Sierra Leone in the 1990s: Development Indicators Summary

Sierra Leone across the 1990s: aggregated averages, peaks, and troughs computed from World Bank WDI coverage between 1990 and 1999. Decade Summary IndicatorDecade meanDecade lowDecade highObs. Agricultural Land (% of land area) 38.97 38.85 39.14 10 Average Precipitation…

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Sierra Leone across the 1990s: aggregated averages, peaks, and troughs
computed from World Bank WDI coverage between 1990 and 1999.

Decade Summary

Indicator Decade mean Decade low Decade high Obs.
Agricultural Land (% of land area) 38.97 38.85 39.14 10
Average Precipitation (mm/year) 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year 2,526 mm/year 10
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people) 45.71 per 1,000 45.19 per 1,000 46.03 per 1,000 10
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita) 288.48 197.20 350.50 10
Death Rate (per 1,000 people) 21.56 per 1,000 21.05 per 1,000 21.97 per 1,000 10
Forest Land (% of land area) 42.09 40.86 43.32 10
GDP (current US$) 779.49M 649.64M 941.74M 10
Individuals Using the Internet (% of population) 0.007 0.000 0.048 10
Land Area (sq. km) 72,180 sq. km 72,180 sq. km 72,180 sq. km 10
Life Expectancy at Birth (years) 43.27 years 42.07 years 44.06 years 10
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) 1.70 0.765 2.69 10
Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2,888 2,373 3,185 10
Population Density (people per sq. km) 60.43 per sq. km 59.51 per sq. km 62.00 per sq. km 10
Population, Total 4.36M people 4.30M people 4.48M people 10
Real Interest Rate (%) -0.451 -31.70 21.14 10
Renewable Energy Consumption (% of total) 93.46 91.80 94.96 10
Risk Premium on Lending (%) 5.60 -15.80 21.82 10
Rural Population 2.86M people 2.84M people 2.91M people 10
Trade in Services (% of GDP) 16.74 8.67 22.78 10

Historical Context

The 1990s were dominated by the civil war (1991–2002), IMF programmes, and severe demographic disruption.

Key Sub-period Events

  • 1991: Civil war begins with RUF incursion from Liberia.
  • 1996: Ahmad Tejan Kabbah elected President; brief return to civilian rule.
  • 1999: Lomé Peace Accord signed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Sierra Leone's average GDP in the 1990s?

Averaged across the 1990s, Sierra Leone's GDP (current US$) was $779.49M, with a decade low of $649.64M and high of $941.74M.

What was average life expectancy in Sierra Leone during the 1990s?

Life expectancy at birth averaged 43.27 years across the 1990s (low 42.07, high 44.06).

How large was Sierra Leone's population in the 1990s?

Population averaged 4.36M across the 1990s, ranging from 4.30M to 4.48M.

Which political events defined Sierra Leone in the 1990s?

The 1990s were dominated by the civil war (1991–2002), IMF programmes, and severe demographic disruption. Specific events are listed in the Key Sub-period Events list above.

Source: World Bank Development Data Group — values aggregated across the 1990s.

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