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Location
West Africa.
Time
GMT.
Area
99,067 sq km (38,250 sq miles).
Population
3.2 million (CIA estimate 2007).
Population Density
32.3 per sq km.
Capital
Monrovia. Population: 572,000 (census 2003).
Geography
Liberia borders Sierra Leone, Guinea Republic and Côte d’Ivoire. The Atlantic coastline to the west is 560km (348 miles) long, of which over half is sandy beach. Lying parallel to the shore are three distinct belts. The low coastal belt is well watered by shallow lagoons, tidal creeks and mangrove swamps, behind which rises a gently undulating plateau, 500 to 800m (1,640 to 2,625ft) high, partly covered with dense forests. Inland and to the north is the mountain region which includes Mount Nimba at 1,752m (5,748ft) and Waulo Mountain at 1,400m (4,593ft). About half of the country’s population are rural dwellers.
Government
Republic. Declared independence in 1847.
Head of State
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf since January 2006.
Recent History
The 2006 presidential elections resulted in a run-off between ex-footballer George Weah and Johnson-Sirleaf, a US-educated former World Bank economist. Johnson-Sirleaf won with 59% of the vote. International observers declared the election to be free and fair, despite Weah's allegations of electoral fraud. Johnson-Sirleaf is Africa's first elected female ruler. She pledged to unite her country, which has been struggling for peace after nearly 25 years of coups and civil wars.
In April 2007, the UN Security Council lifted its ban on Liberian diamond exports. The ban was imposed in 2001 to stem the flow of 'blood diamonds', which helped to fund the civil war. In June 2007, the war crimes trial of Charles Taylor began in The Hague. The former president of Liberia stands accused of instigating atrocities and backing rebels in Sierra Leone.
In April 2007, the UN Security Council lifted its ban on Liberian diamond exports. The ban was imposed in 2001 to stem the flow of 'blood diamonds', which helped to fund the civil war. In June 2007, the war crimes trial of Charles Taylor began in The Hague. The former president of Liberia stands accused of instigating atrocities and backing rebels in Sierra Leone.
Language
English is the official language. The main local languages are Bassa, Dan (Gio), Kpelleh, Kru, Lorma and Mano. There are 29 African languages belonging to the Mande, Kwa or Mel linguistic groups.
Religion
Officially a Christian state, with more than 30 denominations represented; Islam is practised in the north and traditional animist beliefs exist throughout the country.
Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz.
Social Conventions
In Muslim areas, the visitor should respect the conventions of dress and the food laws, since failure to do so will be taken as an insult. Dress is casual and must be practical, but smarter dress will be expected in hotel dining rooms and for important social functions. The visitor should be aware that the cost of living is high. Sending flowers or chocolates to hosts is inappropriate; a letter of thanks is all that is required.