Sierra Leone Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Sierra Leone's net migration was -11,309 in 2025, ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 2.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Sierra Leone's net migration stood at -11,309 in 2025, a decline of +309 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -14,330 by 2026. Sierra Leone ranked 62nd globally.
Sierra Leone's net migration has exhibited a significant fluctuation over the past six and a half decades, with a coverage period spanning from 1960 to 2025. The country experienced its all-time peak in 2001, with a net inflow of 227,791 individuals, a stark contrast to the all-time trough in 1991, where a net outflow of 238,965 residents was recorded. In comparison, Paraguay, which ranks closest to Sierra Leone in terms of net migration, also experienced a notable peak in the early 2000s. As of 2025, Sierra Leone has seen a net outflow of 11,309 residents, ranking 62nd globally. This current trend suggests a reversal of the significant influx witnessed in the early 2000s. A sustained economic recovery or improvements in governance could potentially alter this trajectory, potentially leading to a shift towards net inflows in the future.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -19,636 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -16,983 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -14,330 | - | - |
| 2025 | -11,309 | −309 | #62 |
| 2024 | -11,000 | −7,000 | #59 |
| 2023 | -4,000 | +0 | #71 |
| 2022 | -4,000 | −2,456 | #66 |
| 2021 | -1,544 | −2,836 | #89 |
| 2020 | 1,292 | +3,530 | #144 |
| 2019 | -2,238 | +503 | #92 |
| 2018 | -2,741 | −3,975 | #87 |
| 2017 | 1,234 | −3,423 | #131 |
| 2016 | 4,657 | +5,013 | #142 |
| 2015 | -356 | −841 | #114 |
| 2014 | 485 | −2,288 | #134 |
| 2013 | 2,773 | +1,785 | #150 |
| 2012 | 988 | −5,907 | #137 |
| 2011 | 6,895 | −1,088 | #161 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sierra Leone matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2023. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sierra Leone's net migration was -11,309 in 2025. Ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 2.8% decrease from the previous year.
Sierra Leone's net migration peaked at 227,791 in 2001.
The lowest net migration in Sierra Leone was -238,965 in 1991.
Sierra Leone ranks 62nd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sierra Leone's net migration is projected to reach -14,330 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Sierra Leone in 2025 was -11,309. This ranks 62nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sierra-leone_net-migration,
title = {Sierra Leone Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sierra-leone/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}