Liberia Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Liberia, State of West Africa; 111,000 km², 4.8 million residents (2019).Liberia borders in the northwest to Sierra Leone, in the north to Guinea and in the east to the Ivory Coast and in the southwest has a 570 km long coast towards the Atlantic. The capital is Monrovia (1.1 million residents, 2010).

Country facts

Republic of Liberia / Republic of Liberia
Country abbreviation: LR
Area: 111 000 km²
Population (2019): 4.8 million residents
Capital: Monrovia
Main languages: English, kpelle
State: Republic
Head of State and Head of Government: George Weah (President)
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 674
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 600
Currency unit: 1 Liberian dollar = 100 cents
Currency code: LRD
Country number (telephony). 231
Internet domain name: lr
Time difference compared to Sweden: −1
National Day: July 26 (Independence Day, 1847)

Nature

Land use: forest (18%), agricultural land (4%), other (78%)
Highest mountain: Wuteve (1,380 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 43 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 2.4%; birthrate 32 ‰, deathrate 8 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (42%), 15-64 (55%), 65- (3%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 62 years, women 65 years
Infant mortality (2019): 55 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 9 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.435 (place 181 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 51%
Most populous city (2010): Monrovia (1.1 million residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (34%), industry (14%), service (52%)
Exports (2017): US $ 260 million
Main export products: rubber, timber, iron ore, diamonds
Main exporting countries: Germany, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates
Imports (2017): US $ 1,166 million
Main import products: fuel, chemicals, machinery
Main importing countries: Singapore, China, South Korea
Railway network (2010): 430 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Liberia is located on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Sierra Leone to the west, Guinea to the north, Côte d’Ivoire to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Covering an area of 111,369 square kilometers (43,000 square miles), it is relatively small in size compared to many other African nations but holds significant importance as a coastal state. Its strategic position along the Atlantic Ocean has shaped the country’s history and trade routes, particularly during the colonial and post-colonial periods.

Liberia is unique in Africa because it was founded by freed American slaves in the early 19th century. The country’s borders were established with the assistance of the American Colonization Society (ACS), which resettled former enslaved Africans and their descendants in Liberia. This settlement formed the basis of modern Liberia, and the country’s geographic location has continued to serve as a point of interest in international trade and maritime activities.

Physical Features

Liberia’s landscape is predominantly lowland and coastal, with the coastal plains extending along the Atlantic. The terrain rises into a series of hills and plateaus in the central and northern regions. These features are interspersed with rivers, streams, and forests that characterize much of the country’s natural geography. The highest point in Liberia is Mount Wuteve, which rises to 1,440 meters (4,724 feet) above sea level, located in the northern region near the border with Guinea.

The country is rich in waterways, and its rivers—such as the St. Paul, Cavalla, and Lofa Rivers—serve as crucial sources of water and transportation. Many of Liberia’s rivers flow through dense tropical rainforests, creating a lush and biodiverse environment. The country’s forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including endangered species, and the forested regions cover about 40% of the total land area, making Liberia one of the most ecologically rich countries in the region.

In addition to rivers and forests, Liberia has a stretch of coastline that is dotted with beaches, some of which are pristine and largely uninhabited. The coastline also features a number of lagoons, which contribute to the country’s rich marine life and support local fishing industries.

Climate

Liberia has a tropical climate, influenced by its proximity to the equator and the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is characterized by two distinct seasons: a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to October, with heavy and consistent rainfall, especially in the inland and coastal regions. During this time, the country receives substantial precipitation, which can cause flooding in certain areas, particularly in the lowlands.

The dry season runs from November to April and is marked by lower rainfall and hotter temperatures. The heat during the dry season can cause temperature extremes, particularly in the inland areas away from the moderating influence of the ocean. The coastal regions tend to be more humid throughout the year, while the inland areas experience more varied climatic conditions, with some areas being subject to higher temperatures and occasional droughts.

The tropical climate supports Liberia’s rich vegetation and biodiversity, but it also poses challenges, including flooding during the rainy season and the threat of diseases like malaria and yellow fever, which are more prevalent in humid and lowland areas.

Natural Resources

Liberia is rich in natural resources, with its forests, minerals, and agricultural products being key to the country’s economy. Liberia has significant deposits of iron ore, diamonds, gold, and timber, which have been central to its export economy. The iron ore industry, in particular, has historically been one of Liberia’s most important sources of revenue, with the country being a key global supplier. Gold mining also plays a critical role in the economy, with both large and small-scale mining activities taking place across the country.

The country’s forests are a major resource, providing timber for both domestic use and export, particularly to countries in Asia and Europe. Liberia’s tropical forests are home to a wide range of species, and logging has been an important industry for many years. However, deforestation and illegal logging have raised concerns about environmental sustainability and biodiversity loss.

Agriculture is another critical part of Liberia’s economy, with the country producing crops such as rubber, cocoa, rice, and palm oil. Liberia is one of the largest producers of rubber in Africa, with large multinational companies having plantations in the country. Rice is a staple food crop, and the government has made efforts to increase domestic rice production to reduce dependency on imports.

People

Population and Ethnic Composition

Liberia has a population of approximately 5.1 million people. The population is ethnically diverse, with more than 16 ethnic groups living in the country. The largest ethnic groups are the Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, and Kru, each of which has its own distinct language, traditions, and cultural practices. The Kpelle people are the largest ethnic group, residing primarily in the central and western regions of Liberia. Other significant groups include the Mandingo, Vai, Lorma, and the Grebo, who are distributed across different regions of the country.

In addition to the indigenous groups, there is a significant Afro-Liberian population, descended from freed African American slaves who resettled in Liberia during the 19th century. These settlers, who made up the ruling class during much of Liberia’s early history, brought with them influences from African American culture and Western traditions. This Afro-Liberian group includes people from the Americo-Liberian community, which historically had a dominant role in the political and social spheres of the country.

While Liberia is ethnically diverse, the various groups have historically lived in relative harmony, although tensions and divisions have occasionally arisen, particularly in the context of Liberia’s political history and the civil war.

Language

Liberia has over 30 languages spoken across the country, reflecting its ethnic diversity. The official language is English, a legacy of Liberia’s historical ties with the United States. English is used in government, education, and business, and is the language of instruction in schools. However, the majority of Liberians speak one of the indigenous languages as their first language. These languages, such as Kpelle, Bassa, Vai, and Kru, vary widely across regions and ethnic groups.

Liberians are typically multilingual, as many speak both their indigenous language and English. In urban areas like Monrovia, the capital, and other major towns, English is more widely spoken, but in rural regions, indigenous languages are dominant. Many Liberians also speak a form of pidgin English known as “Liberian English” or “Kreyol,” which serves as a common language of communication between different ethnic groups.

Religion

Christianity is the dominant religion in Liberia, with around 85% of the population identifying as Christian. The majority of Liberian Christians are Protestant, with the largest groups being the Lutheran Church, the Episcopal Church, and Baptist denominations. Roman Catholicism is also practiced, particularly in urban areas and among the Americo-Liberian population.

Islam is the second-largest religion in Liberia, practiced by around 12% of the population. The majority of Muslims in Liberia belong to the Sunni sect, with the majority of them being from the Mandingo ethnic group, which is concentrated in the northwestern regions of the country. Liberia has a history of religious tolerance, with Christians and Muslims coexisting peacefully for much of the country’s history.

Traditional African religions are practiced by a small portion of the population, particularly in rural areas where ancestral worship and indigenous beliefs are still an important part of cultural life. These religions often include rituals and ceremonies related to spirits, ancestors, and nature, and they are practiced alongside Christianity and Islam.

Social Structure

Liberian society has traditionally been organized around family and clan-based structures, with extended families playing a central role in the social and economic life of the country. The extended family, particularly in rural areas, serves as the primary support system for individuals, providing help with agricultural work, childcare, and social services.

In urban areas, the social structure is more fluid, with individuals increasingly dependent on the nuclear family and broader societal institutions like schools and government services. However, in both rural and urban settings, respect for elders is a cornerstone of Liberian society, and elders often play a central role in decision-making and conflict resolution within the community.

Gender roles in Liberia are generally more traditional in rural areas, with women often taking on domestic responsibilities and men typically working outside the home. However, there are increasing efforts to improve gender equality, especially in education and employment, and women’s rights organizations in Liberia continue to push for changes in legal and social systems to improve women’s status in society.

Economy

Key Industries

Liberia’s economy is primarily based on natural resources, agriculture, and services. The country has abundant mineral resources, including iron ore, gold, and diamonds, which are important to its export economy. The mining industry is a critical sector, and Liberia has historically been one of the largest producers of iron ore in the world. The country’s mining sector has attracted foreign investment, with multinational companies working in the extraction of iron ore, gold, and diamonds.

Agriculture also plays a crucial role in the Liberian economy, with crops such as rubber, cocoa, and palm oil being key export products. Liberia is one of the largest producers of rubber in Africa, and the country’s rubber plantations, both small-scale and large multinational operations, contribute significantly to its GDP. Cocoa and palm oil production also support the agricultural sector, although Liberia remains highly dependent on food imports for its population’s daily needs.

The services sector, including banking, telecommunications, and retail, has grown in recent years, particularly in urban areas. The capital, Monrovia, is home to the majority of businesses, government institutions, and international aid organizations, and the city is the country’s primary center for trade and commerce.

Agriculture and Livestock

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Liberia’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population. The country has fertile soil and a tropical climate that is conducive to farming, and many Liberians rely on subsistence farming for their livelihood. Crops such as cassava, rice, maize, and plantains are widely grown, and the cultivation of cocoa, coffee, and rubber supports Liberia’s export economy.

Rubber production is particularly important to Liberia’s economy, with large plantations owned by multinational corporations such as Firestone. Liberia has become one of the largest producers of rubber in the world, and rubber exports are a major source of foreign exchange. The government has sought to diversify the agricultural sector by encouraging the production of other cash crops, such as palm oil and cocoa, which are key products for export.

Livestock farming in Liberia is less developed than crop agriculture but still plays an important role, particularly in rural areas. Cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry are raised for meat and dairy products, and livestock farming contributes to both the domestic market and regional trade. However, the agricultural sector faces challenges such as outdated farming techniques, limited infrastructure, and vulnerability to climate change, all of which hinder its full economic potential.

Economic Challenges

Liberia’s economy faces numerous challenges. The country remains heavily dependent on natural resources and agriculture, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. While Liberia has abundant natural resources, its capacity to fully exploit these resources has been limited by political instability, inadequate infrastructure, and weak governance.

The country’s economic recovery has been slow following the devastating civil wars that spanned from 1989 to 2003. The war left much of Liberia’s infrastructure destroyed, and the country still faces significant challenges in rebuilding its economy. Unemployment remains high, especially among young people, and poverty rates are widespread, with many people living on less than a dollar a day.

In addition, Liberia has a high external debt burden, which limits the government’s ability to invest in development projects. While international aid has been crucial in supporting the country’s post-conflict recovery, the reliance on foreign assistance has raised concerns about sustainability and long-term economic independence.

Government

Political System

Liberia is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The President of Liberia serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The president is elected for a six-year term and has significant executive powers, including the authority to appoint members of the cabinet, manage foreign relations, and command the armed forces.

The legislature of Liberia is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has 30 members, while the House of Representatives has 73 members, all of whom are elected by the people. The legislature is responsible for passing laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the actions of the executive.

Liberia’s political system is based on a constitution that was adopted in 1986. The political landscape has been shaped by the country’s history of civil conflict and political instability, but in recent years, Liberia has made significant strides toward democratic governance. The country holds regular elections, and the political system is based on the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

Legal System

Liberia’s legal system is based on common law, which is derived from the English legal system, with elements of customary law that are practiced among the country’s indigenous communities. The country’s legal system includes both statutory law, which is enacted by the legislature, and customary law, which is based on traditions and practices of local ethnic groups.

The judiciary is independent, with the Supreme Court being the highest court in the country. The court system is responsible for interpreting and applying laws, as well as resolving disputes. Liberia’s legal system faces challenges, including corruption, a lack of resources, and limited access to justice, particularly in rural areas where customary law often predominates. Efforts have been made to reform the legal system and improve access to justice, but progress has been slow.

Foreign Policy

Liberia’s foreign policy is focused on maintaining strong diplomatic and economic relations with the international community, particularly with the United States, its long-standing partner. Liberia is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These organizations play a key role in promoting regional stability, economic integration, and peacekeeping efforts in Liberia and the broader West African region.

The country’s foreign policy also prioritizes the development of its natural resources, with the government seeking to attract foreign investment in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. Liberia has worked to strengthen ties with neighboring countries, particularly Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, in order to promote regional security, trade, and economic cooperation.

Liberia’s foreign relations have been influenced by its history of civil conflict, and the country’s leaders have worked to improve relations with international partners, particularly those who supported Liberia’s post-war reconstruction efforts.