Sierra Leone Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Sierra Leone's urban population was 45.89% in 2025, ranked 158th globally. This represents a 1.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Sierra Leone's urban population stood at 45.89% in 2025, a rise of +0.53% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 45.89% by 2025. Sierra Leone ranked 158th globally.
Sierra Leone's urban population has experienced a steady growth trajectory over the past six and a half decades, with a significant increase from 17.43% of the total population in 1960 to 45.89% in 2025. This represents a nearly threefold expansion, driven by the country's ongoing urbanization process. Notably, Sierra Leone's urban population share is closely comparable to that of its peer countries, with Guinea-Bissau boasting a slightly higher urban population share of 46.52% in 2025. The country's urban population has consistently increased over the years, with no major setbacks or declines observed in the available data. As Sierra Leone continues to urbanize, its urban population is likely to continue growing, driven by factors such as economic development and migration. However, a significant increase in rural development initiatives or a substantial shift in economic policy could potentially alter this trajectory and lead to a more balanced distribution of the population between urban and rural areas.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 46.96% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 46.43% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 45.89% | - | - |
| 2025 | 45.89% | +0.53% | #158 |
| 2024 | 45.36% | +0.55% | #58 |
| 2023 | 44.81% | +0.54% | #57 |
| 2022 | 44.27% | +0.53% | #57 |
| 2021 | 43.73% | +0.52% | #57 |
| 2020 | 43.21% | +0.51% | #56 |
| 2019 | 42.70% | +0.50% | #55 |
| 2018 | 42.20% | +0.49% | #54 |
| 2017 | 41.71% | +0.48% | #54 |
| 2016 | 41.23% | +0.46% | #55 |
| 2015 | 40.77% | +0.44% | #55 |
| 2014 | 40.33% | +0.44% | #55 |
| 2013 | 39.89% | +0.43% | #54 |
| 2012 | 39.46% | +0.42% | #54 |
| 2011 | 39.05% | +0.41% | #53 |
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 urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sierra Leone's urban population was 45.89% in 2025. Ranked 158th globally. This represents a 1.2% increase from the previous year.
Sierra Leone's urban population peaked at 45.89% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in Sierra Leone was 17.43% in 1960.
Sierra Leone ranks 158th globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sierra Leone's urban population is projected to reach 45.89% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Sierra Leone in 2025 was 45.89%. This ranks 158th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sierra-leone_urban-population,
title = {Sierra Leone Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sierra-leone/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}