Liberia is an independent republic which lies on the on the bulge of Africa between Sierra Leone and Cote d'Ivoire and forms part of the West African Region. The capital city and major port is Monrovia. Other major towns are Nimba and Harbel and the ports of Greenville and Buchanan.
The official language of Liberia is English but several local languages are more widely spoken. Owing to the continuing state of political instability in the country it is difficult to get reliable economic indicators for the country. The local currency is the Liberian dollar (L$) which is officially at par with the US$ and US notes and coins are legal tender in Liberia.
The international time zone for Liberia is GMT and the international dialling code is +231. The airlines that fly to Liberia are Nigerian Airways and Air Guinea. As at January 1996 all visitors to Liberia require visas.
Cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and malaria may be contracted while travelling in Liberia. Travellers should be aware that advance payment for medical services may be required. Prescription medicines should be carried in their original containers together with the prescription. Vaccinations should be obtained before entering Liberia.
Before the outbreak of civil war, agriculture accounted for about 40% of Liberia’s GDP. The rubber industry generated over US$100 million export earnings annually and the discovery of significant iron ore deposits attracted substantial foreign investment and in the 1960's and 1970's the country was one of the world’s largest iron ore exporters. However, these developments failed to have an impact on the population as a whole, and was characterised as growth without development. GDP in 2002 stood at US$ 0.56 billion.
In 1980 a successful military coup led to economic mismanagement and debt. A democratically elected government began its term in 1997; however, the economy has suffered terribly as a result of the war and depletion of various raw materials especially those contributing to the previously prosperous rubber industry. There is no significant economic activity as a result of the ongoing conflict in the country.
