Literacy Rate: Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone's literacy rate is currently 43.6% as of 2019. # Sierra Leone Literacy Rate Sierra Leone's literacy rate stood at 43.
Current (2019)
43.6%
-10.7% y/y
Peak (2015)
49.4%
Low (2004)
34.8%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
2004–2019 · 6 pts
Literacy Rate — Sierra Leone
2004 — 2019
Literacy Rate — Sierra Leone
Analysis# Sierra Leone Literacy Rate
Sierra Leone's literacy rate stood at 43.58% in 2019, representing substantial progress from the 34.83% recorded in 2004—a gain of 25.1 percentage points over 15 years. The country's peak performance occurred in 2015, when the rate reached 49.4%, significantly above the current level. Despite this long-term improvement trajectory, recent volatility suggests mounting challenges in sustaining educational gains.
The period from 2004 to 2015 showed consistent advancement, but the subsequent decline reveals a concerning pattern. The rate dropped from 49.4% in 2015 to 43.58% by 2019, a reversal of nearly 6 percentage points. This downward trend in the most recent data period indicates potential disruptions to educational access or enrollment, warranting attention to underlying factors affecting literacy development in Sierra Leone.
Historical Data
6 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 43.6% | -10.72% |
| 2018 | 48.8% | +8.89% |
| 2017 | 44.8% | -9.25% |
| 2015 | 49.4% | +11.34% |
| 2014 | 44.4% | +27.39% |
| 2004 | 34.8% | — |
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