Sierra Leone’s population of around 5.88 million is made up of the following ethnic groups: 90% native African tribes (30% Temne, 30% Mende, and 30% other); 10% Creole (Krio) – descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late 18 th century; refugees from Liberia’s recent civil war; small numbers of Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis and Indians.

Religious groups include: Muslim 60%, indigenous beliefs 30%, Christian 10%.²³