Liberia

Liberia officially the Republic of Liberia is a country on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Official Name: Republic of Liberia

Short form: Liberia

Country Calling Code: +231

Capital City: Monrovia (pop. 600 000)

Other Cities: Buchanan (est. 300 000), Ganta (est. 290 000), Gbarnga (est. 150 000), Kakata (est. 100 000), Harbel (est. 136 000)

Government Type: Republic.

Independence: 26 July 1847 (from American Colonization Society).

Nationality: Liberian(s).

Population: 3.5 million (2008 census)

Ethnic groups: Kpelle 20%, Bassa 16%, Gio 8%, Kru 7%, 49% spread over 12 other ethnic groups.

Religions: Christian 40%, Traditional and Indigenous beliefs 40%, Muslim 20%.

Languages: English (official). There are 16 indigenous languages.

Natural Resources: Deposits of iron ore, rubber, timber, diamonds, gold and tin, hydropower; crude oil along Atlantic Coast.

Agriculture Products: Coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, rice, cassava, palm oil, bananas, plantains, citrus, pineapple, sweet potatoes, corn, and vegetables.

Industries: Iron ore, rubber, palm oil processing, timber, diamonds, gold, beverages, construction.

Currency: Liberian Dollar (LRD)

Source: www.nationsonline.org/Africa; www.bbc.com/ Liberia Profile; other.