Child marriage is typically higher in rural areas because of greater adherence to traditional norms, a narrower range of life options, stronger community networks, lower educational opportunities, and higher levels of poverty – girls from the poorest households or those living in rural areas face twice the risk of being married before turning 18 as compared with girls from the richest households or those living in urban areas. Within the country, the rate of child marriage is particularly high in Koinadugu and Moyamba districts, followed by Kenema, Pujehun, and Port Loko.
