Country Profile: Liberia
Liberia, located in Western Africa, is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, Cote d'Ivoire, and Sierra Leone. With a population of approximately 5.6 million people, the country is characterized by its rich ethnic diversity, comprising 28 ethnic groups. Liberia's economy faces significant challenges, marked by food scarcity and poverty, yet it possesses abundant natural resources, including iron ore and rubber. The governance of Liberia has evolved since its declaration of independence in 1847, currently functioning as a presidential republic.
Geography
Liberia is situated along the North Atlantic coast of Africa, sharing land borders with Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, and Sierra Leone. The country covers an area of 111,369 sq km, with a terrain that consists mostly of flat coastal plains and a rolling plateau with low mountains in the northeast. The climate is tropical, with hot, humid conditions and distinct wet and dry seasons.
- 579 km of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean
- 96,320 sq km of land area, slightly larger than the state of Virginia
- Natural resources include iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, and hydropower
- 20% of the land is used for agriculture (2023)
People and Society
Liberia's estimated population is 5,563,541 as of 2025, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Kpelle, Bassa, and Grebo. The official language is English, alongside 27 indigenous languages. The nation has a predominantly Christian population (approximately 84.9%), with significant Muslim representation (around 12%).
- 38.9% of the population is aged 0-14 years (2025)
- 61.6 years is the life expectancy at birth (2024)
- The median age is 20.1 years (2025)
- Urban population is 53.6% of the total (2023)
Economy
Liberia's economy is classified as low-income, experiencing high levels of poverty and inflation. The country's GDP (PPP) is estimated at $9.308 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 4.8%. Agriculture, services, and industry contribute significantly to the economy, with agriculture making up around 33.6% of GDP.
- Unemployment rate stands at 2.9% (2024)
- 50.9% of the population lived below the poverty line (2016)
- 18.2% of GDP derived from remittances (2023)
- Agricultural products include cassava, rice, and rubber
Government
Liberia operates as a presidential republic, with the president serving as both chief of state and government. The current president, Joseph Boakai, took office on January 22, 2024, following elections held in October 2023. The legislative branch consists of a bicameral legislature, including the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- 15 counties make up the administrative divisions
- Suffrage is granted at the age of 18
- The constitution was last amended on July 3, 1984
- Dual citizenship is not recognized
Military and Security
The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) comprise approximately 2,000 active personnel and are tasked with external defense and domestic security support. Military expenditures are about 0.7% of GDP for 2024. The AFL has limited equipment and experiences ongoing support in rebuilding efforts.
- Military service is voluntary for individuals aged 18 and over
- AFL composed of two combat infantry battalions and support units
- The military's history dates back to its founding in 1970
Energy
Energy access remains low in Liberia, with only 31.8% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The total installed generating capacity is 199,000 kW. A significant portion of electricity is generated from fossil fuels, complemented by hydroelectric sources.
- 215.96 million kWh of electricity consumed in 2023
- 66.1% of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels (2023)
- Rural electrification stands at 14.9%
Environment
Liberia faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution of water sources. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.
- 66.5% of land is forested (2023)
- Approximately 7.9% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022)
- Total annual municipal solid waste generation is 564,500 tons (2024)
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure includes 19 airports and a merchant marine fleet comprising 4,821 vessels. The rail system, though damaged during the civil wars, is undergoing reconstruction.
- 429 km of railways in total (2008)
- 4 ports, primarily serving small vessels
- The country's civil aircraft registration prefix is A8
Communications
Telecommunication services are developing, with about 1.72 million mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2022. Internet access is limited, reaching approximately 24% of the population in 2023.
- 6,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021)
- 15,000 broadband fixed subscriptions (2022)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,563,541 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 111,369 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $9.308 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 61.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Urban Population | 53.6% | 2023 estimate |
| Agricultural Land | 20% | 2023 estimate |
| Military Expenditures Percentage of GDP | 0.7% | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 31.8% | 2022 estimate |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 55.2 deaths/1,000 live births | 2025 estimate |
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