Sierra Leone Factbook

Sierra Leone is a tragic, war-torn nation. Nearly everyone has suffered in some way. Islam is dominant. There are a number of evangelicals and evangelical missionary work is still allowed.

Sierra Leone is located on the western coast of Africa. It is a hot tropical location sharing borders with Guinea and Liberia.

5.6 million people live in Sierra Leone. It is a diverse collection of many different people groups speaking nearly two dozen different languages.

Although blessed with valuable natural resources, most people in Sierra Leone are very poor. The majority are engaged in subsistence agriculture. Lack of infrastructure and years of war have prevented economic development, and there is little prospect for near term improvement.

Originally a British colony, it established by freed slaves. Sierra Leone became independent in 1961. Civil war broke out in 1991. Tens of thousands have died and millions have become refugees. Many more have been victimized by other atrocities. The war may finally be nearing an end as the government reestablishes some semblance of order. There is freedom of religion.

Seventy percent of the population is Muslim. Sierra Leone has so far successfully resisted implementation of Islamic law, but Islam has grown rapidly in the last century. Pray that this trend would be broken and many would become Christians. Unlike many strongly Muslim countries, it is legal to evangelize Muslims. Pray that this window would remain open.

Traditional African religions and the occult are pervasive influences, even among Christians. Pray that their power over the people would be broken by the Spirit.

Evangelical missions date back over 200 years. Evangelicals represent over 3% of the population, and their numbers have been growing.

The church faces many challenges in Sierra Leone. Pray that Christians may have influential role in restoring order to the war torn nation. Evangelicals are running a number of ministries intended to address the physical needs of the people and preach the gospel. Pray for these works. Pray the Christians may help heal the deep wounds inflicted on the people.

Bible translation work made good progress prior to the war, but the work was interrupted. Pray that this work can soon resume.

Pray for the establishment of more Bible schools and for more men called to and trained for the ministry to lead the churches.

Copyright 2006 by Brad Garrison

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