Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Liberia
CapitalMonrovia
Population5,731,206
GDP$5.2bn
Area111,369 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 2023, 2017, 2014, 2011Early 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.
Geography
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 111,369 sq km
land: 96,320 sq km
water: 15,049 sq km
land: 96,320 sq km
water: 15,049 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Virginia
Land boundaries
total: 1,667 km
border countries: Guinea 590 km; Cote d'Ivoire 778 km; Sierra Leone 299 km
border countries: Guinea 590 km; Cote d'Ivoire 778 km; Sierra Leone 299 km
Coastline
579 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers
Terrain
mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeast
Elevation
highest point: Mount Wuteve 1,447 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 243 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 243 m
Natural resources
iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land: 20% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 66.5% (2023 est.)
other: 13.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 66.5% (2023 est.)
other: 13.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
30 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Population 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
Natural hazards
dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to March)
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
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Liberian(s)
adjective: Liberian
adjective: Liberian
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.)
Reference: 2022Languages
English 20% (official) and 27 indigenous languages, including Liberian English variants
Religions
Christian 84.9%, Muslim 12%, Traditional 0.5%, other 0.1%, none 2.6% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Age 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)
Reference: 202415-64 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)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 72.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 67.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 18 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 67.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 18 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 19.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 19.8 years
female: 20 years
Reference: 2024male: 19.8 years
female: 20 years
Population growth rate
2.32% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
32.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
8.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population 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
Major urban areas - population
1.678 million MONROVIA (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex 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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
19.1 years (2019/20 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2019note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
628 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.94 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 84.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 65.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 75.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 15.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 34.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 24.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 65.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 75.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 15.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 34.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 24.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 16.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.18 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
1.6 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 70.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 25.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 49% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 29.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 74.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 51% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 25.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 49% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 29.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 74.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 51% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
9.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
Tobacco use
total: 6.4% (2025 est.)
male: 11.5% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
male: 11.5% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
10.9% (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Currently married women (ages 15-49)
48.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child 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)
Reference: 2020women married by age 18: 24.9% (2020)
men married by age 18: 8.4% (2020)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,854 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Joseph Boakai | — | 2024-01-00 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Joseph Boakai | — | 2024-01-00 | Current | Reported |
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
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
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
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
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
Legal system
mixed system of common law, based on Anglo-American law and customary law
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
Reference: 1986, 1984, 1983amendment 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
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Liberia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 2 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
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: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Reference: 2029, 2024, 2023, 2017head 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: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch
legislature name: Legislature
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
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
Reference: 2029, 2023number 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
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
Reference: 2029, 2023number 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
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: note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction for all constitutional cases
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: note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction for all constitutional cases
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
Reference: 2024Alliance 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
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
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
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/
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/
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
Independence
26 July 1847
National holiday
Independence Day, 26 July (1847)
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: note: the design is based on the US flag
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: note: the design is based on the US flag
National symbol(s)
white star
National color(s)
red, white, blue
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
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
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legislature of Liberia | — | — | — |
Economy
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
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $9.308 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $8.882 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $8.484 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $8.882 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $8.484 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $1,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $1,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $1,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $1,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $1,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 33.6% (2024 est.)
industry: 23.3% (2024 est.)
services: 42.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 23.3% (2024 est.)
services: 42.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Agricultural products
cassava, sugarcane, rice, oil palm fruit, bananas, rubber, vegetables, plantains, taro, maize (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
mining (iron ore and gold), rubber processing, palm oil processing, diamonds
Industrial production growth rate
6.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
2.607 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 2.1% (2024 est.)
male: 2.2% (2024 est.)
female: 2% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 2.2% (2024 est.)
female: 2% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
50.9% (2016 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2016note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2016: 35.3 (2016 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2016note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.9% (2016 est.)
highest 10%: 27.1% (2016 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2016highest 10%: 27.1% (2016 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 18.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 17.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 15.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 17.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 15.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $5 million (2019 est.)
expenditures: $6 million (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019expenditures: $6 million (2019 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 28.3% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Current account balance
Current account balance 2022: $64.806 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$101.746 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$274.971 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Current account balance 2021: -$101.746 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$274.971 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2022: $1.22 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $1.041 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $731.658 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Exports 2021: $1.041 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $731.658 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Switzerland 30%, UK 13%, France 8%, Germany 7%, Lebanon 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, ships, iron ore, rubber, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2022: $1.961 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $1.739 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $1.371 billion (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Imports 2021: $1.739 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $1.371 billion (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 48%, Japan 21%, Germany 8%, Brazil 3%, Cote d'Ivoire 3% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, rice, trucks, centrifuges (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $599.66 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $700.829 million (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2020: $340.966 million (2020 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $700.829 million (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2020: $340.966 million (2020 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $1.335 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Liberian dollars (LRD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2023: 174.956 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 152.934 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 166.154 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 191.518 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019: 186.43 (2019 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020Exchange rates 2023: 174.956 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 152.934 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 166.154 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 191.518 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019: 186.43 (2019 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022: $64.806 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$101.746 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$274.971 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Current account balance 2021: -$101.746 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$274.971 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2022: $1.22 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $1.041 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $731.658 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Exports 2021: $1.041 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $731.658 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Switzerland 30%, UK 13%, France 8%, Germany 7%, Lebanon 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, ships, iron ore, rubber, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2022: $1.961 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $1.739 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $1.371 billion (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Imports 2021: $1.739 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $1.371 billion (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 48%, Japan 21%, Germany 8%, Brazil 3%, Cote d'Ivoire 3% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, rice, trucks, centrifuges (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 215.96 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 179.222 million kWh (2023 est.)
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.)
Reference: 2023solar: 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.)
Coal
imports: 75,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 1.822 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 6,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
628 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 16.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.18 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
1.6 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
9.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 6.4% (2025 est.)
male: 11.5% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
male: 11.5% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of common law, based on Anglo-American law and customary law
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: note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction for all constitutional cases
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: note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction for all constitutional cases
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL): Army, Liberian Coast Guard
Ministry of Justice: Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (2025)
Ministry of Justice: Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 2,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
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 and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-35 years of age for men and women for voluntary military service; no conscription (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - 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)
Reference: 2025, 2008, 2007, 2003the 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)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
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
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/
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/
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
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-11-02 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 2016-07-14 |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,854 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Trafficking 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/
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
A8
Airports
19 (2025)
Railways
total: 429 km (2008)
standard gauge: 345 km (2008) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 84 km (2008) 1.067-m gauge
note: note: most sections of the railways inoperable due to damage sustained during the civil wars from 1980 to 2003, but many are being rebuilt
Reference: 2008, 2003, 1980standard gauge: 345 km (2008) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 84 km (2008) 1.067-m gauge
note: note: most sections of the railways inoperable due to damage sustained during the civil wars from 1980 to 2003, but many are being rebuilt
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
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 1,895, container ship 1,013, general cargo 170, oil tanker 1,038, other 705
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
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 3
key ports: Buchanan, Cape Palmas, Greenville, Monrovia
Environment
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
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
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers
Land use
agricultural land: 20% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 66.5% (2023 est.)
other: 13.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 5.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 66.5% (2023 est.)
other: 13.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 53.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.41% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2015rate of urbanization: 3.41% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total 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.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 4 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 671,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
41.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 564,500 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 7.9% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 7.9% (2022 est.)
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.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 53.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 12.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
232 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 6,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
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)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.lr
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4,755,608 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 4,848,925 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 4,944,726 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 5,043,721 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 5,149,463 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 5,259,323 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 5,373,294 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 5,493,031 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 5,612,817 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 5,731,206 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $3,398,419,600 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $3,390,703,400 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $3,422,754,800 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $3,319,596,500 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $3,176,126,300 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $3,513,049,500 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $4,001,047,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $4,390,000,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $4,779,300,900 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $5,245,938,900 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 87,947 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 72,423 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 539,145 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 562,699 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 270,603 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 349,718 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 186,132 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 150,490 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 147,341 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 145,919 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -26,796 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -24,807 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -23,199 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -19,678 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -10,107 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -11,852 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -5,003 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -5,002 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -7,779 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -9,870 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,731,206 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 5,853,949 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 5,214,030 | 2021 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 72,423 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 1.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 145,919 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -9,870 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 54,753 | 2001 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 0 | 2001 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 5,117 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 3,725 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.836 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.544 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.436 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.187 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.312 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.980 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.717 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Illegal since 3 April 1978; Penalty: 1 year imprisonment. (repeal proposed) | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $5,245,938,900 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $915 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 5.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 8.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 2.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Low income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 62.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.9 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 56.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 32.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 59.4% | 2010 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 37.7% | 2020 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 2.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 34.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 92.8% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 13.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 63.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 78.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 32.1 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.3 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 13 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 6.3004° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -10.7957° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 6.5333° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -9.7500° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC±00:00, Africa/Monrovia | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | presidential system, constitutional republic, republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:18