ratio was 14.5 per cent in lg72/73, rose in L978/79 to 18.3 per cent, but declined to 7 per cent in 1982/83 and to only 5 per cent in 1983/84. In view of the potential tax base of the country, these percentages are Low, reflecting not only low rates but also numerous exemptions as nell as tax avoidance. 242. As a result of developments in expenditure and revenue, the overall deficit of the @vernment increased from Le l0 million in L9-12/73 to Le 270 million in L982/83, before decreasing to Le I79 million in 1983/84. In retration to GDP' the deficit was 2.7 per cent in L972/73, rose to ll-13 per cent during 1978/79-1982/83, and declined to about 8 per cent in 1983/84 and to a projected 6 per cent in 1984/85. Table 37 Sierra Leone: Government revenue and expenditures (MiIlions of Ieones) l98L /82 L982 /83 r983/84 re84/8s A/ Expenditures Recurrent lreve lopmen t Other Arrears reduction Revenues and qrants Di rect taxes Indirect taxes llon-tax revenues Grants Deficit (as percentaqe of GDP)408. 3 248.8 94.9 23 .4 4L.2 206.3 43.5 130.8 8.9 23.1 12.9409.0 25L.1 100.0 40.0 8.I 18I.3 43.4 100.3 I2.3 25.5 lI.4469.3 365.4 103.9 27t.'l 74.2 L29.2 12.7 5s.5 7.948I.3 328. 3 108.0 10.0 35.0 273.9 49.8 135.r n.a. 55. 0 6.0 Source: Government of Sierra Leone. a / Budget.A/40/ 44L Engli sh Page 87
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the financial situation of Sierra Leone, including government revenue and expenditures, and their relationship with the country's GDP. It seems to be focusing on the fiscal situation of the country, which is closely related to economic development.

**Category**
Economic development