Overview of Liberia

Profile

Possessing rich tropical rainforests and iron ore resources on the Atlantic coast, it suffered severe damage from two civil wars from 1989 to 2003. Currently, political and economic reconstruction and infrastructure development are progressing under UN peacekeeping operations and international aid. The capital Monrovia retains strong influences from American Southern culture, while inland areas maintain unique languages and customs across more than 16 diverse ethnic groups. Ecologically, it is known as a habitat for the critically endangered pygmy hippopotamus and holds high potential as a tourism resource.

Official name: Republic of Liberia
Common name: Liberia
Numeric code: 430
Alpha-3 code: LBR
Alpha-2 code: LR
Population: 5.2 million (2023)
Population density: 48
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Christianity, Islam, Traditional religions
National anthem: All Hail, Liberia, Hail!
Calling code: +231
Internet TLD: .lr

History

Independent since 1847. Transitioned to civilian rule in 2005 after minority Americo-Liberian dominance, a 1980 coup, and two civil wars.

The American Colonization Society began settlement by freed slaves in the early 19th century as a ''return land,'' declaring a republic in 1847. For over a century, one-party rule by Americo-Liberians continued until Master Sergeant Doe launched a coup in 1980, overthrowing the system from indigenous tribal origins. In 1989, Charles Taylor''s NPFL uprising triggered the first civil war, claiming over 150,000 lives. Taylor was elected president in 1997, but civil war re-escalated in 2003, with UN UNMIL deployment achieving ceasefire. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became Africa''s first elected female president in 2005, advancing peace-building and democratization ever since.

Geography & climate

Gradually rises from southern alluvial lowlands to inland undulating plateau, with Nimba Mountains in the northeast. Coastline alternates between sandy beaches and mangrove wetlands.

Tropical monsoon climate (coastal areas: tropical rainforest climate)

Area: Africa / 111369 km²
Capital: Monrovia
Largest city: Monrovia
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d''Ivoire

Natural resources

Iron ore, Gold, Diamonds, Rubber, Timber, Palm oil, Hydropower resources, Offshore petroleum, Bauxite, Rich biodiversity

Politics

Government: Republic (Presidential system)

Economy

Currency: Liberian Dollar (LRD)

GDP (nominal): 4.0 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 13.3 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: GMT

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Kpelle, Bassa, Kran, Kru, Gio, Mano, Mandingo, Kissi, Grebo, Americo-Liberians

Life expectancy

63 years

Literacy rate

48%

National sports

Football, Kickball, Basketball, Athletics, Boxing