to Electricity (% of population) 29.40 35.50 +20.7%
Agricultural Land (% of land area) 54.71 54.71 +0.0%
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) 31.07 per 1,000 30.60 per 1,000 -1.5%
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita) 0.177 0.167 -5.9%
Control of Corruption (Estimate) -0.553 -0.569 -2.8%
Control of Corruption (Std. Error) 0.155 0.154 -0.5%
Death Rate (per 1,000 people) 8.52 per 1,000 8.29 per 1,000 -2.8%
Forest Land (% of land area) 34.57 34.30 -0.8%
GDP (current US$) 7.12B 6.42B -9.9%
Government Effectiveness (Estimate) -0.958 -0.954 +0.4%
Government Effectiveness (Std. Error) 0.184 0.184 -0.3%
Government Expenditure on Education (% of GDP) 4.91 2.62 -46.5%
Government Health Expenditure (% of GDP) 0.870 0.789 -9.3%
Individuals Using the Internet (% of population) 21.51 23.71 +10.3%
Inflation, Consumer Prices (annual %) 27.21 47.64 +75.1%
Land Area (sq. km) 72,180 sq. km 72,180 sq. km +0.0%
Life Expectancy at Birth (years) 61.28 years 61.79 years +0.8%
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) 0.582 0.603 +3.6%
Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions 7.34 7.79 +6.3%
Political Stability (Estimate) -0.265 -0.556 -109.4%
Political Stability (Std. Error) 0.236 0.238 +1.0%
Population Density (people per sq. km) 114.67 per sq. km 117.21 per sq. km +2.2%
Population, Total 8.28M people 8.46M people +2.2%
Real Interest Rate (%) -6.02 -7.44 -23.6%
Regulatory Quality (Estimate) -1.01 -0.999 +0.6%
Regulatory Quality (Std. Error) 0.155 0.155 -0.1%
Risk Premium on Lending (%) 15.46 18.25 +18.1%
Rule of Law (Estimate) -0.781 -0.827 -5.9%
Rule of Law (Std. Error) 0.138 0.137 -0.4%
Rural Population 4.61M people 4.67M people +1.2%
Statistical Performance Indicators 60.33 61.11 +1.3%
Trade in Services (% of GDP) 4.38 6.59 +50.5%
Voice and Accountability (Estimate) -0.307 -0.466 -51.9%
Voice and Accountability (Std. Error) 0.141 0.142 +0.7%

Source: World Bank — World Development Indicators. Data licensed CC BY 4.0.

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]]> https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-indicators-2023/feed 0 Sierra Leone 2024: inflation 28.63%, GDP $6.97B, pop 8.64M https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-indicators-2024 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-indicators-2024#respond Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:58:49 +0000 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-indicators-2024 GDP (current US$) 6.97B Life Expectancy at Birth (years) 61.96 years Population, Total 8.64M people Inflation, Consumer Prices (annual %) 28.63 27 Indicators Across 5 Pillars Health (3 indicators) Indicator2024 Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) 30.11 per 1,000…

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GDP (current US$)
6.97B
Life Expectancy at Birth (years)
61.96 years
Population, Total
8.64M people
Inflation, Consumer Prices (annual %)
28.63

27 Indicators Across 5 Pillars

Health (3 indicators)

Indicator 2024
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) 30.11 per 1,000
Death Rate (per 1,000 people) 8.21 per 1,000
Life Expectancy at Birth (years) 61.96 years

Environment (2 indicators)

Indicator 2024
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita) 0.169
Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions 7.93

Governance (14 indicators)

Indicator 2024
Control of Corruption (Estimate) -0.702
Control of Corruption (Std. Error) 0.154
Government Effectiveness (Estimate) -0.967
Government Effectiveness (Std. Error) 0.184
Individuals Using the Internet (% of population) 25.10
Political Stability (Estimate) -0.450
Political Stability (Std. Error) 0.238
Regulatory Quality (Estimate) -1.06
Regulatory Quality (Std. Error) 0.155
Rule of Law (Estimate) -0.839
Rule of Law (Std. Error) 0.137
Statistical Performance Indicators 59.94
Voice and Accountability (Estimate) -0.513
Voice and Accountability (Std. Error) 0.142

Economic (6 indicators)

Indicator 2024
GDP (current US$) 6.97B
Inflation, Consumer Prices (annual %) 28.63
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) 0.463
Real Interest Rate (%) 9.17
Risk Premium on Lending (%) 11.82
Trade in Services (% of GDP) 8.08

Demographics (2 indicators)

Indicator 2024
Population, Total 8.64M people
Rural Population 4.72M people

Year-over-Year Changes (2023 → 2024)

Indicator 2023 2024 Change
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) 30.60 per 1,000 30.11 per 1,000 -1.6%
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita) 0.167 0.169 +1.5%
Control of Corruption (Estimate) -0.569 -0.702 -23.5%
Control of Corruption (Std. Error) 0.154 0.154 +0.0%
Death Rate (per 1,000 people) 8.29 per 1,000 8.21 per 1,000 -0.9%
GDP (current US$) 6.42B 6.97B +8.7%
Government Effectiveness (Estimate) -0.954 -0.967 -1.3%
Government Effectiveness (Std. Error) 0.184 0.184 +0.0%
Individuals Using the Internet (% of population) 23.71 25.10 +5.9%
Inflation, Consumer Prices (annual %) 47.64 28.63 -39.9%
Life Expectancy at Birth (years) 61.79 years 61.96 years +0.3%
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) 0.603 0.463 -23.3%
Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions 7.79 7.93 +1.7%
Political Stability (Estimate) -0.556 -0.450 +19.0%
Political Stability (Std. Error) 0.238 0.238 +0.0%
Population, Total 8.46M people 8.64M people +2.1%
Real Interest Rate (%) -7.44 9.17 +223.2%
Regulatory Quality (Estimate) -0.999 -1.06 -6.0%
Regulatory Quality (Std. Error) 0.155 0.155 +0.0%
Risk Premium on Lending (%) 18.25 11.82 -35.3%
Rule of Law (Estimate) -0.827 -0.839 -1.4%
Rule of Law (Std. Error) 0.137 0.137 +0.0%
Rural Population 4.67M people 4.72M people +1.1%
Statistical Performance Indicators 61.11 59.94 -1.9%
Trade in Services (% of GDP) 6.59 8.08 +22.6%
Voice and Accountability (Estimate) -0.466 -0.513 -10.1%
Voice and Accountability (Std. Error) 0.142 0.142 +0.0%

Source: World Bank — World Development Indicators. Data licensed CC BY 4.0.

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]]> https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-indicators-2024/feed 0 Sierra Leone 1960s: independence decade, founding WDI record https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1960s https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1960s#respond Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:38:02 +0000 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1960s Avg GDP $353.52M Avg Population 2.45M Avg Life Expectancy 35.67 years Indicators covered 13 Indicator Aggregates by Pillar Environment IndicatorDecade MeanLowHighObs. Agricultural Land (% of land area) 36.50 36.19 36.84 9 Average Precipitation (mm/year) 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year…

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Avg GDP
$353.52M
Avg Population
2.45M
Avg Life Expectancy
35.67 years
Indicators covered
13

Indicator Aggregates by Pillar

Environment

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
Agricultural Land (% of land area) 36.50 36.19 36.84 9
Average Precipitation (mm/year) 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year 9
Land Area (sq. km) 72,180 sq. km 72,180 sq. km 72,180 sq. km 9

Health

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) 47.97 per 1,000 47.47 per 1,000 48.21 per 1,000 10
Death Rate (per 1,000 people) 29.07 per 1,000 26.89 per 1,000 31.16 per 1,000 10
Life Expectancy at Birth (years) 35.67 years 33.09 years 38.23 years 10

Economic

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
GDP (current US$) 353.52M 322.01M 408.69M 10
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) 0.763 0.693 0.873 10
Real Interest Rate (%) 3.67 -5.40 14.71 5
Risk Premium on Lending (%) 2.38 2.00 2.50 5

Demographics

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
Population Density (people per sq. km) 34.28 per sq. km 31.92 per sq. km 36.87 per sq. km 9
Population, Total 2.45M people 2.27M people 2.66M people 10
Rural Population 1.96M people 1.87M people 2.03M people 10

Historical Context

The 1960s opened with Sierra Leone's independence on 27 April 1961, and closed with the one-party APC state consolidated under Siaka Stevens.

Key Events (1960–1969)

  • 1961: Sierra Leone gains independence from the United Kingdom.
  • 1967: Siaka Stevens elected Prime Minister; disputed results trigger military intervention.

Source: World Bank Development Data Group — values aggregated across the 1960s.

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]]> https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1960s/feed 0 Sierra Leone 1970s: one-party republic, APC era indicators https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1970s https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1970s#respond Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:38:02 +0000 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1970s Avg GDP $657.93M Avg Population 2.95M Avg Life Expectancy 40.66 years Indicators covered 16 Indicator Aggregates by Pillar Environment IndicatorDecade MeanLowHighObs. Agricultural Land (% of land area) 37.24 36.91 37.67 10 Average Precipitation (mm/year) 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year…

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Avg GDP
$657.93M
Avg Population
2.95M
Avg Life Expectancy
40.66 years
Indicators covered
16

Indicator Aggregates by Pillar

Environment

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
Agricultural Land (% of land area) 37.24 36.91 37.67 10
Average Precipitation (mm/year) 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year 10
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita) 0.141 0.130 0.165 10
Land Area (sq. km) 72,180 sq. km 72,180 sq. km 72,180 sq. km 10
Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2.31 2.11 2.52 10

Health

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) 47.22 per 1,000 47.00 per 1,000 47.43 per 1,000 10
Death Rate (per 1,000 people) 24.85 per 1,000 23.31 per 1,000 26.53 per 1,000 10
Life Expectancy at Birth (years) 40.66 years 38.62 years 42.53 years 10

Economic

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
GDP (current US$) 657.93M 419.55M 1.11B 10
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) 1.04 0.899 1.21 10
Real Interest Rate (%) -0.725 -12.36 16.04 10
Risk Premium on Lending (%) 3.48 2.50 5.50 10
Trade in Services (% of GDP) 8.64 7.68 9.36 3

Demographics

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
Population Density (people per sq. km) 40.90 per sq. km 37.58 per sq. km 44.44 per sq. km 10
Population, Total 2.95M people 2.71M people 3.21M people 10
Rural Population 2.14M people 2.05M people 2.25M people 10

Historical Context

The 1970s were defined by APC consolidation, the formal adoption of a republican constitution (1971), and the rising political weight of diamond revenues.

Key Events (1970–1979)

  • 1971: Sierra Leone becomes a republic; Stevens becomes first Executive President.
  • 1978: One-party state formalised by constitutional referendum.

Shift from 1960s to 1970s

Indicator Change in Decade Average
Real Interest Rate (%) -119.8%
GDP (current US$) +86.1%
Risk Premium on Lending (%) +45.8%
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) +35.9%
Population, Total +20.3%
Population Density (people per sq. km) +19.3%
Death Rate (per 1,000 people) -14.5%
Life Expectancy at Birth (years) +14.0%
Rural Population +9.6%
Agricultural Land (% of land area) +2.0%
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) -1.6%
Average Precipitation (mm/year) +0.0%
Land Area (sq. km) +0.0%

Source: World Bank Development Data Group — values aggregated across the 1970s.

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]]> https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1970s/feed 0 Sierra Leone 1980s: economic decline, IMF austerity indicators https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1980s https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1980s#respond Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:38:02 +0000 https://thejournalofsierraleonestudies.com/economy/sierra-leone-1980s Avg GDP $958.87M Avg Population 3.62M Avg Life Expectancy 43.46 years Indicators covered 16 Indicator Aggregates by Pillar Environment IndicatorDecade MeanLowHighObs. Agricultural Land (% of land area) 38.54 37.74 39.14 10 Average Precipitation (mm/year) 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year…

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Avg GDP
$958.87M
Avg Population
3.62M
Avg Life Expectancy
43.46 years
Indicators covered
16

Indicator Aggregates by Pillar

Environment

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
Agricultural Land (% of land area) 38.54 37.74 39.14 10
Average Precipitation (mm/year) 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year 10
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita) 0.172 0.137 0.235 10
Land Area (sq. km) 72,180 sq. km 72,180 sq. km 72,180 sq. km 10
Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2.69 2.51 3.03 10

Health

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) 46.65 per 1,000 46.25 per 1,000 46.84 per 1,000 10
Death Rate (per 1,000 people) 22.35 per 1,000 21.89 per 1,000 23.02 per 1,000 10
Life Expectancy at Birth (years) 43.46 years 42.84 years 43.77 years 10

Economic

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
GDP (current US$) 958.87M 490.18M 1.30B 10
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) 0.387 0.225 0.587 10
Real Interest Rate (%) -15.50 -51.62 18.10 10
Risk Premium on Lending (%) 6.13 1.63 12.04 10
Trade in Services (% of GDP) 9.09 6.92 12.55 10

Demographics

Indicator Decade Mean Low High Obs.
Population Density (people per sq. km) 50.19 per sq. km 45.33 per sq. km 55.89 per sq. km 10
Population, Total 3.62M people 3.27M people 4.03M people 10
Rural Population 2.47M people 2.28M people 2.69M people 10

Historical Context

The 1980s brought the 1985 succession of Joseph Momoh and a slide in primary export prices that pressured fiscal accounts.

Key Events (1980–1989)

  • 1985: Joseph Momoh succeeds Stevens as President.
  • 1987: Economic Emergency declared amid fiscal crisis.

Shift from 1970s to 1980s

Indicator Change in Decade Average
Real Interest Rate (%) -2,037.2%
Risk Premium on Lending (%) +76.3%
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) -62.6%
GDP (current US$) +45.7%
Population Density (people per sq. km) +22.7%
Population, Total +22.7%
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita) +21.5%
Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions +16.6%
Rural Population +15.1%
Death Rate (per 1,000 people) -10.1%
Life Expectancy at Birth (years) +6.9%
Trade in Services (% of GDP) +5.3%
Agricultural Land (% of land area) +3.5%
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) -1.2%
Average Precipitation (mm/year) +0.0%

Source: World Bank Development Data Group — values aggregated across the 1980s.

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