Sierra Leone across the 1970s: aggregated averages, peaks, and troughs
computed from World Bank WDI coverage between 1970 and 1979.
Decade Summary
| Indicator | Decade mean | Decade low | Decade 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 |
| Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) | 47.31 per 1,000 | 46.74 per 1,000 | 47.81 per 1,000 | 10 |
| Death Rate (per 1,000 people) | 24.60 per 1,000 | 22.88 per 1,000 | 26.47 per 1,000 | 10 |
| GDP (current US$) | 658.01M | 419.50M | 1.11B | 10 |
| Land Area (sq. km) | 72,180 sq. km | 72,180 sq. km | 72,180 sq. km | 10 |
| Life Expectancy at Birth (years) | 40.89 years | 38.79 years | 42.87 years | 10 |
| Military Expenditure (% of GDP) | 1.04 | 0.899 | 1.21 | 10 |
| Population Density (people per sq. km) | 42.00 per sq. km | 38.49 per sq. km | 45.72 per sq. km | 10 |
| Population, Total | 3.03M people | 2.78M people | 3.30M people | 10 |
| Real Interest Rate (%) | -0.725 | -12.36 | 16.04 | 10 |
| Risk Premium on Lending (%) | 3.48 | 2.50 | 5.50 | 10 |
| Rural Population | 2.21M people | 2.11M people | 2.33M people | 10 |
| Trade in Services (% of GDP) | 8.64 | 7.68 | 9.36 | 3 |
Historical Context
The 1970s were defined by APC consolidation, the formal adoption of a republican constitution (1971), and the rising political weight of diamond revenues.
Key Sub-period Events
- 1971: Sierra Leone becomes a republic; Stevens becomes first Executive President.
- 1978: One-party state formalised by constitutional referendum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sierra Leone's average GDP in the 1970s?
Averaged across the 1970s, Sierra Leone's GDP (current US$) was $658.01M, with a decade low of $419.50M and high of $1.11B.
What was average life expectancy in Sierra Leone during the 1970s?
Life expectancy at birth averaged 40.89 years across the 1970s (low 38.79, high 42.87).
How large was Sierra Leone's population in the 1970s?
Population averaged 3.03M across the 1970s, ranging from 2.78M to 3.30M.
Which political events defined Sierra Leone in the 1970s?
The 1970s were defined by APC consolidation, the formal adoption of a republican constitution (1971), and the rising political weight of diamond revenues. Specific events are listed in the Key Sub-period Events list above.
Source: World Bank Development Data Group — values aggregated across the 1970s.