Country Profile: Liberia

Liberia is a nation located in Western Africa, uniquely positioned along the North Atlantic Ocean, bordered by Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone. With a population of approximately 5.4 million people, it is one of the most ethnically diverse countries, home to 28 ethnic groups. Although its economy faces challenges such as food scarcity and high inflation, Liberia has significant natural resources including iron ore and timber. The country operates as a presidential republic, with Joseph Boakai currently serving as president.

Geography

Liberia features a tropical climate characterized by hot, humid conditions and a landscape of coastal plains and low mountains. The country covers a total area of 111,369 square kilometers, including both land and water. Its coastline stretches 579 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean, and it shares borders with Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, and Sierra Leone.

111,369 sq km: Total area of Liberia.
579 km: Length of the coastline.
28: Number of ethnic groups.
20%: Agricultural land (2022 est.).
78.5%: Forest cover (2022 est.).

People and Society

Liberia's population of approximately 5.4 million is predominantly young, with a median age of 19.9 years and a significant proportion (38.9%) under the age of 15. The country is predominantly Christian (84.9%) and speaks English alongside 27 indigenous languages. Urbanization is notable, with over half of the population residing in urban areas, particularly around the capital city, Monrovia.

5,437,249: Estimated population in 2024.
53.6%: Urban population (2023).
32.4: Births per 1,000 population (2024 est.).
61.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
0.18 physicians: per 1,000 population (2022).

Economy

Liberia operates a low-income economy burdened by high poverty rates and inflation, with a GDP of approximately $4.75 billion projected for 2024. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which contributes to 33.6% of GDP. The country possesses a vibrant informal economy and is known for having the longest continuously operated rubber plantation.

$4.75 billion: GDP for 2024.
4.8%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
2.9%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
50.9%: Population living below the poverty line (2016 est.).
33.6%: Economic contribution from agriculture (2024 est.).

Government

Liberia is a presidential republic with Joseph Boakai as the current president, following a historic election where an incumbent president was not re-elected. The legislative structure is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The country has a mixed legal system that incorporates both common law and customary law.

1847: Year of independence.
18 years: Minimum voting age.
15: Administrative divisions (counties).
2/3 majority: Required for constitutional amendments.
11%: Percentage of women in the House of Representatives.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) plays a key role in national defense and limited domestic security. The military is relatively small, with approximately 2,000 active personnel, and it operates without conscription. Military expenditures are projected to constitute 0.7% of GDP in 2024.

2,000: Active military personnel (2025).
0.7%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
1.3%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2023).
18-35 years: Age range for voluntary military service (2024).
Limited inventory: Military equipment received from foreign sources.

Energy

Energy access remains low in Liberia, with only 31.8% of the population having electricity access as of 2022. The country's electricity generation capacity is primarily derived from fossil fuels and hydroelectric sources.

31.8%: Electrification rate for the total population (2022 est.).
199,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.).
215.96 million kWh: Electricity consumption (2023 est.).
66.1%: Fossil fuel contribution to electricity generation (2023 est.).
5,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.).

Environment

Liberia faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation and biodiversity loss, exacerbated by pollution and unsustainable agricultural practices. The country is committed to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

78.5%: Forest area (2022 est.).
35.8 µg/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.).
232 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020 est.).
10 million cubic meters: Total agricultural water withdrawal (2020 est.).
564,467 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2007 est.).

Transportation

Liberia has a limited transportation infrastructure, with many roads and railways having suffered damage during civil conflicts. However, efforts are underway to rebuild these systems. The country has 19 airports and several operational seaports.

19: Total airports (2025).
429 km: Total railway length (2008).
4,821: Total merchant marine (2023).
4: Number of operational ports (2024).
1.65 million: Mobile telephone subscriptions (2021 est.).

Communications

Liberia's communication infrastructure is developing, with increasing mobile penetration but limited internet access. In 2023, about 24% of the population were internet users, highlighting the potential for growth in this sector.

24%: Internet user percentage of the population (2023 est.).
6,000: Fixed telephone subscriptions (2021).
1.65 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021).
15,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).
8: Number of private TV stations (as of 2019).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,437,249	Estimated for 2024
Area	111,369 sq km	Total area
GDP	$4.75 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	2.9%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	32.4 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy at Birth	61.6 years	Estimated for 2024
Electrification Rate	31.8%	Total population access to electricity (2022 est.)
Military Expenditure	0.7% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Urban Population	53.6%	Of total population (2023)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	1.822 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023