Sierra Leone Records 306,057 Births, 17,905 Deaths in 2025

Sierra Leone recorded more than 306,000 live births in 2025, according to the Provisional Annual Report on Vital Events published by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA).

The report, released on December 31, 2025, shows that a total of 306,057 live births were registered nationwide, comprising 149,968 males (49%) and 156,089 females (51%). In addition to live births, 3,739 stillbirths were registered in 2025.

Image: Provisional Annual Report on Vital Events published by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA)

Deaths and Age Distribution

The NCRA report also shows that 17,905 deaths were officially registered across the country in 2025. Males accounted for 10,280 deaths (57%), while females accounted for 7,625 deaths (43%).

Individuals aged 60 and above accounted for the highest number of deaths that occurred, of which 5,652 deaths were recorded (32%). Deaths among children aged 0–4 years stood at 2,697 (15%).

Marriage Registrations Remain Low

A total of 755 marriages were registered in Sierra Leone in 2025. Christian marriages accounted for the majority, with 408 registrations (54%), followed by Islamic marriages at 174 (23%).

Civil marriages accounted for 128 (17%), while customary marriages recorded the lowest number, with 45 registrations (6%).

Divorce Cases

The report further shows that 60 divorce cases were registered in 2025. Civil marriages recorded the highest rate of divorces at 35% (21 cases). Christian and Islamic marriages each accounted for 18 cases (30%), while customary marriages recorded the lowest divorce cases with just 3 cases (5%).

Adoption Cases

160 adoption cases were registered across the country in 2025. Of these, male children accounted for the most adoption cases. 61 male children were adopted (38%), while 99 female children were adopted (62%) in 2025.

The Provisional Annual Report on Vital Events for the year ending 31st December 2025 was published in line with Section 26(1) of the National Civil Registration Act of 2016, which mandates the NCRA to collect, compile, and publish vital statistics relating to births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and adoptions in Sierra Leone.

The NCRA described the report as provisional, noting that figures may be subject to updates as further validations are completed.