People and Society of Liberia

Nationality

Liberian(s)

Ethnic Groups

indigenous African tribes 95% (including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, Dei, Bella, Mandingo, and Mende), Americo-Liberians 2.5% (descendants of immigrants from the US who had been slaves), Congo People 2.5% (

Population

5,418,377

Population in Major Urban Areas

MONROVIA (capital) 750,000

Hospitals and medical facilities in Liberia are very poorly equipped and are incapable of providing many services. Emergency services comparable to those in the U.S. or Europe are non-existent, and the blood supply is unreliable and unsafe for transfusion. For serious medical problems, U.S. citizens in Liberia should consider traveling to the United States, Europe, or South Africa for treatment. Medicines are scarce, often beyond expiration dates, and generally unavailable in most areas. As there is neither an effective garbage removal service nor a functioning sewer system, sanitation throughout urban areas is very poor, which increases the potential for disease. Upper respiratory infections and diarrhea are common, as well as more serious diseases such as typhoid and malaria. All travelers to Liberia must be vaccinated against yellow fever and should carry a supply of all prescription medication, including anti-malaria medication, adequate for their entire stay. A typhoid vaccination is also recommended.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Liberia stands at approximately 64 years overall, with women living slightly longer than men — around 65 years for females compared to roughly 62 years for males. These figures reflect gradual progress in healthcare access, disease control, and post-conflict reconstruction following the civil wars that disrupted the country between 1989 and 2003, though gains have been uneven and fragile. Liberia's life expectancy remains among the lower figures in West Africa and the world at large, shaped by a combination of persistent health challenges. Malaria is a leading cause of death and illness, particularly among children under five, and contributes significantly to premature mortality. Other major health concerns include tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, respiratory infections, and complications related to childbirth and pregnancy. Maternal and infant mortality rates remain elevated, with limited access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care in rural areas playing a notable role. The 2014–2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak severely set back health system capacity and erased years of incremental gains, causing widespread fear, overburdening already fragile medical infrastructure, and diverting resources from routine healthcare. Recovery from that crisis, combined with continued international health investment, helped stabilize life expectancy in subsequent years, though the COVID-19 pandemic introduced additional strain on Liberia's health system and complicated further progress. Access to clean water and improved sanitation remains a serious public health issue, particularly outside the capital Monrovia, contributing to preventable illnesses that shorten lives. Malnutrition also affects life expectancy, especially among young children and rural populations with limited food security. Despite these challenges, positive trends are emerging. Vaccination coverage has expanded through partnerships with international health organizations, child mortality rates have declined compared to figures from the early 2000s, and Liberia's government has made commitments to strengthen primary healthcare delivery. Life expectancy in Liberia, while still below global averages, reflects both the hardships of recent history and the resilience of a population continuing to rebuild.

Infant Mortality Rate

Liberia continues to face significant challenges in reducing its infant mortality rate, reflecting broader struggles within its public health infrastructure. As of recent estimates, Liberia's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 40 to 45 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it among the higher rates in sub-Saharan Africa, though this figure represents meaningful progress compared to rates exceeding 100 deaths per 1,000 live births recorded in the early 2000s. Several interconnected factors contribute to the elevated infant mortality rate. Neonatal conditions — including complications from preterm birth, birth asphyxia, and neonatal infections — account for a significant share of infant deaths. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death among children under one year of age, as Liberia's tropical climate creates year-round transmission conditions. Diarrheal diseases and acute respiratory infections also contribute substantially, often linked to limited access to clean drinking water and inadequate sanitation facilities. Access to skilled healthcare providers during childbirth remains uneven, particularly in rural counties such as Lofa, Nimba, and Grand Gedeh, where geographic isolation and poor road infrastructure restrict women's ability to reach medical facilities in time. Home births without trained attendants carry considerably higher risks for both mother and newborn. Malnutrition further weakens infant immune systems, increasing vulnerability to otherwise preventable illnesses. The Liberian government, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and various international NGOs, has implemented targeted programs to address these issues. Expanded immunization campaigns, improved access to insecticide-treated bed nets, community-based health worker training, and the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding have all contributed to the downward trend in infant deaths over the past two decades. Despite this progress, significant gaps remain. The healthcare system, severely damaged during Liberia's civil conflicts between 1989 and 2003 and further strained by the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak, continues to operate with limited resources, insufficient medical personnel, and inadequate supply chains. Sustained international support and domestic investment in maternal and child health infrastructure will be essential to bringing Liberia's infant mortality rate down to levels more consistent with global health benchmarks.

Major Infectious Diseases

very high

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• indigenous beliefs40.0%
• Christian40.0%
• Muslim20.0%

English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages, of which a few can be written and are used in correspondence

• English

Crime Information

While incidence of crime in Liberia is high, most crimes that occur within the expat community are crimes of opportunity (which increase during the hours of darkness), to include residential burglary or armed robbery (with use of a knife or machete). Criminal activity has been reported in both urban and rural areas. The Liberian National Police have limited capacity to respond to crime events, thus, crime is much higher in Liberian communities where police are not visible. Driving in Monrovia presents a danger to residents and visitors, as traffic laws are either nonexistent or not enforced by police. Traffic accidents are frequent and often result in injury or loss of life. The police are poorly equipped and largely incapable of providing effective protection or investigation. Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including U.S. citizens. Formerly associated with Nigeria, these fraud schemes are now prevalent throughout western Africa, including Liberia, and pose a danger of both financial loss and physical harm. An increasing number of U.S. citizens have been the targets of such scams. The best way to avoid becoming a victim of fraud is common sense – if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. U.S. citizens should carefully check any unsolicited business proposal originating in Liberia before committing any funds, providing any goods or services, or undertaking any travel, particularly if the proposal involves the mining or sale of gold and diamonds. There has also been an increase in the number of Liberian/American Internet relationships in which there are eventual requests for financial assistance under fraudulent pretenses. Petty corruption is rampant; poorly paid government officials may ask for fees for doing their job. Travelers may be inconvenienced for not paying them. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. While you are overseas, U.S. law may not apply. If you do something illegal overseas, your U.S. passport won’t shield you from local prosecution. It is very important to familiarize yourself with local laws, customs, and practices. Persons violating Liberian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Liberia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Photographing military installations, air and sea ports, and important government buildings is prohibited. Visitors should not take photographs of sites or activities that might be considered sensitive, as police are liable to confiscate the camera. If you are arrested in Liberia, you have the right to request authorities alert the U.S. Embassy of your arrest.