In adherence to Section 26 (1) of the National Civil Registration Act 2016, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has unveiled the provisional statistics for vital events in Sierra Leone for the year ending December 31, 2023.

Births: A Glimpse into New Beginnings
The report highlights a total of 235,373 live births, constituting 115,333 males (49%) and 120,040 females (51%). Furthermore, it notes 3,842 stillbirths, with 56% being males (2,143) and 44% females (1,699).

Deaths: A Reflective Overview
A total of 13,186 deaths were recorded, with males comprising 55% (7,252) and females 45% (5,934). The distribution among age groups reveals that 28.8% of the deaths were among individuals aged 60 and above, 28.1% in the 35-59 age bracket, 23.5% under the age of five, and 19.3% between ages 5 and 34.

Marriages: Unions Across Diverse Avenues
The report indicates the registration of 834 marriages during the period. Christian marriages accounted for 46.2% (385), Islamic marriages 25.5% (213), civil marriages 16.7% (139), and customary marriages 11.6% (97). The median age at marriage is 36 for males and 29 for females.

Divorces: Navigating Unions’ End
Within the same period, 41 divorce cases were registered. Christian marriages constituted 39% (16), Islamic marriages 34% (14), civil marriages 24% (10), and customary marriages 3% (1).

Adoptions: Embracing New Family Bonds
A total of 360 adoptions were documented, with 43% males and 57% females. Notably, 37.8% of the adoptions were within the ages of 0-4 years, 34.7% for ages 13-17 years, and 27.5% for ages 5-12 years.

This comprehensive report covers vital events from January to December 2023. The NCRA emphasizes the importance of continued cooperation from the public, both citizens and foreign residents, to ensure the accurate registration of vital events. These events include births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions, nullities, etc. The collaborative efforts of the community are pivotal in maintaining an updated record of the nation’s demographic landscape.

As we delve into 2024, the NCRA reiterates its commitment to transparently document and analyze vital statistics, enabling informed decision-making for the benefit of Sierra Leone’s population.