Liberia

A. Introduction

Liberia is situated in the west coast of Africa, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Its tropical climate brings high humidity and a lot of rainfall. Liberia has an area of 111,300 km2 and a population of 4.9 million people (2019). Major productions are diamond, gold and tropical hardwoods.

B. Economic and Social Situation

The continuous outbreaks of civil wars destroyed the economic development, political and social stability of the country. Current environmental issues include tropical rain-forest subject to deforestation; soil degradation; desertification resulting in diminishing of lands suitable for farming; loss of biodiversity. People suffer from both natural and man-made calamities.

English is the official language. but over 20 indigenous languages are spoken. Over 80% of the population practises Christianity and Islam is the next most popular religion.

Farming is the main livelihood of the people. The major productions are rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, sugarcane, bananas, sheep, goats and timber etc. Other industries are: rubber refinery, food refinery, construction materials, furniture manufacturing, palm-oil refinery, iron and diamond mining.