NCRA Releases 2024 Statistics of Births, Deaths, Marriages And Other Vital Events in Sierra Leone

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has released its provisional annual report on vital events for the year ending December 31, 2024.

Sierra Leone recorded a slight decrease in stillbirths and a notable increase in marriages in 2024. The report provides statistics on births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and adoptions, as mandated by Section 26(1) of the National Civil Registration Act 2016.

Births: 246,437 live births were recorded, with a near-even split between males (49%) and females (51%). The sex ratio was 96.

Stillbirths: 3,355 stillbirths occurred, a 13% decrease (487 fewer) compared to 2023.

Deaths: 10,962 deaths were recorded, with males accounting for 56% and females 44%. The majority of deaths (29%) were among those aged 60 and above, followed by children aged 0-4 (21%).  Neonatal deaths (0-27 days) represented 23% of under-five deaths, while infant deaths (0-11 months) accounted for 36%.

Marriages: 1,069 marriages were registered, a 25% increase (219 more) from 2023. Christian marriages made up 54% of the total, followed by Islamic (23%), civil (17%), and customary (6%). The median age at marriage was 36 for males and 29 for females.

Divorces: 76 divorce cases were registered, with Christian marriages accounting for the largest share (36%), followed by civil (28%), Islamic (18%), and customary (7%).

Adoptions: 419 adoptions were registered, a 16% increase (59 more) compared to 2023. Females accounted for 62% of adoptees. Notably, 42% of adoptions involved individuals aged 13-17.

The NCRA emphasized the importance of public registration of vital events to support its work and improve data accuracy. The report covers the period from January to December 2024.