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Sub-Saharan Africa / SLE

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone flag
ⓘ

2021 Factbook flag mirror; image identity has not been individually audited. Source.

Last updated: October 29, 2026

World Bank directory: capital Freetown · 8.4821°, -13.2134° · sourceRetrieved 2026-10-29 · single source, unverified; directory metadata may be stale.
Sierra Leone: CIA World Factbook map from 2021; original boundary notes preserved.
ⓘCIA World Factbook map, February 2021 media edition. Identity reviewed; current boundaries have not been audited. visual contact sheet or original identity check; does not verify current boundaries Boundaries, place names and designations may be dated or disputed; original annotations retained. SHA-256: 0193c58f87ed3b3cdd383f172df10c2b1a11a6979bf48174efaa3aa012449787. Provenance and inspection record.

Introduction

Background:1

Continuously populated for at least 2,500 years, the area now known as Sierra Leone is covered with dense jungle that allowed the region to remain relatively protected from invading West African empires. Traders introduced Sierra Leone to Islam, which occupies a central role in Sierra Leonean culture and history. In the 17 th century, the British set up a trading post near present-day Freetown. The trade originally involved timber and ivory but later expanded to enslaved people. In 1787, after the American Revolution, Sierra Leone became a destination for Black British loyalists from the new United States. When Britain abolished the slave trade in 1807, British ships delivered thousands of liberated Africans to Sierra Leone. During the 19 th century, the colony gradually expanded inland.

In 1961, Sierra Leone became independent of the UK. Sierra Leone held free and fair elections in 1962 and 1967, but Siaka STEVENS -- Sierra Leone’s second prime minister -- quickly reverted to authoritarian tendencies, outlawing most political parties and ruling from 1967 to 1985. In 1991, Sierra Leonean soldiers launched a civil war against STEVENS’ ruling party. The war caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced more than 2 million people (about one third of the population). In 1998, a Nigerian-led West African coalition military force intervened, installing Tejan KABBAH -- who was originally elected in 1996 -- as prime minister. In 2002, KABBAH officially announced the end of the war. Since 1998, Sierra Leone has conducted democratic elections dominated by the two main political parties, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) party. In 2018, Julius Maada BIO of the Sierra Leone People’s Party won the presidential election that saw a high voter turnout despite some allegations of voter intimidation. BIO won again in June 2023, although irregularities were noted that called into question the integrity of the results. In October 2023, the Government of Sierra Leone and the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress, signed the Agreement for National Unity to boost cooperation between political parties and begin the process of reforming the country’s electoral system.

Geography

Location:2

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia

Geographic coordinates:3

8 30 N, 11 30 W

Map references:4

Africa

Area:5

Surface area: 72,300 square kilometers (2024)

total:71,740 sq km
land:71,620 sq km
water:120 sq km

Area - comparative:7

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:8

total:1,093 km
border countries (2):Guinea 794 km; Liberia 299 km

Coastline:9

402 km

Maritime claims:10

territorial sea:12 nm
contiguous zone:24 nm
exclusive economic zone:200 nm
continental shelf:200 nm

Climate:11

tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)

Terrain:12

coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in east

Elevation:13

highest point:Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m
lowest point:Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation:279 m

Natural resources:14

diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite

Land use:15

agricultural land:54.7% (2023 est.)
arable land:21.9% (2023 est.)
permanent crops:2.3% (2023 est.)
permanent pasture:30.5% (2023 est.)
forest:34.3% (2023 est.)
other:11% (2023 est.)

Irrigated land:16

300 sq km (2012)

Major watersheds (area sq km):17

Atlantic Ocean drainage:Niger (2,261,741 sq km)

Population distribution:18

population clusters are found in the lower elevations of the south and west; the northern third of the country is less populated, as shown on this population distribution map

Natural hazards:19

dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to February); sandstorms, dust storms

Geography - note:20

rainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 in) a year, making it one of the wettest places along coastal western Africa

People and Society

Population:21

Population: 8,819,794 people (2025)

total:9,121,049 (2024 est.)
male:4,515,726
female:4,605,323

Nationality:23

noun:Sierra Leonean(s)
adjective:Sierra Leonean

Ethnic groups:24

Temne 35.4%, Mende 30.8%, Limba 8.8%, Kono 4.3%, Korankoh 4%, Fullah 3.8%, Mandingo 2.8%, Loko 2%, Sherbro 1.9%, Creole 1.2% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century; also known as Krio), other 5% (2019 est.)

Languages:25

English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves; a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)

Religions:26

Muslim 77.1%, Christian 22.9% (2019 est.)

Age structure:27

0-14 years:40.1% (male 1,843,606/female 1,812,304)
15-64 years:57.4% (male 2,557,715/female 2,675,418)
65 years and over:2.5% (2024 est.) (male 114,405/female 117,601)

Dependency ratios:28

total dependency ratio:74.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio:69.9 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio:4.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio:22.6 (2024 est.)

Median age:29

total:19.4 years (2024 est.)
male:19 years
female:19.9 years

Population growth rate:30

Population growth rate: 2.04 % annually (2025)

2.32% (2024 est.)

Birth rate:32

Crude birth rate: 30.11 births per 1,000 people (2024)

30.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Death rate:34

Crude death rate: 8.21 deaths per 1,000 people (2024)

9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Net migration rate:36

1.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Population distribution:37

population clusters are found in the lower elevations of the south and west; the northern third of the country is less populated, as shown on this population distribution map

Urbanization:38

Urban population: 45.93 % of population (2025)

urban population:44.3% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization:3.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas - population:40

1.309 million FREETOWN (capital) (2023)

Sex ratio:41

at birth:1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years:0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.97 male(s)/female
total population:0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Mother's mean age at first birth:42

19.6 years (2019 est.)

note:data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49

Maternal mortality ratio:43

Maternal mortality ratio: 354 deaths per 100,000 live births (2023)

354 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

Infant mortality rate:45

Infant mortality rate: 54.6 deaths per 1,000 live births (2024)

total:71.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male:76 deaths/1,000 live births
female:66.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:47

Life expectancy at birth: 61.96 years (2024)

total population:59.4 years (2024 est.)
male:57.8 years
female:61 years

Total fertility rate:49

Total fertility rate: 3.7 births per woman (2024)

3.61 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Gross reproduction rate:51

1.78 (2024 est.)

Drinking water source:52

At least basic drinking water services: 68.08 % of population (2024)

improved
urban:79.8% of population (2022 est.)
rural:54.1% of population (2022 est.)
total:65.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved
urban:20.2% of population (2022 est.)
rural:45.9% of population (2022 est.)
total:34.7% of population (2022 est.)

Health expenditure:54

Current health expenditure: 4.72 % of GDP (2023)

Health expenditure (as % of GDP):8.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget):5.2% of national budget (2022 est.)

Physician density:56

Physicians: 0.13 per 1,000 people (2022)

0.13 physicians/1,000 population (2022)

Sanitation facility access:58

At least basic sanitation services: 24.91 % of population (2024)

improved
urban:81.9% of population (2022 est.)
rural:37.9% of population (2022 est.)
total:57.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved
urban:18.1% of population (2022 est.)
rural:62.1% of population (2022 est.)
total:42.8% of population (2022 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate:60

8.7% (2016)

Alcohol consumption per capita:61

total:3.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer:0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine:0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits:0.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols:2.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Tobacco use:62

total:9.8% (2025 est.)
male:14.8% (2025 est.)
female:4.9% (2025 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight:63

12% (2021 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49):64

58.9% (2023 est.)

Child marriage:65

women married by age 15:8.6% (2019)
women married by age 18:29.6% (2019)
men married by age 18:4.1% (2019)

Education expenditure:66

Government education expenditure: 2.62 % of GDP (2023)

Education expenditure (% GDP):2.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget):20.5% national budget (2025 est.)

Literacy:68

total population:43.6% (2019 est.)
male:54.6% (2019 est.)
female:33.9% (2019 est.)

Environment

Environmental issues:69

overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn agriculture resulting in deforestation, soil exhaustion, and flooding; loss of biodiversity; air pollution; water pollution; overfishing

International environmental agreements:70

party to:Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified:Environmental Modification

Climate:71

tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)

Land use:72

agricultural land:54.7% (2023 est.)
arable land:21.9% (2023 est.)
permanent crops:2.3% (2023 est.)
permanent pasture:30.5% (2023 est.)
forest:34.3% (2023 est.)
other:11% (2023 est.)

Urbanization:73

urban population:44.3% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization:3.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions:74

total emissions:1.342 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids:1.342 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Particulate matter emissions:75

45.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Waste and recycling:76

municipal solid waste generated annually:610,200 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled:9.7% (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal:77

municipal:111 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial:55.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural:45.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total renewable water resources:78

160 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Government

Country name:79

conventional long form:Republic of Sierra Leone
conventional short form:Sierra Leone
local long form:Republic of Sierra Leone
local short form:Sierra Leone
etymology:Portuguese explorer Pedro de SINTRA is usually credited with naming the country "Serra da Leao" (Lion Mountains) in 1462, but Venetian explorer Alvise CA' DA MOSTO recorded the name as "Serre-Lionne" in 1457, referring to the rumbling of thunder over the mountains

Government type:80

presidential republic

Capital:81

name:Freetown
geographic coordinates:8 29 N, 13 14 W
time difference:UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology:the name described the original settlement in 1781, which served as a haven for free-born and freed African Americans

Administrative divisions:82

4 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, North Western, Southern, Western*

Legal system:83

mixed system of English common law and customary law

Constitution:84

history:several previous; latest effective 1 October 1991
amendment process:proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in two successive readings and assent of the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting fundamental rights and freedoms and many other constitutional sections also requires approval in a referendum with participation of at least one half of qualified voters and at least two thirds of votes cast

International law organization participation:85

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Citizenship:86

citizenship by birth:no
citizenship by descent only:at least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Sierra Leone
dual citizenship recognized:yes
residency requirement for naturalization:5 years

Suffrage:87

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:88

chief of state:President Julius Maada BIO (since 27 June 2023)
head of government:President Julius Maada BIO (since 27 June 2023)
cabinet:Ministers of State appointed by the president, approved by Parliament; the cabinet is responsible to the president
election/appointment process:president directly elected by 55% in the first round or absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date:24 June 2023
election results
election results:Julius Maada BIO reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Julius Maada BIO (SLPP) 56.2%, Samura KAMARA (APC) 41.2%, other 2.6%
election results:2018: Julius Maada BIO elected president in second round; percent of vote - Julius Maada BIO (SLPP) 51.8%, Samura KAMARA (APC) 48.2%
expected date of next election:June 2028
note:the president is chief of state, head of government, and minister of defense

Legislative branch:89

legislature name:Parliament
legislative structure:unicameral
number of seats:149 (135 directly elected; 14 indirectly elected)
electoral system:proportional representation
scope of elections:full renewal
term in office:5 years
most recent election date:6/24/2023
parties elected and seats per party:Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) (81); All People's Congress (APC) (54)
percentage of women in chamber:29.5%
expected date of next election:June 2028
note:14 seats are reserved for "paramount chiefs," who are indirectly elected to represent the 14 provincial districts

Judicial branch:90

highest court(s):Superior Court of Judicature (consists of the Supreme Court at the top, with the chief justice and 4 other judges, the Court of Appeal with the chief justice and 7 other judges, and the High Court of Justice with the chief justice and 9 other judges)
judge selection and term of office:Supreme Court chief justice and other judges of the Judicature appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, a 7-member independent body of judges, presidential appointees, and the Commission chairman, and are subject to approval by Parliament; all Judicature judges serve until retirement at age 65
subordinate courts:magistrates' courts; District Appeals Court; local courts

Political parties:91

All People's Congress or APC

Sierra Leone People's Party or SLPP

Diplomatic representation in the US:92

chief of mission:Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed SOWA (since 24 July 2025)
chancery:1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009-1605
telephone:[1] (202) 939-9261
FAX:[1] (202) 483-1793
email address and website
email address and website:info@embassyofsierraleone.net
email address and website:https://embassyofsierraleone.net/

Diplomatic representation from the US:93

chief of mission:Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Jared M. YANCEY (since 18 September 2025)
embassy:Southridge-Hill Station, Freetown
mailing address:2160 Freetown Place, Washington DC 20521-2160
telephone:[232] 99 105 000
email address and website
email address and website:consularfreetown@state.gov
email address and website:https://sl.usembassy.gov/

International organization participation:94

ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, C, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNOOSA, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Independence:95

27 April 1961 (from the UK)

National holiday:96

Independence Day, 27 April (1961)

Flag:97

description:three equal horizontal bands of light green (top), white, and light blue
meaning:green stands for agriculture, mountains, and natural resources; white for unity and justice; and blue for the sea and the natural harbor in Freetown

National symbol(s):98

lion

National color(s):99

green, white, blue

National anthem(s):100

title:"High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free"
lyrics/music:Clifford Nelson FYLE/John Joseph AKA
history:adopted 1961

National heritage:101

total World Heritage Sites:1 (natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales:Gola-Tiwai Complex (n)

Economy

Economic overview:102

low-income West African economy; primarily subsistent agriculture; key iron and diamond mining activities suspended; slow recovery from 1990s civil war; systemic corruption; high-risk debt; high youth unemployment; natural resource rich

Real GDP (purchasing power parity):103

$26.728 billion (2024 est.)

$25.7 billion (2023 est.)

$24.312 billion (2022 est.)

note:data in 2021 dollars

Real GDP growth rate:104

4% (2024 est.)

5.7% (2023 est.)

5.3% (2022 est.)

note:annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Real GDP per capita:105

$3,100 (2024 est.)

$3,000 (2023 est.)

$2,900 (2022 est.)

note:data in 2021 dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):106

GDP: 7,464,157,904.44 current US dollars (2025)

$7.548 billion (2024 est.)

note:data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Inflation rate (consumer prices):108

28.6% (2024 est.)

47.6% (2023 est.)

27.2% (2022 est.)

note:annual % change based on consumer prices

GDP - composition, by sector of origin:109

agriculture:25.4% (2024 est.)
industry:27.3% (2024 est.)
services:44.8% (2024 est.)
note:figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

GDP - composition, by end use:110

household consumption:87.6% (2024 est.)
government consumption:5.5% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital:29.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories:0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services:20.9% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services:-43.5% (2024 est.)
note:figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Agricultural products:111

cassava, rice, oil palm fruit, vegetables, sweet potatoes, milk, citrus fruits, fruits, groundnuts, sugarcane (2023)

note:top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Industries:112

diamond mining; iron ore, rutile and bauxite mining; small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, footwear)

Industrial production growth rate:113

4.7% (2024 est.)

note:annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Labor force:114

2.863 million (2024 est.)

note:number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Unemployment rate:115

3.2% (2024 est.)

3.2% (2023 est.)

3.2% (2022 est.)

note:% of labor force seeking employment

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):116

total:3.6% (2024 est.)
male:4.8% (2024 est.)
female:2.5% (2024 est.)
note:% of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Population below poverty line:117

56.8% (2018 est.)

note:% of population with income below national poverty line

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:118

35.7 (2018 est.)

note:index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Household income or consumption by percentage share:119

lowest 10%:3.4% (2018 est.)
highest 10%:29.4% (2018 est.)
note:% share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Remittances:120

4.6% of GDP (2023 est.)

4.1% of GDP (2022 est.)

2.6% of GDP (2021 est.)

note:personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Budget:121

revenues:$740 million (2019 est.)
expenditures:$867 million (2019 est.)

Public debt:122

54.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

Current account balance:123

-$606.358 million (2023 est.)

-$452.094 million (2022 est.)

-$522.815 million (2021 est.)

note:balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Exports:124

$1.382 billion (2023 est.)

$1.202 billion (2022 est.)

$928.689 million (2021 est.)

note:balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports - partners:125

China 67%, India 6%, Belgium 5%, Netherlands 4%, Ireland 3% (2023)

note:top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Exports - commodities:126

iron ore, titanium ore, diamonds, aluminum ore, cocoa beans (2023)

note:top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Imports:127

$2.264 billion (2023 est.)

$2.074 billion (2022 est.)

$1.91 billion (2021 est.)

note:balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Imports - partners:128

China 32%, India 15%, UAE 5%, USA 5%, Turkey 5% (2023)

note:top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Imports - commodities:129

rice, plastic products, packaged medicine, cement, cars (2023)

note:top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:130

$495.699 million (2023 est.)

$624.496 million (2022 est.)

$945.908 million (2021 est.)

note:holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Debt - external:131

$1.451 billion (2023 est.)

note:present value of external debt in current US dollars

Exchange rates:132

Currency:leones (SLL) per US dollar -

21.305 (2023 est.)

14.048 (2022 est.)

10.439 (2021 est.)

9.83 (2020 est.)

9.01 (2019 est.)

Energy

Electricity access:133

electrification - total population:29.4% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas:55.3%
electrification - rural areas:5%

Electricity:134

installed generating capacity:149,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption:131.321 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses:81.921 million kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources:135

fossil fuels:3.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar:9.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity:84.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste:2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Petroleum:136

refined petroleum consumption:9,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Energy consumption per capita:137

Total energy consumption per capita 2023:2.301 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines:138

total subscriptions:0 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:(2022 est.) less than 1

Telephones - mobile cellular:139

total subscriptions:8.23 million (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:98 (2021 est.)

Broadcast media:140

1 state-owned TV station; 3 private TV stations; 1 pay-TV service; 1 state-owned national radio station; about 24 private radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters available (2019)

Internet country code:141

.sl

Internet users:142

percent of population:21% (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions:143

total:0 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:(2021 est.) less than 1

Transportation

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:144

9L

Airports:145

8 (2025)

Heliports:146

3 (2025)

Merchant marine:147

total:584 (2023)
by type:bulk carrier 33, container ship 8, general cargo 320, oil tanker 97, other 126

Ports:148

total ports:3 (2024)
large:0
medium:0
small:1
very small:2
ports with oil terminals:2
key ports:Bonthe, Freetown, Pepel

Military and Security

Military and security forces:149

Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF): organized as a Joint Force Command with land, air, and maritime components

Ministry of Internal Affairs: Sierra Leone Police (2025)

Military expenditures:150

0.5% of GDP (2024 est.)

0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)

0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)

0.3% of GDP (2021 est.)

0.3% of GDP (2020 est.)

Military and security service personnel strengths:151

estimated 10,000 active Armed Forces (2025)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:152

the RSLAF has a small inventory that includes a mix of Soviet-origin and other older foreign-supplied equipment; in recent years, it has received limited amounts of newer equipment, mostly as donations, such as patrol boats from China and South Korea (2024)

Military service age and obligation:153

18-25 for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2025)

Military - note:154

the RSLAF’s primary responsibilities are securing the country's borders and territorial waters, supporting civil authorities during internal emergencies, and participating in peacekeeping missions; since the end of the civil war in 2002, it has received assistance from several foreign militaries, including those of Canada, China, France, the UK, and the US

the RSLAF’s origins lie in the Sierra Leone Battalion of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF), a multi-regiment force formed by the British colonial office in 1900 to garrison the West African colonies of Gold Coast (Ghana), Nigeria (Lagos and the protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria), Sierra Leone, and The Gambia; the RWAFF fought in both World Wars (2025)

Additional observations

Real GDP growth155
4.61 % annual change (2025)
Consumer price inflation156
7.49 % annual change (2025)
Unemployment (modeled ILO estimate)157
3.15 % of labor force (2025)
Access to electricity158
39.2 % of population (2024)
Renewable energy share of total final energy consumption159
71.6 % (2022)
Individuals using the internet160
25.1 % of population (2024)
Adult literacy rate161
43.58 % of people aged 15 and over (2019)

Historical observations

Notes & sources

  1. Background. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  2. Location. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  3. Geographic coordinates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  4. Map references. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  5. Area. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. The archived total area has no reference year and territorial coverage may differ from World Bank surface area. World Bank: 72,300 square kilometers (2024). Reference: 71,740 square kilometers. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  6. Surface area. Surface area: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. The archived total area has no reference year and territorial coverage may differ from World Bank surface area. World Bank: 72,300 square kilometers (2024). Reference: 71,740 square kilometers. ↩
  7. Area - comparative. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  8. Land boundaries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  9. Coastline. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  10. Maritime claims. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  11. Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  12. Terrain. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  13. Elevation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  14. Natural resources. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  15. Land use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  16. Irrigated land. Reference edition; observation: 2012. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  17. Major watersheds (area sq km). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  18. Population distribution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  19. Natural hazards. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  20. Geography - note. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  21. Population. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 8,819,794 people (2025). Reference: 9,121,049 people (2024). Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  22. Population. Population: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 8,819,794 people (2025). Reference: 9,121,049 people (2024). ↩
  23. Nationality. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  24. Ethnic groups. Reference edition; observation: 2019 est.. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  25. Languages. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  26. Religions. Reference edition; observation: 2019 est.. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  27. Age structure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  28. Dependency ratios. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  29. Median age. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  30. Population growth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  31. Population growth rate. Population growth rate: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  32. Birth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  33. Crude birth rate. Crude birth rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  34. Death rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  35. Crude death rate. Crude death rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  36. Net migration rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  37. Population distribution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  38. Urbanization. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  39. Urban population. Urban population: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  40. Major urban areas - population. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  41. Sex ratio. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  42. Mother's mean age at first birth. Reference edition; observation: 2019. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  43. Maternal mortality ratio. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  44. Maternal mortality ratio. Maternal mortality ratio: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  45. Infant mortality rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  46. Infant mortality rate. Infant mortality rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  47. Life expectancy at birth. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  48. Life expectancy at birth. Life expectancy at birth: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  49. Total fertility rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  50. Total fertility rate. Total fertility rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  51. Gross reproduction rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  52. Drinking water source. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  53. At least basic drinking water services. At least basic drinking water services: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. This separately sourced basic-service observation is shown alongside the reference edition’s improved/unimproved categories. It does not replace those category totals. ↩
  54. Health expenditure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  55. Current health expenditure. Current health expenditure: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  56. Physician density. Reference edition; observation: 2022. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  57. Physicians. Physicians: observation 2022; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  58. Sanitation facility access. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  59. At least basic sanitation services. At least basic sanitation services: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. This separately sourced basic-service observation is shown alongside the reference edition’s improved/unimproved categories. It does not replace those category totals. ↩
  60. Obesity - adult prevalence rate. Reference edition; observation: 2016. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  61. Alcohol consumption per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  62. Tobacco use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  63. Children under the age of 5 years underweight. Reference edition; observation: 2021. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  64. Currently married women (ages 15-49). Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  65. Child marriage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  66. Education expenditure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  67. Government education expenditure. Government education expenditure: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  68. Literacy. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  69. Environmental issues. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  70. International environmental agreements. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  71. Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  72. Land use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  73. Urbanization. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  74. Carbon dioxide emissions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  75. Particulate matter emissions. Reference edition; observation: 2019. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  76. Waste and recycling. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  77. Total water withdrawal. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  78. Total renewable water resources. Reference edition; observation: 2022. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  79. Country name. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  80. Government type. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  81. Capital. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  82. Administrative divisions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  83. Legal system. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  84. Constitution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  85. International law organization participation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  86. Citizenship. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  87. Suffrage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  88. Executive branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  89. Legislative branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  90. Judicial branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  91. Political parties. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  92. Diplomatic representation in the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  93. Diplomatic representation from the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  94. International organization participation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  95. Independence. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  96. National holiday. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  97. Flag. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  98. National symbol(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  99. National color(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  100. National anthem(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  101. National heritage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  102. Economic overview. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  103. Real GDP (purchasing power parity). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  104. Real GDP growth rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  105. Real GDP per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  106. GDP (official exchange rate). Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 7,464,157,904.44 current US dollars (2025). Reference: 7,548,000,000 current US dollars (2024). Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  107. GDP. GDP: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 7,464,157,904.44 current US dollars (2025). Reference: 7,548,000,000 current US dollars (2024). ↩
  108. Inflation rate (consumer prices). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  109. GDP - composition, by sector of origin. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  110. GDP - composition, by end use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  111. Agricultural products. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  112. Industries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  113. Industrial production growth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  114. Labor force. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  115. Unemployment rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  116. Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  117. Population below poverty line. Reference edition; observation: 2018. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  118. Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  119. Household income or consumption by percentage share. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  120. Remittances. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  121. Budget. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  122. Public debt. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  123. Current account balance. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  124. Exports. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  125. Exports - partners. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  126. Exports - commodities. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  127. Imports. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  128. Imports - partners. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  129. Imports - commodities. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  130. Reserves of foreign exchange and gold. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  131. Debt - external. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  132. Exchange rates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  133. Electricity access. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  134. Electricity. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  135. Electricity generation sources. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  136. Petroleum. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  137. Energy consumption per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  138. Telephones - fixed lines. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  139. Telephones - mobile cellular. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  140. Broadcast media. Reference edition; observation: 2019. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  141. Internet country code. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  142. Internet users. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  143. Broadband - fixed subscriptions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  144. Civil aircraft registration country code prefix. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  145. Airports. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  146. Heliports. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  147. Merchant marine. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  148. Ports. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  149. Military and security forces. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  150. Military expenditures. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  151. Military and security service personnel strengths. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  152. Military equipment inventories and acquisitions. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  153. Military service age and obligation. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  154. Military - note. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 13:07:34 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  155. Real GDP growth. Real GDP growth: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Gross domestic product is the total income earned through the production of goods and services in an economic territory during an accounting period. It can be measured in three different ways: using either the expenditure approach, the income approach, or the production approach. This indicator denotes the percentage change over each previous year of the constant price (base year 2015) series in United States dollars. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?format=json ↩
  156. Consumer price inflation. Consumer price inflation: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Inflation as measured by the consumer price index reflects the annual percentage change in the cost to the average consumer of acquiring a basket of goods and services that may be fixed or changed at specified intervals, such as yearly. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG?format=json ↩
  157. Unemployment (modeled ILO estimate). Unemployment (modeled ILO estimate): observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment. The ILO modeled estimate is not necessarily directly comparable with national unemployment measures. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS?format=json ↩
  158. Access to electricity. Access to electricity: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Access to electricity is the percentage of population with access to electricity. Electrification data are collected from industry, national surveys and international sources. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS?format=json ↩
  159. Renewable energy share of total final energy consumption. Renewable energy share of total final energy consumption: observation 2022; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Renewable energy consumption is the share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS?format=json ↩
  160. Individuals using the internet. Individuals using the internet: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/IT.NET.USER.ZS?format=json ↩
  161. Adult literacy rate. Adult literacy rate: observation 2019; checked 2026-10-29; primary source checked. World Bank World Development Indicators. Primary source checked 2026-10-29T20:26:13.459Z. provider release 2026-10-08. source organization Data API, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), uri: https://databrowser.uis.unesco.org/resources, note: The data are obtained through the UIS API. Detailed documentation is available at: https://api.uis.unesco.org/api/public/documentation/, publisher: UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), type: Excel (bulk file), date accessed: 2026-03-19, date published: 2026-02. definition Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above). Original provider-reported country/economy series; unchanged historical boundaries are not asserted. Checked original WDI publication and metadata, not independent corroboration. ↩
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Countries & territories

Same-year values. Equal values share a rank.

Sources & method

Ranks cover available countries and territories, using the same indicator, source unit and reference year. Unrounded source values determine ties. Coverage is not a sovereign-country or complete global ranking; national definitions may differ. Missing values and other years are excluded. The information icon preserves the original number, unit and evidence.

RankCountry or territoryValue
Source information