ABOUT LIBERIA
The Republic of Liberia is located on the west coast of Africa and has a population of over 3 million. It was founded in 1821 as an independent nation for free-born and formerly enslaved African Americans,
The country is emerging from overten years of civil war, which displaced thousands and resulted in the destruction of much of its agriculture, industry and infrastructure. In January 2006, the US-educated economist and former finance minister, Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was inaugurated as Africa’s first elected woman head of state following the second round of presidential elections.
The new government has implemented numerous initiatives in tandem with international development agencies to rebuild its infrastructure and economy. This was historically reliant on iron ore and rubber exports as well as the export of other natural resources, including timber, gold and diamonds. The new initiatives encompass the development of agriculture, mining manufacturing and general commerce aimed at utilising the resource potential of the country.
The landscape of Liberia is characterised by predominantly flat to rolling coastal plains, which rise to rolling plateaus and low mountains in the northeast. The climate is classed as equatorial, with hot and humid temperatures and significant annual rainfall.
In December 2007, Arcelor Mittal increased its Liberian iron ore investment by US$500 million to US$1.5 billion. In January 2008, Firestone National Rubber Company LLC concluded negotiations on its existing rubber plantations entering into a concession agreement which runs to 2041 and which includes a commitment to employ a further 500 local Liberians. During the past 12 months, Liberia has been visited by the leaders of China and the USA, highlighting the strategic importance of Liberia in the region
Click here to view further statistics about Liberia.