Abstract

PIP: This discussion of Sierra Leone covers the following: the history of the demographic situation; the government's overall approach to population problems; population data systems and development planning; institutional arrangements for the integration of population within development planning; the government's view of the importance of population policy in achieving development objectives; population size, growth, and natural resources; morbidity and mortality; fertility; international migration; and spatial distribution. In the past few decades, Sierra Leone has continued to be characterized by a relatively small population size and low rate of growth. According to UN estimates, the population totaled 2.2 million in 1950 and increased to 2.5 and 2.8 million in 1960 and 1970, respectively. The rate of growth increased from 1.1% per annum during 1950-55 to 1.4% during 1970-75. The mortality rate declined only slightly, from 36.3 deaths per 1000 population during 1950-55 to a rate of around 35 in the following decades. The government of Sierra Leone does not have an explicit policy to modify population growth, even though in recent years the government has become more supportive of family planning activities, a major departure from its previous pronatalist policy. In 1978, improvements were made in data collection and data processing. The government first noted the relationship between a high rate of population growth and its negative effect on economic and social development in the 1973-74/1978-79 National Development Plan. Despite this recognition, no population policy was proposed. The total population size of Sierra Leone according to UN estimates was reported to be 3.3 million in 1980, an increase from 3 million in 1975. The population is projected to increase to 4.9 million by 2000, and the government considers the present rate of population growth to be too high. Sierra Leone continues to have high levels of morbidity and mortality. Latest UN estimates indicate a crude death rate of 31.9/1000 during the 1975-80 period, which the government considers, to be unacceptable. The government considers levels and trends of immigration to be not significant and satisfactory, although it did note in its 1974-75 development plan that the level of immigration was contributing to unemployment. The government regards the prevailing population distribution pattern to be inappropriate. Changes in the present pattern, would be desirable.