Liberia

World Book Index

Introduction

Liberia, a nation with a unique historical narrative, was founded in the early 19th century when freed slaves from the United States began settling in the region in 1822. This migration culminated in the establishment of a republic in 1847, making Liberia one of the first independent republics in Africa. However, the country has faced significant challenges, including a military coup in 1980 that initiated a prolonged period of authoritarian governance, followed by a devastating civil war that lasted until 2003. The subsequent peace agreement paved the way for democratic elections in 2005, marking a hopeful turn in Liberia's tumultuous history.

Neighboring countries

Cote d'Ivoire - Guinea - Sierra Leone

Geography

Area
Total: 111,369 sq km
Land: 96,320 sq km
Water: 15,049 sq km

Liberia is located on the west coast of Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. The country's geography is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, rolling hills, and dense rainforests. The climate is tropical, marked by high humidity and distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season brings heavy rainfall, while the dry season features cooler nights. Liberia is endowed with rich natural resources, including iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, and hydropower, which play a crucial role in its economic potential.

People and Society

Population
Total: 5,437,249 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
Kpelle 20.2%, Bassa 13.6%, Grebo 9.9%, Gio 7.9%, Mano 7.2%, Kru 5.5%, Lorma 4.8%, Krahn 4.5%, Kissi 4.3%, Mandingo 4.2%, Vai 3.8%, Gola 3.8%, Gbandi 2.9%, Mende 1.7%, Sapo 1%, Belle 0.7%, Dey 0.3%, other Liberian ethnic group 0.4%, other African 3%, non-African 0.2% (2022 estimated)

Languages
English 20% (official) and 27 indigenous languages, including Liberian English variants

Religions
Christian 84.9%, Muslim 12%, Traditional 0.5%, other 0.1%, none 2.6% (2022 estimated)

Population growth rate
2.32% (2024 estimated)

Liberia's population is a rich tapestry of ethnic diversity, with the Kpelle, Bassa, and Grebo being the largest groups among many others. The official language is English, spoken by about 20% of the population, alongside a variety of indigenous languages that reflect the country's cultural heritage. The predominant religion is Christianity, followed by Islam, with a small percentage adhering to traditional beliefs. The population growth rate of 2.32% indicates a youthful demographic, which presents both opportunities and challenges for the nation in terms of education, employment, and social services.

Government

Government type
Presidential republic

Capital
Name: Monrovia

Executive branch
Chief of state: President Joseph BOAKAI (since 22 January 2024)
Head of government: President Joseph BOAKAI (since 22 January 2024)

Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Al-Hassan CONTEH (since 24 July 2025)

Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Joseph ZADROZNY (since August 2025)

Liberia operates as a presidential republic, where the President serves as both the head of state and government. The capital city, Monrovia, is the political and administrative center of the country. The current President, Joseph Boakai, has been in office since January 22, 2024, and is tasked with navigating the complexities of governance in a nation recovering from past conflicts. Liberia maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, including representation in the United States, where Ambassador Al-Hassan Conteh has been serving since July 24, 2025.

Economy

Economic overview
Liberia's economy is classified as a low-income West African economy, grappling with significant challenges such as food scarcity, particularly in rural regions, high poverty rates, and inflation. The country experienced a severe recession prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to the Ebola crisis, which had lasting impacts on its economic stability. Government debt has been on the rise, and the nation is characterized by the longest continuously operated rubber plantation in the world, highlighting its agricultural potential. Additionally, a large informal economy exists, which complicates economic planning and development efforts.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$9.308 billion (2024 estimated)
$8.882 billion (2023 estimated)
$8.484 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$1,700 (2024 estimated)
$1,600 (2023 estimated)
$1,600 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$1.22 billion (2022 estimated)
$1.041 billion (2021 estimated)
$731.658 million (2020 estimated)

Exports - partners
Switzerland 30%, UK 13%, France 8%, Germany 7%, Lebanon 4% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Gold, ships, iron ore, rubber, refined petroleum (2023)

Imports
$1.961 billion (2022 estimated)
$1.739 billion (2021 estimated)
$1.371 billion (2020 estimated)

Imports - partners
China 48%, Japan 21%, Germany 8%, Brazil 3%, Cote d'Ivoire 3% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Ships, refined petroleum, rice, trucks, centrifuges (2023)

Liberia's economic landscape is marked by a real GDP estimated at $9.308 billion in 2024, reflecting a gradual recovery from previous downturns. The GDP per capita stands at $1,700, indicating the economic challenges faced by the average citizen. The country's export profile is diverse, with significant contributions from gold, iron ore, and rubber, primarily directed towards partners such as Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Conversely, imports are heavily reliant on China, which accounts for 48% of total imports, including essential commodities like refined petroleum and rice. This economic structure underscores the need for strategic development initiatives to enhance self-sufficiency and stimulate growth in various sectors.

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.510, ranking it 177th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 121st out of 158 countries tested with a score of 4.422. (more information)