Liberia Population: 3, 390,635 (July 2004) Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers Religions: indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20% Languages: English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages, of which a few can be written and are used in correspondence Economy: Civil war and misgovernment have destroyed much of Liberia’s economy, especially the infrastructure in and around Monrovia. Many businessmen have fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them. Some have returned, many will not. Richly endowed with water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products - primarily raw timber and rubber. Local manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope. The restoration of infrastructure and the raising of incomes in this ravaged economy depend on the implementation of sound macro- and micro-economic policies, including the encouragement of foreign investment, and generous support from donor countries. Currency: Liberian dollar (LRD) HIV/AIDS: Adult prevalence rate: 9% (2001 est.)
Rafiki in Liberia ROS in Liberia |