Where is Liberia Located?

Where is Liberia located on the map? Liberia is an independent nation located in Western Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Liberia on maps.

Liberia Location in World Map

Liberia is located on the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa. It borders Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast.

On the coast, Liberia is flat and swampy. There are many estuaries and the coastline is rugged. A hilly plateau rises inland, which is covered by rainforest. It gets more mountainous in the north. Here is also Mount Wuteve, the highest mountain in the country.

The map shows: Liberia is in West Africa.

Location Information of Liberia

Liberia is a West African country bordered by Sierra Leone to the west, Guinea to the north, Côte d’Ivoire to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It has a rich history as one of Africa’s oldest republics, founded by freed American slaves in the 19th century. Despite facing challenges such as civil wars, Liberia remains a key player in West Africa with a strategic coastline and abundant natural resources. The country is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical rainforests to coastal plains, and its vibrant culture influenced by both African and Western traditions.

Latitude and Longitude

Liberia is located between approximately 4° and 11°N latitude and 7° and 12°W longitude. This positioning places Liberia in the tropical zone of West Africa, with a significant stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to its warm, humid climate.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Monrovia

Monrovia, located on the Atlantic coast, is the capital and largest city of Liberia. It is named after U.S. President James Monroe, who supported the establishment of Liberia as a home for freed slaves. Monrovia is Liberia’s political, cultural, and economic center, with a population of approximately 1 million people. The city is situated on the Mesurado River and serves as the main hub for trade, government activities, and international relations. Major infrastructure projects have focused on improving its port facilities and roads, although challenges remain in terms of housing, sanitation, and economic development.

Major Cities

1. Gbarnga:
   Gbarnga, located in the northern part of Liberia, is the capital of Bong County. It is a major town with a population of around 100,000 people and plays a key role in regional trade and administration. Gbarnga is historically significant as the headquarters of the rebel faction during Liberia’s civil war. Today, it is a growing urban center focused on agriculture and education.
2. Kakata:
   Kakata is a medium-sized town in the southeastern part of Liberia, located in Margibi County, about 50 kilometers from Monrovia. Kakata has a population of around 60,000 and is known for its agricultural activity, particularly the cultivation of rice, palm oil, and cocoa. The town is an important hub for trade and commerce.
3. Buchanan:
   Buchanan is a port city located along the Atlantic coast in Grand Bassa County, about 180 kilometers southeast of Monrovia. It has a population of approximately 50,000 people and serves as an essential port for the country’s iron ore exports. Buchanan is also home to several small industries and serves as a transportation link for the central and southeastern parts of Liberia.
4. Zwedru:
   Zwedru is located in southeastern Liberia, in Grand Gedeh County, and is a significant administrative and trade center. It has a population of around 30,000 and plays a role in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of cassava, rice, and bananas. Zwedru is also close to the Ivorian border, making it an important point for cross-border trade.
5. Harbel:
   Harbel is a city in Margibi County, located near the port city of Buchanan. It is home to the Firestone Liberia Rubber Plantation, one of the largest rubber plantations in the world. Harbel’s economy is heavily dependent on the rubber industry, and it serves as a key center for manufacturing and processing agricultural products.

Time Zone

Liberia operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is UTC+0. The country does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains the same throughout the year. This means that Liberia shares the same time zone as countries like the United Kingdom, but without any seasonal shifts in time.

Economic Status

Liberia’s economy is largely dependent on natural resources, agriculture, and trade, but it faces significant challenges related to infrastructure, education, and the aftermath of civil wars. The country has a small, open economy with abundant resources such as rubber, iron ore, and timber. Despite these resources, Liberia remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line.

• Agriculture:
  Agriculture is a dominant sector of Liberia’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population. Liberia is known for the production of rubber, cocoa, and palm oil, and the sector accounts for a substantial portion of the country’s GDP. Other agricultural products include cassava, rice, and sugarcane. The country also has a history of industrial-scale palm oil production, mainly by international companies such as Firestone and Golden Veroleum Liberia.
• Mining:
  Liberia has vast mineral resources, including iron ore, gold, and diamonds, which play a significant role in the economy. The country’s iron ore exports, particularly to China, are vital for its trade balance. However, mining activities have been affected by fluctuating global prices and poor infrastructure.
• Timber and Forestry:
  Liberia’s forests are rich in timber resources, and the forestry sector contributes to both domestic and export markets. However, illegal logging and deforestation have raised concerns about the sustainability of this resource, and the country faces international scrutiny regarding its environmental management practices.
• Services and Industry:
  Liberia’s service sector, including banking, telecommunications, and retail, is gradually expanding. The country’s infrastructure is also undergoing improvements, with international organizations and foreign governments investing in road construction, energy, and sanitation projects. However, the lack of modern infrastructure continues to hamper economic growth.
• Challenges:
  Despite its natural wealth, Liberia struggles with a fragile economy. The legacy of civil conflict, weak governance, and limited access to education and healthcare continue to pose barriers to sustainable development. Corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and high unemployment rates are also significant challenges that Liberia faces.

Tourist Attractions

Liberia offers a range of natural and cultural attractions that draw visitors to the country. The tourism sector is still developing, but Liberia’s diverse landscapes, including pristine beaches, rainforests, and historical sites, make it a unique destination.

1. Sapo National Park

Sapo National Park is Liberia’s largest protected area, located in the southeastern part of the country. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, and over 600 species of birds. The park’s dense rainforest and diverse ecosystems attract nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is one of the last remaining large tracts of rainforest in West Africa.

2. Mount Nimba

Mount Nimba is located on the border between Liberia and Guinea and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The mountain range is home to diverse flora and fauna and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The area is particularly known for its rich biodiversity and is a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers.

3. Liberian Beaches

Liberia boasts a number of beautiful beaches along its Atlantic coastline. Popular beaches such as Robertsport Beach, Coco Beach, and Silver Beach offer opportunities for surfing, fishing, and relaxation. Robertsport, in particular, is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions and scenic beauty.

4. Providence Island

Providence Island, located in the capital Monrovia, is historically significant as the site where the first group of free American slaves arrived in Liberia in 1820. Today, the island houses historical monuments and is a popular destination for those interested in Liberia’s history. The nearby Liberian National Museum in Monrovia showcases artifacts related to the country’s founding.

5. Kpai River

The Kpai River, located in the northern part of Liberia, is known for its beauty and tranquility. Visitors to the area can enjoy activities like river cruises, fishing, and hiking along the riverbanks. The region also offers insight into the local culture and traditions of indigenous communities.

6. Buchanan Port

The port city of Buchanan, with its proximity to forests, beaches, and natural reserves, offers opportunities for eco-tourism, cultural tours, and exploration of Liberia’s mining and agricultural industries. Its colonial-era architecture is also an interesting aspect of the town’s historical identity.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

As of 2024, U.S. citizens require a visa to enter Liberia for tourism, business, or other purposes. The visa process can be completed at the Liberian embassy or consulate, and there are also options for obtaining a visa on arrival at the Roberts International Airport in Monrovia.

Visa Application Process:

• A valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity beyond the date of entry.
• A completed visa application form.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.
• A visa fee, which varies depending on the type and duration of the visa (generally $25 to $100).
• A return ticket or proof of onward travel.
• Health documents, such as proof of yellow fever vaccination, may be required.

U.S. citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival at Roberts International Airport, but this option is subject to approval by the Liberian authorities.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

• New York City to Monrovia:
  The distance from New York City (JFK) to Monrovia (Roberts International Airport) is approximately 5,100 miles (8,200 kilometers). A direct flight typically takes around 9 to 10 hours.
• Los Angeles to Monrovia:
  The distance from Los Angeles (LAX) to Monrovia is about 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers). Flights between Los Angeles and Monrovia typically require a stopover and take around 15 to 16 hours, depending on the route and layovers.

Rivers and Lakes

Liberia has many rivers, most of which flow in a south-westerly direction towards the Atlantic. The Mano forms the border between Liberia and Sierra Leone. Other major rivers from north to south are the Lofa, the Saint Paul River, the Saint John River, the Cestos and the Cavally. The Cavally forms the border with the Ivory Coast. Lake Piso, the largest lake in the country, is located near the coast and the border with Sierra Leone.

Climate

Liberia lies in the always humid tropics. The climate is therefore tropical, hot and humid. The humidity is very high, we find it extremely humid.

The average annual temperature in Monrovia is 25.8 degrees. The temperature hardly fluctuates during the year. Most of the rain falls in June and July, the least between January and March. In the north of the country, the rainy season lasts until October. This is followed by the dry season and the harmattan blows. This Sahara wind brings dust and sand with it. It also drives temperatures up.

Liberia Facts

Size	97,754 km²
Residents	4.81 million
Language	English (official language)
Capital	Monrovia
Longest river	Cavally (515 km total)
Highest mountain	Mount Wuteve (1,440 m high)
Currency	Liberian dollar