The population includes 20 African ethnic groups. The Temne in the north and the Mende in the south are the largest. About 10% of the population are Krio, the descendants of freed slaves who returned to Sierra Leone from Great Britain and North America and from slave ships captured on the high seas. In addition, about 4,000 Lebanese, 500 Indians, and 2,000 Europeans reside in the country.

In the past, Sierra Leoneans were noted for their educational achievements, trading activity, entrepreneurial skills, and arts and crafts work, particularly woodcarving. Many are part of larger ethnic networks extending into several countries, which link West African states in the area. However, the level of education and infrastructure has declined sharply over the last 30 years.

Nationality: Noun and adjective--Sierra Leonean(s).
Population (July 2009 est., CIA World Factbook): 5,132,138.
Annual population growth rate (2009 est., CIA World Factbook): 2.179%.
Ethnic groups: 20 African ethnic groups--Temne 30%, Mende 30%, other 30%; Krio (Creole) 10%; refugees from Liberia’s recent civil war; and small numbers of Europeans, Indians, Pakistanis, and Lebanese.
Religions: (est.) Muslim 60%, Christian 30%, animist 10%.
Languages: English, Krio, Temne, Mende, and 15 other indigenous languages.
Education (2004): Literacy--35.1%.
Health: Life expectancy at birth (2009 est.)--55.25 years. Infant mortality rate--81.86 deaths/1,000 live births. HIV infection rate for adults, ages 15-49 years (2007 est.)--1.7%.
Work force: Agriculture--52.5%; industry--30.6%; services--16.9%.