Life in Sierra Leone: Every Number That Shapes It (1800–2100)

The statistics of Sierra Leone reveal a quiet, steady transformation of human potential. When we measure the progress of a nation, we look at how the basic conditions of daily existence have shifted over time. From the availability of electricity to the reach of the classroom, these indicators map the transition from survival toward greater agency. By examining these figures, we gain a clearer understanding of the collective effort required to elevate life expectancy and reduce the burden of extreme poverty across generations, tracing the resilience of a population.

The historical trajectory from the 1950s to the present is defined by significant expansion. In the 1950s, life expectancy at birth was 36 years; now it is 62 years. Child mortality has fallen from 320 to 75 per 1,000 births, while years of schooling have increased from 1.2 to 6 years. Access to electricity at home has climbed from 3 to 48 %, and the proportion of the population living in cities has risen from 11 to 41 %. These shifts document a society that is fundamentally changing how its people work and live.

If you were born in Sierra Leone in the 2020s, you can expect to live 62 years on an average income of 3,800 international dollars. While 35 % of the population still faces extreme poverty, the growth in internet access to 29 % and the stabilization of the homicide rate at 9.5 per 100,000 offer a glimpse of evolving opportunities. With annual working hours at 2,050 and the average male height at 169 cm, the data suggests a shifting baseline for the future. Use our tools to see your parallel life in Sierra Leone.