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Photo: Annabel Symington derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone places highest on Water Stress (top 7% worldwide) and lowest on Vulnerable Employment (bottom 1%).
Sierra Leone in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
8,460,512
people
since 1950
Land area
72,180
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
3,176
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
61.79
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.467
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
3.15
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Sierra Leone
Key facts about Sierra Leone
- Capital
- Freetown
- Official languages
- English, Krio
- Currency
- leone (SLE)
- ISO code
- SLE · SL
- Domain · dialling
- .sl · +232
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Sierra Leone’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
4thof 161
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint68thof 177
From 3 of 3 key statistics
83rdof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint120thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
115thof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
160thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
156thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint177thof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
167thof 182
From 3 of 4 key statistics
142ndof 150
From 2 of 3 key statistics
195thof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
No standing — Sierra Leone holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Sierra Leone’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Sierra Leone in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Sierra Leone stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Sierra Leone sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Sierra Leone does best6
In the top third of all countries measured. 1 is within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
Position · derived 15th of 190 · 95.24 · 2024
world median 31.14 (better) · ▲ 6 pts since 2014
Rank 138th of 149 · 1 = worst · 49.05 · 2023
world median 100.66 (better) · ▲ 8 pts since 2013
- Youth Unemployment Ratetop 8%
Position · derived 168th of 182 · 1 = worst · 3.72 · 2025
world median 12.83 (better) · ▲ 16 pts since 2015
Position · derived 30th of 181 · 19,331 · 2022
world median 2,528 (better)
Where Sierra Leone struggles most14
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 14 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 2ndVulnerable Employmentbottom 1%
Position · derived 2nd of 182 · 1 = worst · 86.04 · 2025
world median 28.67 (worse)
- 3rdCost of Sending Remittancesbottom 2%
Position · derived 3rd of 93 · 1 = worst · 10.34 · 2023
world median 3.225 (worse) · ▼ 18 pts since 2016
- 4thInformal Employment Ratebottom 3%
Position · derived 4th of 97 · 1 = worst · 93.2 · 2025
world median 36.83 (worse)
- 6thBusiness Ready: Regulatory Frameworkbottom 10%
Position · derived 45th of 50 · 54.05 · 2024
world median 66.8 (worse)
- 6thPrevalence of Severe Food Insecuritybottom 4%
Position · derived 6th of 127 · 1 = worst · 33.7 · 2023
world median 4.7 (worse)
- 7thBusiness Ready: Public Servicesbottom 12%
Position · derived 44th of 50 · 30.73 · 2024
world median 50.13 (worse)
- 7thCoefficient of Human Inequalitybottom 4%
Position · derived 7th of 169 · 1 = worst · 39.52 · 2023
world median 17.05 (worse)
- 7thUnder-Five Mortality Ratebottom 3%
Position · derived 7th of 200 · 1 = worst · 90.5 · 2024
world median 14.54 (worse)
- 8th
Position · derived 162nd of 169 · 0.281 · 2023
world median 0.609 (worse)
- 9thBusiness Ready: Operational Efficiencybottom 16%
Position · derived 42nd of 50 · 52.51 · 2024
world median 65.82 (worse)
- 9th
- 10thAdult Literacy Ratebottom 5%
Position · derived 163rd of 172 · 43.58 · 2024
world median 93.99 (worse)
- 10thHuman Capital Indexbottom 5%
Position · derived 163rd of 172 · 0.363 · 2020
world median 0.564 (worse)
- 10thPlanetary pressures-adjusted HDIbottom 6%
Position · derived 147th of 156 · 0.459 · 2023
world median 0.678 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Sierra Leone can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
134th
of 141 · 1990
185th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
122nd
of 173 · 2012
109th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
122nd
of 134 · 2003
152nd
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 21 of 34 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
157th
of 172 · 2020
175th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Sierra Leone has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- GDP Growth+69 pts since 2015
- Women, Business and the Law+52 pts since 2014
- Organic Agricultural Area+32 pts since 2015
Losing ground
Where Sierra Leone has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Food Production Index-49 pts since 2012
- Crop Production Index-43 pts since 2012
- Livestock Production Index-40 pts since 2012
05In context
Sierra Leone and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Western Africa
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- 99
Ghana - =110
Côte d’Ivoire - 117
Senegal - 121
Benin - =125
Togo - 134Sierra Leone
- =139
Nigeria - 141
Burkina Faso - 148
Liberia - =150
Gambia - 158
Guinea - 159
Mali - =163
Niger - 165
Guinea-Bissau - 166
Mauritania - —
Cabo Verdenot placed
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Sierra Leone
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions25
Agriculture Orientation Index106th of 132position · derived0.13Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
bottom 19% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Sierra Leone 0.13 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2014
Business Ready: Operational Efficiency42nd of 50position · derived52.51Operational efficiency score (0–100)2024
bottom 16% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Operational efficiency score (0–100)
Sierra Leone 52.51 · world median 65.82 (worse)
Best in the world 87.33 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Public Services44th of 50position · derived30.73Public services score (0–100)2024
bottom 12% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public services score (0–100)
Sierra Leone 30.73 · world median 50.13 (worse)
Best in the world 73.31 (Estonia)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Regulatory Framework45th of 50position · derived54.05Regulatory framework score (0–100)2024
bottom 10% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory framework score (0–100)
Sierra Leone 54.05 · world median 66.8 (worse)
Best in the world 78.34 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Civic Space Ratings111th of 198position · derived44.22Civic space score (0–100)2025
bottom 44% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Sierra Leone 44.22 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 32%90.4Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
bottom 32% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Sierra Leone 90.4 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index109th of 181rank34CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
bottom 39% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Sierra Leone 34 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment47th of 78position · derived3.067IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
bottom 40% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Sierra Leone 3.067 · world median 3.246 (worse)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt74th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst9.49Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
top 32% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Sierra Leone 9.49 · world median 12.93 (better)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)83rd of 110position · derived · 1 = worst31.13External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
top 25% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Sierra Leone 31.13 · world median 43.94 (better)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
General Government Consumption127th of 132position · derived5.947General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 4% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 5.947 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
No real change since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index175th of 195rank19.68AI readiness score (0–100)2025
bottom 10% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Sierra Leone 19.68 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
No real change since 2020
Government Effectiveness179th of 209position · derived-0.967Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
bottom 14% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Sierra Leone -0.967 · world median 0.01 (worse)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Government Spending on Education96th of 123position · derived2.625Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
bottom 22% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 2.625 · world median 3.709 (worse)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2013
Open Data Inventory135th of 168rank42ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 19% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Sierra Leone 42 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment111th of 135position · derived5.96Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
bottom 18% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Sierra Leone 5.96 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill88th of 168position · derived7.912Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
bottom 48% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 7.912 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality183rd of 209position · derived-1.059Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
bottom 13% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Sierra Leone -1.059 · world median -0.09 (worse)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Rule of Law156th of 211position · derived-0.839Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
bottom 26% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Sierra Leone -0.839 · world median -0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators134th of 188position · derived59.94SPI overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 29% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Sierra Leone 59.94 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density45th of 139position · derived23.7Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
top 32% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Sierra Leone 23.7 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index92nd of 176position · derived0.471Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 48% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Sierra Leone 0.471 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Voice and Accountability132nd of 208position · derived-0.513Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
bottom 37% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Sierra Leone -0.513 · world median -0.02 (worse)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Women, Business and the Law36th of 190position · derived92.5WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 19% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Sierra Leone 92.5 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▲ +52 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation23
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution124th of 139position · derived38.62Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 11% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Sierra Leone 38.62 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
No real change since 2014
Agricultural Land51st of 209position · derived54.71Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
top 24% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Sierra Leone 54.71 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)11th of 158position · derived29.54Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 6% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 29.54 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Cereal Yield144th of 179position · derived1,470Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
bottom 20% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Sierra Leone 1,470 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Crop Production Index100th of 195position · derived105.75Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 49% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Sierra Leone 105.75 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -43 percentile points since 2012
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)111th of 138position · derived20.89Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 20% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 20.89 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare182nd of 188position · derived2.666Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
bottom 5% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Sierra Leone 2.666 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
No real change since 2013
Food Production Index108th of 195position · derived104.72Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 45% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Sierra Leone 104.72 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -49 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth52nd of 186position · derived4.609GDP growth (annual %)2025
top 28% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Sierra Leone 4.609 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▲ +69 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)165th of 185position · derived3,176GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 11% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Sierra Leone 3,176 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
GNI per Capita (PPP)87th of 102position · derived3,023GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 15% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Sierra Leone 3,023 · world median 14,273 (worse)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)64th of 131position · derived23.2Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
top 48% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 23.2 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▲ +33 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)91st of 146position · derived19.18Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
bottom 38% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 19.18 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption25th of 131position · derived78.17Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 18% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 78.17 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)104th of 138position · derived28.21Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 25% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 28.21 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)65th of 158position · derived25.7Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
top 41% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 25.7 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▲ +35 percentile points since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index162nd of 169position · derived0.281IHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 4% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Sierra Leone 0.281 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index121st of 175rank27.27LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
bottom 30% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Sierra Leone 27.27 · world median 56.21 (worse)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Density145th of 188position · derived0.26Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 22% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Sierra Leone 0.26 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Production Index127th of 194position · derived101.8Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 35% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Sierra Leone 101.8 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -40 percentile points since 2012
Net Official Development Assistance Received29th of 130position · derived7.825Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
top 22% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Sierra Leone 7.825 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)48th of 180position · derived9.037Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
top 24% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 9.037 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)107th of 138position · derived49.1Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
bottom 23% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Sierra Leone 49.1 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Work & Labour17
Average Weekly Hours Worked40th of 182position · derived42.95Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
top 22% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Sierra Leone 42.95 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture31st of 182position · derived44.49Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
top 17% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Sierra Leone 44.49 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry156th of 182position · derived11.47Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
bottom 14% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Sierra Leone 11.47 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services145th of 182position · derived44.04Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
bottom 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Sierra Leone 44.04 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio131st of 182position · derived51.69Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
bottom 28% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Sierra Leone 51.69 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate107th of 182position · derived51.6Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 41% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Sierra Leone 51.6 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager129th of 179position · derived12.96Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
bottom 28% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Sierra Leone 12.96 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed147th of 168position · derived9,855GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
bottom 13% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Sierra Leone 9,855 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Informal Employment Rate4th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst93.2Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 3% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Sierra Leone 93.2 · world median 36.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate144th of 182position · derived53.37Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 21% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Sierra Leone 53.37 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked161st of 182position · derived4.41Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
bottom 12% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Sierra Leone 4.41 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate3rd of 182position · derived88.81Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
top 1% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Sierra Leone 88.81 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate138th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst3.15Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 24% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Sierra Leone 3.15 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment2nd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst86.04Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 1% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Sierra Leone 86.04 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Working Poverty Ratebottom 20%35.47Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
bottom 20% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Sierra Leone 35.47 · world median 4.885 (worse)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate168th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst3.72Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 8% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Sierra Leone 3.72 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge7
Adult Literacy Rate163rd of 172position · derived43.58Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 5% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Sierra Leone 43.58 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling178th of 195position · derived9.064Expected years of schooling2023
bottom 9% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Sierra Leone 9.064 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling182nd of 193position · derived3.535Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
bottom 6% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Sierra Leone 3.535 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate109th of 120position · derived24.97Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
bottom 9% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Sierra Leone 24.97 · world median 65.93 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Primary Completion Rate142nd of 165position · derived68.81Primary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 14% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Sierra Leone 68.81 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Upper Secondary Completion Rate151st of 164position · derived13.33Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 8% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Sierra Leone 13.33 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 10%72.9915–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 10% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Sierra Leone 72.99 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing19
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff74th of 86position · derived86.9Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
bottom 14% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Sierra Leone 86.9 · world median 98.8 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
No real change since 2010
Children with Functional Difficultiestop 8%23.1Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
top 8% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Sierra Leone 23.1 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply136th of 155position · derived2,415Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
bottom 12% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Sierra Leone 2,415 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months45th of 136position · derived50.89Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
top 33% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Sierra Leone 50.89 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Female Genital Mutilation Prevalencebottom 22%83Women aged 15-49 who have undergone FGM (%)2024
bottom 22% of 31 countries measured
UNICEF · Women aged 15-49 who have undergone FGM (%)
Sierra Leone 83 · world median 34.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0.3 (Uganda)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index152nd of 172rank0.566GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
bottom 12% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Sierra Leone 0.566 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index15th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.293MPI (0–1)2025
bottom 13% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Sierra Leone 0.293 · world median 0.039 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2018
Global Report on Food Crises24th of 44position · derived · 1 = worst20.4In IPC Phase 3+ (% of analysed population)2024
top 47% of 44 countries measured
Food Security Information Network (FSIN) · In IPC Phase 3+ (% of analysed population)
Sierra Leone 20.4 · world median 22 (better)
Best in the world 3 (El Salvador)
▼ -28 percentile points since 2016
Global Violent Deaths125th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst2.55Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 40% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Sierra Leone 2.55 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index163rd of 172position · derived0.363HCI score (0–1)2020
bottom 5% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Sierra Leone 0.363 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
No real change since 2017
Human Development Index185th of 193rank0.467HDI score (0–1)2023
bottom 4% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Sierra Leone 0.467 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth211th of 222position · derived61.79Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
bottom 5% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Sierra Leone 61.79 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio21st of 195position · derived · 1 = worst353.56Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
bottom 10% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Sierra Leone 353.56 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare159th of 178position · derived0.2Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
bottom 12% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Sierra Leone 0.2 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
No real change since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity6th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst33.7Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
bottom 4% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Sierra Leone 33.7 · world median 4.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment16th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst24.1Population undernourished (%)2023
bottom 9% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Sierra Leone 24.1 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five38th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst26.26Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
bottom 23% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Sierra Leone 26.26 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate7th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst90.5Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 3% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Sierra Leone 90.5 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children17th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst86.5Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
bottom 18% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Sierra Leone 86.5 · world median 75.8 (worse)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital11
Access to Electricitybottom 5%39.2Population with electricity access (%)2024
bottom 5% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Sierra Leone 39.2 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Arable Land per Person66th of 206position · derived0.187Arable land (hectares per person)2023
top 32% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Sierra Leone 0.187 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiobottom 38%28.2Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
bottom 38% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Sierra Leone 28.2 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
No real change since 2012
Child Marriage31st of 143position · derived · 1 = worst29.6Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
bottom 21% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Sierra Leone 29.6 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality7th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst39.52Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
bottom 4% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Sierra Leone 39.52 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2013
Cost of Sending Remittances3rd of 93position · derived · 1 = worst10.34Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
bottom 2% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Sierra Leone 10.34 · world median 3.225 (worse)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2016
Gender Development Index174th of 184position · derived0.83Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 5% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Sierra Leone 0.83 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production79th of 179position · derived1,045,605Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 44% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Sierra Leone 1,045,605 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area41st of 150position · derived4.24Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 26% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Sierra Leone 4.24 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +32 percentile points since 2015
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI147th of 156position · derived0.459PHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 6% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Sierra Leone 0.459 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector129th of 171position · derived21.54Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 26% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Sierra Leone 21.54 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Environment & Sustainability8
Agricultural Emissions126th of 193position · derived4,108Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
bottom 37% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Sierra Leone 4,108 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Ecological Footprint104th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst0.971Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
top 18% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Sierra Leone 0.971 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
No real change since 2015
Forest Area92nd of 210position · derived34.3Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 43% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Sierra Leone 34.3 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster108th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst1,100New displacements by disaster (people)2024
top 32% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Sierra Leone 1,100 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▲ +30 percentile points since 2017
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita30th of 181position · derived19,331Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 16% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Sierra Leone 19,331 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation15th of 190position · derived95.24Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
top 7% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Sierra Leone 95.24 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress164th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst0.5Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
top 7% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Sierra Leone 0.5 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
World Risk Index83rd of 193position · derived · 1 = worst4.96WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 43% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Sierra Leone 4.96 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality1
Social Institutions and Gender Index24th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst47.8SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
bottom 17% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Sierra Leone 47.8 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Sierra Leone 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index138th of 149rank · 1 = worst49.05GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
top 7% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Sierra Leone 49.05 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index54th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst5.1INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
bottom 29% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Sierra Leone 5.1 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
No real change since 2016
Physical Violence Index101st of 176position · derived0.705Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
bottom 43% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Sierra Leone 0.705 · world median 0.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence148th of 211position · derived-0.45Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
bottom 30% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Sierra Leone -0.45 · world median 0.04 (worse)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Sierra Leone. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2020
- Agricultural Irrigated Land
- Container Port Traffic · last seen 2019
- Economic Complexity Index
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2018
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Gini Index · last seen 2018
- Global Innovation Index
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2021
- ICT Goods Exports · last seen 2018
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2018
- INFORM Severity Index
- Logistics Performance Index · last seen 2018
- Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2015
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2018
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2018
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2018
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2018
- Research and Development Spending
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2001
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2002
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2019
- World Energy Trilemma Index
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2018
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Sierra Leone can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 28 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Sierra Leone on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Sierra Leone: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/sierra-leone