"Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a gross national income per capita of US$510 in 2022. The country ranked near the bottom of all countries in the latest Human Development Index. Despite these low rankings, in the years since the end of the 10-year civil war in 2002, Sierra Leone has made notable progress. The return to peace and stability and the ample availability of fertile land have facilitated recovery and growth in agriculture. Urban areas have become local trading and commercial centers, and the capital of Freetown has seen many sources of new wealth and development. Poverty significantly declined from 2003 to 2011. Progress continued, although less emphatically, until 2018, and access to basic services improved, particularly in education and health.
Sierra Leone has made strides in key indicators on education and health, including expected years of schooling and primary completion rates. Strong gains in reducing under-five and maternal mortality as well as unde
