average annual growth rate of the urban population between 1990 and 2007 was 4.4%.6 Table 1 Population Data 2005 total 5.11 Population, (millions) Population growth 3.6 (annual %) Surface area (sq. km 71.7 (thousands) 2007 5.42 2008 5.56 2.8 2.5 71.7 71.7 Source: World Bank: World Development Indicators Database, April 2009 III. Table 2 Age Composition Age group Persons aged below 15 years Persons aged 15-59 years Persons aged 60 years or older Percentage 34.7% 59.3% 6% Source: World Bank: World Development Indicators Database, April 2009 The indigenous population is made up of 18 ethnics groups: Temne constitutes 30 per cent, Mende 30 per cent, Krio is about 1 per cent and the rest is spread over 15 other tribal groups: Kono, Limba, Susu, Mandingo, Fulla, Koranko, Yalunka, Kissi, Galines, Kroo, Sherbro, Vai, Loko, Gola, Bullum and Krim. In addition there are significant Lebanese and Indian minorities, and small groups of European and Pakistani origin. Language and Religion The official language of Sierra Leone is English but the Krio language is widely spoken in the country. Sixty percent of the population constitute Muslims and thirty percent are Christians, while the remaining ten percent practice African traditional religions. Religious tolerance is at its highest where Muslims and Christians live side by side in peace. Freedom of religion is provided for by the Constitution.7 6 7 UNICEF, The State of The World’s Children 2009 Sections 13 and 24, 1991 Constitution Act 6