World · permanent entity record · LI

Liberia

Thirty-second orientation

Liberia at a glance

Capital: Monrovia; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 5,731,206; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 111,369 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Liberian(s); adjective: Liberian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: English 20% (official) and 27 indigenous languages, including Liberian English variants; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Liberia through time

1945-11-02
Admitted to the United Nations
Liberia became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	5,731,206World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 5,563,541 (2025 est.) male: 2,774,006 female: 2,789,535CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-18

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $5.2 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $915; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 62.3 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 56.1%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 34.9%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 32.2%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Monrovia; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 111,369 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 5,731,206; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: Liberian dollars (LRD); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: English 20% (official) and 27 indigenous languages, including Liberian English variants; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Liberian(s); adjective: Liberian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1945-11-02; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Africa.”
Coastline: 579 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Christian 84.9%, Muslim 12%, Traditional 0.5%, other 0.1%, none 2.6% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: red, white, blue; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: white star; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Mount Wuteve · 4,747 ft (1,447 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-18 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: With 28 ethnic groups and languages, Liberia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. For hundreds of years, the Mali and Songhai Empires claimed most of Liberia. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders began establishing outposts along the Liberian coast. Unlike its neighbors, however, Liberia did not fall under European colonial rule. In the early 19th century, the US began sending freed enslaved people and other people of color to Liberia to establish settlements. In 1847, these settlers declared independence from the US, writing their own constitution and establishing Africa’s first republic. Early in Liberia’s history, tensions arose between the Americo-Liberian settlers and the indigenous population. In 1980, Samuel DOE, who was from the indigenous population, led a military coup and ushered in a decade of authoritarian rule. In 1989, Charles TAYLOR launched a rebellion that led to a prolonged civil war in which DOE was killed. A period of relative peace in 1997 permitted an election that brought TAYLOR to power. In 2000, fighting resumed. A 2003 peace agreement ended the war and prompted TAYLOR’s resignation. He was later convicted by the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague for his involvement in Sierra Leone's civil war. In 2005, Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF became president after two years of transitional governments; she was the first female head of state in Africa. In 2011, JOHNSON SIRLEAF won reelection but struggled to rebuild Liberia's economy -- particularly after the 2014-15 Ebola epidemic -- and to reconcile a nation still recovering from 14 years of fighting. In 2017, former soccer star George WEAH won the presidential runoff election, marking the first successful transfer of power from one democratically elected government to another since the end of Liberia’s civil wars. Like his predecessor, WEAH struggled to improve the country’s economy. In 2023, former Vice President Joseph BOAKAI was elected president, edging out WEAH by a thin margin, the first time since 1927 that an incumbent was not re-elected after one term.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Geography17 fields

Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Geographic coordinates: 6 30 N, 9 30 W; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Map references: Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Area: total : 111,369 sq km land: 96,320 sq km water: 15,049 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Area - comparative: slightly larger than Virginia; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Land boundaries: total: 1,667 km border countries (3): Guinea 590 km; Cote d'Ivoire 778 km; Sierra Leone 299 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Coastline: 579 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Terrain: mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeast; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Elevation: highest point: Mount Wuteve 1,447 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 243 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Natural resources: iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 20% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 12.7% (2023 est.) forest: 66.5% (2023 est.) other: 13.5% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Irrigated land: 30 sq km (2012); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Population distribution: more than half of the population lives in urban areas, with approximately one third living within an 80-km (50-mi) radius of Monrovia, as shown in this population distribution map; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Natural hazards: dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to March); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Geography - note: facing the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline is characterized by lagoons, mangrove swamps, and river-deposited sandbars; the inland grassy plateau supports limited agriculture; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

People and Society34 fields

Population: total: 5,563,541 (2025 est.) male: 2,774,006 female: 2,789,535; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Nationality: noun: Liberian(s) adjective: Liberian; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Languages: English 20% (official) and 27 indigenous languages, including Liberian English variants; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Religions: Christian 84.9%, Muslim 12%, Traditional 0.5%, other 0.1%, none 2.6% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 38.9% (male 1,064,100/female 1,052,556) 15-64 years: 57.9% (male 1,566,263/female 1,579,835) 65 years and over: 3.2% (2024 est.) (male 80,961/female 93,534); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 72 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 66.4 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 5.6 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 18 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Median age: total: 20.1 years (2025 est.) male: 19.8 years female: 20 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Population growth rate: 2.27% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Birth rate: 31.72 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Death rate: 8.17 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Net migration rate: -0.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Population distribution: more than half of the population lives in urban areas, with approximately one third living within an 80-km (50-mi) radius of Monrovia, as shown in this population distribution map; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 53.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.41% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Major urban areas - population: 1.678 million MONROVIA (capital) (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.1 years (2019/20 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 628 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 55.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 61 deaths/1,000 live births female: 50.2 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 61.6 years (2024 est.) male: 59.9 years female: 63.3 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Total fertility rate: 3.84 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 1.89 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 84.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 65.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 75.6% of population (2022 est.) urban: 15.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 34.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 24.4% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Health expenditure: 16.6% of GDP (2021) 4.8% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Physician density: 0.18 physicians/1,000 population (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Hospital bed density: 1.6 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 70.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 25.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 49% of population (2022 est.) urban: 29.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 74.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 51% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 9.9% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 3.12 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.38 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 2.28 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Tobacco use: total: 6.4% (2025 est.) male: 11.5% (2025 est.) female: 1.5% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 10.9% (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 51.4% (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 5.8% (2020) women married by age 18: 24.9% (2020) men married by age 18: 8.4% (2020); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Education expenditure: 2.3% of GDP (2023 est.) 7.4% national budget (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Environment10 fields

Environmental issues: tropical rainforest deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; hunting of endangered species for bushmeat; pollution of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage; pollution of rivers from industrial run-off; burning and dumping of household waste; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 20% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 12.7% (2023 est.) forest: 66.5% (2023 est.) other: 13.5% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 53.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.41% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 671,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 4 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 671,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 41.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 564,500 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 7.9% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 80.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 53.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 12.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Total renewable water resources: 232 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Government24 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Liberia conventional short form: Liberia etymology: name derives from the Latin word liber, meaning "free;" so named because the nation was created as a homeland for liberated African-American slaves; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Government type: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Capital: name: Monrovia geographic coordinates: 6 18 N, 10 48 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: named after James MONROE (1758-1831), the fifth president of the United States and supporter of Liberia's colonization by freed slaves; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Administrative divisions: 15 counties; Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Cess, River Gee, Sinoe; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Legal system: mixed system of common law, based on Anglo-American law and customary law; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Constitution: history: previous 1847 (at independence); latest drafted 19 October 1983, revision adopted by referendum 3 July 1984, effective 6 January 1986 amendment process: proposed by agreement of at least two thirds of both National Assembly houses or by petition of at least 10,000 citizens; passage requires at least two-thirds majority approval of both houses and approval in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of registered voters; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Liberia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 2 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: President Joseph BOAKAI (since 22 January 2024) head of government: President Joseph BOAKAI (since 22 January 2024) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 6-year term (eligible for a second term) most recent election date: 10 October 2023, with a runoff on 14 November 2023 election results: 2023: Joseph BOAKAI elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - George WEAH (CDC) 43.8%, Joseph BOAKAI (UP) 43.4%, Edward APPLETON (GDM) 2.2%, Lusinee KAMARA (ALCOP) 2%, Alexander B. CUMMINGS, Jr. (CPP) 1.6%, Tiawan Saye GONGLOE (LPP) 1.4%, other 5.6%; percentage of vote in second round - Joseph BOAKAI 50.6%, George WEAH 49.4% 2017: George WEAH elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - George WEAH (Coalition for Democratic Change) 38.4%, Joseph BOAKAI (UP) 28.8%, Charles BRUMSKINE (LP) 9.6%, Prince JOHNSON (MDR) 8.2%, Alexander B. CUMMINGS (ANC) 7.2%, other 7.8%; percentage of vote in second round - George WEAH 61.5%, Joseph BOAKAI 38.5% expected date of next election: October 2029 note: the president is both chief of state and head of government; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: Legislature legislative structure: bicameral; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Legislative branch - lower chamber: chamber name: House of Representatives number of seats: 73 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 6 years most recent election date: 10/10/2023 parties elected and seats per party: Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) (25); Unity Party (UP) (11); Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) (6); Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) (4); Independents (19); Other (8) percentage of women in chamber: 11% expected date of next election: October 2029; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Legislative branch - upper chamber: chamber name: The Liberian Senate number of seats: 30 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: partial renewal term in office: 9 years most recent election date: 10/10/2023 parties elected and seats per party: Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) (6); Unity Party (UP) (1); Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) (1); Liberia Restoration Party (LRP) (1); Independents (6) percentage of women in chamber: 10% expected date of next election: October 2029; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of a chief justice and 4 associate justices) judge selection and term of office: chief justice and associate justices appointed by the president of Liberia with consent of the Senate; judges can serve until age 70 subordinate courts: judicial circuit courts; special courts, including criminal, civil, labor, traffic; magistrate and traditional or customary courts note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction for all constitutional cases; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Political parties: All Liberian Party or ALP Alliance for Peace and Democracy or APD Alternative National Congress or ANC Coalition for Democratic Change (includes CDC, NPP, and LPDP) Collaborating Political Parties or CPP (coalition includes ANC, LP; CPP dissolved in April 2024) Congress for Democratic Change or CDC Liberia Destiny Party or LDP Liberia National Union or LINU Liberia Transformation Party or LTP Liberian People Democratic Party or LPDP Liberian People's Party or LPP Liberian Restoration Party or LRP Liberty Party or LP Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction or MDR Movement for Economic Empowerment Movement for Progressive Change or MPC National Democratic Coalition or NDC National Democratic Party of Liberia or NDPL National Patriotic Party or NPP National Reformist Party or NRP National Union for Democratic Progress or NUDP People's Unification Party or PUP Unity Party or UP United People's Party Victory for Change Party or VCP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Al-Hassan CONTEH (since 24 July 2025) chancery: 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 telephone: [1] (202) 723-0437 FAX: [1] (202) 723-0436 email address and website: info@liberianembassyus.org http://www.liberianembassyus.org/ consulate(s) general: New York; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Joseph ZADROZNY (since August 2025) embassy: 502 Benson Street, Monrovia mailing address: 8800 Monrovia Place, Washington DC 20521-8800 telephone: [231] 77-677-7000 FAX: [231] 77-677-7370 email address and website: ACSMonrovia@state.gov https://lr.usembassy.gov/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Independence: 26 July 1847; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1847); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Flag: description: 11 equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white; a five-pointed white star sits on a blue square in the upper-left corner meaning: the stripes stand for the signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence, the blue square for the African mainland, and the star for the freedom granted to ex-slaves; the blue stands for liberty, justice, and fidelity; the white for purity, cleanliness, and guilelessness; the red for steadfastness, valor, and fervor note: the design is based on the US flag; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National symbol(s): white star; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National color(s): red, white, blue; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National anthem(s): title: "All Hail, Liberia, Hail!" lyrics/music: Daniel Bashiel WARNER/Olmstead LUCA history: lyrics adopted 1847, music adopted 1860; the anthem's author later became the third president of Liberia; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Economy29 fields

Economic overview: low-income West African economy; food scarcity, especially in rural areas; high poverty and inflation; bad recession prior to COVID-19 due to Ebola crisis; growing government debt; longest continuously operated rubber plantation; large informal economy; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $9.308 billion (2024 est.) $8.882 billion (2023 est.) $8.484 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 4.8% (2024 est.) 4.7% (2023 est.) 4.8% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Real GDP per capita: $1,700 (2024 est.) $1,600 (2023 est.) $1,600 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $4.75 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.1% (2023 est.) 7.6% (2022 est.) 7.8% (2021 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 33.6% (2024 est.) industry: 23.3% (2024 est.) services: 42.1% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Agricultural products: cassava, sugarcane, rice, oil palm fruit, bananas, rubber, vegetables, plantains, taro, maize (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Industries: mining (iron ore and gold), rubber processing, palm oil processing, diamonds; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 6.1% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Labor force: 2.607 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Unemployment rate: 2.9% (2024 est.) 3% (2023 est.) 3% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 2.1% (2024 est.) male: 2.2% (2024 est.) female: 2% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Population below poverty line: 50.9% (2016 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 35.3 (2016 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.9% (2016 est.) highest 10%: 27.1% (2016 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Remittances: 18.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 17.2% of GDP (2022 est.) 15.1% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Budget: revenues: $5 million (2019 est.) expenditures: $6 million (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Public debt: 28.3% of GDP (2016 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Current account balance: $64.806 million (2022 est.) -$101.746 million (2021 est.) -$274.971 million (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exports: $1.22 billion (2022 est.) $1.041 billion (2021 est.) $731.658 million (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exports - partners: Switzerland 30%, UK 13%, France 8%, Germany 7%, Lebanon 4% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exports - commodities: gold, ships, iron ore, rubber, refined petroleum (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Imports: $1.961 billion (2022 est.) $1.739 billion (2021 est.) $1.371 billion (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Imports - partners: China 48%, Japan 21%, Germany 8%, Brazil 3%, Cote d'Ivoire 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Imports - commodities: ships, refined petroleum, rice, trucks, centrifuges (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $599.66 million (2022 est.) $700.829 million (2021 est.) $340.966 million (2020 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Debt - external: $1.335 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exchange rates: Liberian dollars (LRD) per US dollar - 174.956 (2023 est.) 152.934 (2022 est.) 166.154 (2021 est.) 191.518 (2020 est.) 186.43 (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Energy6 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 31.8% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 53.7% electrification - rural areas: 14.9%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 199,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 215.96 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 179.222 million kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 66.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 32.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Coal: imports: 75,000 metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 1.822 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 6,000 (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 1.72 million (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Broadcast media: 8 private and 1 state-owned TV station; satellite TV service available; 1 state-owned radio station; about 20 independent radio stations broadcasting in Monrovia, with about 80 more local stations operating in other areas; transmissions of 4 international broadcasters are available (2019); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Internet country code: .lr; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 24% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 15,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Transportation5 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: A8; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Airports: 19 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Railways: total: 429 km (2008) standard gauge: 345 km (2008) 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 84 km (2008) 1.067-m gauge note: most sections of the railways inoperable due to damage sustained during the civil wars from 1980 to 2003, but many are being rebuilt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Merchant marine: total: 4,821 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 1,895, container ship 1,013, general cargo 170, oil tanker 1,038, other 705; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Ports: total ports: 4 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 3 ports with oil terminals: 3 key ports: Buchanan, Cape Palmas, Greenville, Monrovia; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Military and Security6 fields

Military and security forces: Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL): Army, Liberian Coast Guard Ministry of Justice: Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military expenditures: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.5% of GDP (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 2,000 active Armed Forces (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the military has a limited inventory; in recent years, it has received small quantities of equipment, including donations, from countries such as China, UAE, and the US (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for men and women for voluntary military service (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military - note: the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) are responsible for external defense and some domestic security responsibilities if called upon, such as humanitarian assistance during natural disasters and support to law enforcement; it is a small, lightly equipped force comprised of two combat infantry battalions and supporting units, as well as a few coastal patrol craft for the Coast Guard; the infantry battalions were rebuilt with US assistance in 2007-2008 from the restructured AFL following the end of the second civil war in 2003 when military and police forces were disbanded and approximately 100,000 military, police, and rebel combatants were disarmed the first militia unit established for defense of the Liberia colony was raised in 1832; the AFL traces its origins to the 1908 establishment of the Liberia Frontier Force, which became the Liberian National Guard in 1965; the AFL was established in 1970 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Transnational Issues2 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 1,854 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Trafficking in persons: tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period, therefore Liberia remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/liberia/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

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Liberia at a glance

Liberia through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

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