Population and Language
In 2007 Sierra Leone's population was estimated at about 5.9 million, with the majority being youth and children. 2005 UN statistics estimated that there were 370,000 orphaned children in this country needing the most basic care to survive.
In 2007 Sierra Leone's population was estimated at about 5.9 million, with the majority being youth and children. 2005 UN statistics estimated that there were 370,000 orphaned children in this country needing the most basic care to survive.
English is the official language being spoken at schools and in government administration but Krio (a language derived from English and several African languages and is, reputedly, native to The Sierra Leone Krio people) is widely spoken throughout the country. The Krio Language by uniting all the different ethnic groups makes trade, and other necessary tribal and regional interactions, an easier process. It is very widely used.
The population of Sierra Leone comprises fifteen ethnic groups, each with its own language and costumes. The two largest being the Mende and the Temne with each comprising around 30% of the total population. The Mende predominate in the Southern Province, and in Kailahun District in the Eastern Province. The Temne predominate in the Northern Province. The third largest ethnic group are the Limba representing about 10% of the population. The Limba are closely allied to the Temne, though the Limba primarily live in the Northern Province.
The fourth largest ethnic group are the Kono with, approximately 10% of the population. The Kono are mainly found in the Eastern Province, particularly in the diamond-rich Kono District. The fifth largest ethnic group are the Mandingo having about 8% of the population. Their population is also mainly concentrated in the Eastern Province, particularly in Kono and the Kenema District, but also some areas of the Northern Province, particularly in Kabala, which is the capital and largest city of Koinadugu District.
The sixth largest ethnic group are the Krio, whose language is universally spoken and understood. The Krio are descendants of freed slaves from the West Indies, North America and Britain who were landed in Freetown between 1787 and about 1855 (see History section) and make up 5% of the population. Most Krios live in the Western Area, particularly in the capital, Freetown. Other minority ethnic groups in the country are the Sherbro, Fula, Kissi, Loko, Kuranko, Susu, Yalunka, Vai and the Sierra Leonean-Lebanese (descendants of Lebanese settlers who came to Sierra Leone during the late 19th century) Most of the country's businesses and local shops are run by the Lebanese community.
Religion
The Sierra Leone constitution provides freedom of religion and the government generally protects this right, and does not tolerate its abuse.
The predominant faith is Islam, which is practiced by around 60% of the population; 30% adhere to Christianity; and 10% adhere to their indigenous religions, that is Paganism of one type or another. Different statistical acounting bring about variations in these figures so be aware that situations in a developing country can be very fluid.
Unlike many other African countries, the religious and tribal mix of Sierra Leone rarely cause religious or tribal conflict. This is good.
We have witnessed a wide variety of religious practices and there are strong elements of enthusiastic Islamic and Christian practice and worship but most are moderate.
There is also an underlying presense of the more traditional/ ethnic/tribal/pagan practices. It is not uncommon for very young children to be sacrificed in certain rituals or for the local witchdoctor to attempt to curse a person or to alter a situation by curse or ritual. Yes, really.
