Moving to Liberia: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

5,073,296

2.56%

48.200000

MONROVIA (capital) 750,000

42.300000

17.900000

36

10.12

4.92

11.4%

11.4%

19.1

19.1

1.030000

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% (

Liberian(s)

57.5%

73.3%

41.6%

age 15 and over can read and write

2.8%

11.000000

57.810000

70.930000

70.930000

770

.01

.8

19.5%

very high

4.8%

86.800000

28.400000

20.4%

Liberia is a low-income country that relies heavily on foreign assistance and remittances from the diaspora.

It is richly endowed with water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture.

Its principal exports are iron ore, rubber, diamonds, and gold.

Palm oil and cocoa are emerging as new export products.

The government has attempted to revive raw timber extraction and is encouraging oil exploration.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, civil war and government mismanagement destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially infrastructure in and around the capital.

Much of the conflict was fueled by control over Liberia’s natural resources.

With the conclusion of fighting and the installation of a democratically elected government in 2006, businesses that had fled the country began to return.

The country achieved high growth during the period 2010-13 due to favorable world prices for its commodities.

However, during the 2014-2015 Ebola crisis, the economy declined and many foreign-owned businesses departed with their capital and expertise.

The epidemic forced the government to divert scarce resources to combat the spread of the virus, reducing funds available for needed public investment.

The cost of addressing the Ebola epidemic coincided with decreased economic activity reducing government revenue, although higher donor support significantly offset this loss.

During the same period, global commodities prices for key exports fell and have yet to recover to pre-Ebola levels.

In 2017, gold was a key driver of growth, as a new mining project began its first full year of production; iron ore exports are also increased as Arcelor Mittal opened new mines at Mount Gangra.

The completion of the rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee Hydroelectric Dam increased electricity production to support ongoing and future economic activity, although electricity tariffs remain high relative to other countries in the region and transmission infrastructure is limited.

Presidential and legislative elections in October 2017 generated election-related spending pressures.

Revitalizing the economy in the future will depend on economic diversification, increasing investment and trade, higher global commodity prices, sustained foreign aid and remittances, development of infrastructure and institutions, combating corruption, and maintaining political stability and security.

rubber processing, palm oil processing, timber, diamonds

$900.00 (USD)

0.9%

$6,850,000,000 (USD)

$900.00 (USD)

0.9%

$2,015,000,000 (USD)

• consumption: 116.3% government
• consumption: 20.7% investment in fixed
• capital: 25.4% investment in
• inventories: -5.2% exports of goods and
• services: 32.4% imports of goods and
• services: -89.5%

36%

16%

48%

11.2%

Liberian dollar (LRD)

Liberian Dollar (LRD)

calendar year

14%

1,372,000

85%

rubber processing, palm oil processing, timber, diamonds

• rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, sugarcane, bananas
• sheep, goats
• timber

80%

177,160

21%

70%

8%

22%

$0 (USD)

-2.9%

23.5%

Republic of Liberia

Liberia

name derives from the Latin word "liber" meaning "free"; so named because the nation was created as a homeland for liberated African-American slaves

26 July 1847

Independence Day, 26 July (1847)

presidential republic

• history: previous 1847 (at independence); latest drafted 19 October 1983, revision adopted by referendum 3 July 1984, effective 6 January 1986
• amendments: proposed by agreement of at least two thirds of both National Assembly houses or by petition of at least 10,000 citizens; passage requires at least two-thirds majority approval of both houses and approval in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of registered voters; amended 2011, 2020

mixed legal system of common law, based on Anglo-American law, and customary law

• chief of state: President Joseph BOAKAI (since 22 January 2024); Vice President Jeremiah KUONG (since 22 January 2024); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
• head of government: President Joseph BOAKAI (since 22 January 2024); Vice President Jeremiah KUONG (since 22 January 2024)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate
• elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 6-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 October 2023 with a runoff on 14 November 2023 (next to be held in October 2029)
• election results: 2023: Joseph BOAKAI elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - George WEAH (CDC) 43.8%, Joseph BOAKAI (UP) 43.4%, Edward APPLETON (GDM) 2.2%, Lusinee KAMARA (ALCOP) 2%, Alexander B. CUMMINGS, Jr. (CPP) 1.6%, Tiawan Saye GONGLOE (LPP) 1.4%, other 5.6%; percentage of vote in second round - Joseph BOAKAI 50.6%, George WEAH 49.4%

• Description: bicameral National Assembly consists of: The Liberian Senate (30 seats; members directly elected in 15 2-seat districts by simple majority vote to serve 9-year staggered terms; each district elects 1 senator and elects the second senator 3 years later, followed by a 6-year hiatus, after which the first Senate seat is up for election) House of Representatives (73 seats; members directly elected in single-seat districts by simple majority vote to serve 6-year terms; eligible for a second term)
• Elections: Senate - general election held on 10 October 2023 with half the seats up for election (next to be held on 9 October 2029) House of Representatives - last held on 10 October 2023 (next to be held 9 October 2029)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - Collaborating Political Parties 43.3%, Congress for Democratic Change 16.6%, People's Unification Party 6.6%, Movement for Democracy and Reconstructions 3.3%, National Democratic Coalition 3.3%, National Patriotic Party 3.3%, Independent 23.3%; seats by coalition/party- CPP 13, CDC 5, PUP 2, MDR 1, NDC 1, NPP 1, Independent 7;
• Composition: men 27, women 3, percent of women 11% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - Coalition for Democratic Change 28.7%, Unity Party 27.3%, People's Unification Party 6.8%, Liberty Party 4.1%, Americo Liberian Party 4.1%, Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction 4.1%, Movement for Economic Empowerment 1.3%, Liberia Transformation Party 1.3%, United People's Party 1.3%, Victory for Change Party 1.3%, Liberian People's Party 1.3%, Liberia National Union 1.3%, Independent 17.8%; seats by coalition/party - CDC 21, UP 20, PUP 5, LP 3, ALP 3, MDR 3, MOVEE 1, LTP 1, UPP 1, VCP 1, LPP 1, LNU 1, Independent 13;
• Composition: men 66, women 7, percent of women 9.5%; total Parliament percent of women 9.7%

• office: chief justice and associate justices appointed by the president of Liberia with consent of the Senate; judges can serve until age 70
• subordinate courts: judicial circuit courts; special courts, including criminal, civil, labor, traffic; magistrate and traditional or customary courts

15 counties; Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Cess, River Gee, Sinoe

• All Liberian Party or ALP [Benoni UREY]
• Alliance for Peace and Democracy or APD [vacant]
• Alternative National Congress or ANC [Alexander B. CUMMINGS, JR]
• Coalition for Democratic Change [George WEAH] (includes CDC, NPP, and LPDP)
• Congress for Democratic Change or CDC [George WEAH]
• Liberia Destiny Party or LDP [Nathaniel BARNES]
• Liberia National Union or LINU [Dr. Clarence K. MONIBA]
• Liberia Transformation Party or LTP [Kennedy SANDY]
• Liberian People Democratic Party or LPDP [Alex J. TYLER]
• Liberian People's Party or LPP [Henry FAHNBULLEH, JR]
• Liberty Party or LP [Charles Brumskine]
• Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction or MDR [Prince Y. JOHNSON]
• Movement for Economic Empowerment [Joseph JONES]
• Movement for Progressive Change or MPC [Simeon FREEMAN]
• National Democratic Coalition or NDC [Dew MAYSON]
• National Democratic Party of Liberia or NDPL [D. Nyandeh SIEH]
• National Patriotic Party or NPP [Jewel HOWARD TAYLOR]
• National Reformist Party or NRP [Maximillian T. W. DIABE]
• National Union for Democratic Progress or NUDP [Victor BARNEY]
• People's Unification Party or PUP [Isobe GBORKORKOLLIE]
• Unity Party or UP [Josephe BOAKAI]
• United People's Party [MacDonald WENTO]
• Victory for Change Party or VCP [Marcus R. JONES]

18 years of age; universal

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Liberia dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 2 years

Monrovia

6 18 N, 10 48 W

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

• ACP
• AfDB
• AU
• ECOWAS
• EITI (compliant country)
• FAO
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (NGOs)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NAM
• OPCW
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UNISFA
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant) Charges d'Affairs Catherine RODRIGUEZ (since 11 August 2023)
• Embassy: 502 Benson Street, Monrovia
• Mailing Address: 8800 Monrovia Place, Washington DC 20521-8800
• Telephone: [231] 77-677-7000
• FAX: [231] 77-677-7370
• Email: ACSMonrovia@state.gov
• Website: https://lr.usembassy.gov/

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Jeff Gongoer DOWANA, Sr. (since 12 December 2022)
• Chancery: 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
• Telephone: [1] (202) 723-0437
• FAX: [1] (202) 723-0436
• Email: amb.office@liberianembassyus.org
• Website: http://www.liberianembassyus.org/
• Consulate(s) General: New York

Africa

6 30 N, 9 30 W

43,000 Square Miles 111,369 Square Kilometers

37,189 Square Miles 96,320 Square Kilometers

5,810 Square Miles 15,049 Square Kilometers

985 Miles 1,585 Kilometers

Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone 306 km

360 Miles 579 Kilometers

mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeast

1,380 Meters

Mount Wuteve 1,380 m

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower

8 Square Miles 21 Square Kilometers

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Liberia is so situated in the Tropics as to be directly in the path of the seasonal winds.

From May through November, the prevailing monsoon winds drop most of the nearly 200 inches of rain received annually in the capital city of Monrovia.

From December through April, the red, dust-laden harmattan winds originating over the Sahara Desert prevail.

The transition periods between the seasons are punctuated by violent thunderstorms and sudden torrential downpours.

Temperatures average 81°F; humidity averages 82%.

There is little variation over the course of the year.

Precautions must be taken against mildew and rust caused by the heat, constant humidity, and the corrosive salt air of the coast.

mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeast

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone

43,000 Square Miles 111,369 Square Kilometers

Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone 306 km

• tropical rain forest deforestation
• soil erosion
• loss of biodiversity
• pollution of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

$1,197,000,000 (USD)

$7,143,000,000 (USD)

rubber, timber, iron, diamonds, cocoa, coffee

fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods; foodstuffs

Germany 52.7%, France 8.2%, Poland 6.8%, Denmark 5.3%, China 4.7%, Italy 4.4%, US 4% (2002)

South Korea 31.1%, Japan 19.5%, Germany 16%, France 9.3%, Singapore 8.1% (2002)

Germany 52.7%, France 8.2%, Poland 6.8%, Denmark 5.3%, China 4.7%, Italy 4.4%, US 4% (2002)

South Korea 31.1%, Japan 19.5%, Germany 16%, France 9.3%, Singapore 8.1% (2002)

Liberia is a country in West Africa that suffered from years of instability and conflict from 1990-2003, with attendant destruction of buildings, roads, infrastructure, and public institutions.

A comprehensive peace accord ended the conflict in August 2003 and a United Nations peacekeeping force (UNMIL) was deployed to facilitate disarmament and demobilization, help arrange democratic elections, and provide for security of the country.

In late 2005, Liberians went to the polls and elected Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as president.

A new government was inaugurated in January 2006, and has made progress towards restoring security and stability to the country.

President Sirleaf was re-elected in November 2011.

Despite ten years of peace and economic growth, Liberia is still one of the poorest countries in the world and many basic services (e.g., public power, water and sewage, landline phones) are either limited or unavailable.

Facilities for foreign visitors are adequate in the capital, Monrovia, but virtually non-existent in the rest of the country.

The official language of Liberia is English.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to plan proposed travel to Liberia carefully and to exercise caution when traveling in Liberia.

Before traveling to Liberia, U.S. citizens are urged to make arrangements for transportation from the international airport into the city center.

Taxis are available at the international airport, which is located 40 miles outside of Monrovia, but public transportation (such as buses) is not available.

U.S. citizens traveling to Liberia are also urged to ensure that they have confirmed reservations at a reputable hotel, as rooms can be scarce and difficult to find without advance plans.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Liberia should realize that Liberia's police force has limited resources and is rebuilding.

There is a UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), but its mandate is to ensure political stability.

UN Police (UNPOL) officers serve as advisors to the Liberian National Police.

They do not have the authority to arrest or detain, and they are unarmed.

The Liberia National Police has a strong presence in Monrovia, but less of a presence outside of Monrovia.

The police can be both a source of assistance as well as a source of problems for visitors.

Concerns about police corruption continue, and travelers may be detained by police officers soliciting bribes.

U.S citizens are encouraged to carry a photocopy of their passports with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and citizenship is readily available.

If detained or arrested, U.S. citizens should ask to contact the U.S.

Embassy.

U.S. citizens in Liberia should be aware of their surroundings at all times and use caution when moving around, especially at night.

Travel outside of Monrovia after dark is strongly discouraged, as roads are in poor condition and there are few public street lights.

U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations, and should maintain security awareness at all times.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs' website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.

These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Take some time before travel to consider your personal security – things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States.

Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.

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.

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.

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.

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Liberia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Road travel in Liberia can be hazardous.

Potholes and poor road surfaces are common, making safe driving extremely challenging.

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and taxis are often overloaded with people and goods and make frequent stops without signaling.

Drivers overtake on the right as well as the left.

Many vehicles operate with threadbare tires, and blowouts are frequent.

Public taxis are poorly maintained and usually overloaded.

Drivers should approach intersections with extreme caution.

The widespread absence of public street lights makes it difficult to see pedestrians walking in city streets or on country roads.

Drivers and pedestrians are cautioned that high-speed car convoys carrying governmentofficials require all other vehicles to pull off the road until they have passed.

Travelers should expect time-consuming detours around the many bridges and roads damaged by war, neglect, or the heavy annual rains occurring between May and November.

Travelers can expect strict enforcement of border controls by Liberian, Ivorian, Sierra Leonean, and Guinean authorities.

At times, border crossings to neighboring countries are closed.

29

2

267 Miles 429 Kilometers

6,587 Miles 10,600 Kilometers

408 Miles 657 Kilometers

Buchanan, Greenville, Harper, Monrovia, Robertsport

2 Miles 4 Kilometers

2,000

563,000

1,000

.lr

8

• 3 private TV stations
• satellite TV service available
• 1 state-owned radio station
• about 15 independent radio stations broadcasting in Monrovia, with another 25 local stations operating in other areas
• transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are available

• assessment: the limited services available are found almost exclusively in the capital Monrovia; fixed-line service stagnant and extremely limited; telephone coverage extended to a number of other towns and rural areas by four mobile-cellular network operators
• domestic: mobile-cellular subscription base growing and teledensity reached 50 per 100 persons in 2011
• international: country code - 231; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

325,500,000

350,000,000

3,533

All Hail, Liberia, Hail!" is the national anthem of Liberia, lyrics written by Daniel Bashiel Warner (1815-1880) in English, and music by Olmstead Luca (1836-?).

All hail, Liberia, hail!

(All hail!) All hail, Liberia, hail!

(All hail!) This glorious land of liberty Shall long prevail.

Though new her name, Green be her fame, And mighty be her powers, And mighty be her powers.

In joy and gladness With our hearts united, We'll shout the freedom Of a race benighted, Long live Liberia, happy land!

A home of glorious liberty, By God's command!

A home of glorious liberty, By God's command!

All hail, Liberia, hail!

(All hail!) All hail, Liberia, hail!

(All hail!) In union strong success is sure.

We cannot fail!

With God above Our rights to prove, We will o'er all prevail, We will o'er all prevail!

With heart and hand our country's cause defending, We'll meet the foe with valour unpretending.

Long live Liberia, happy land!

A home of glorious liberty, By God's command!

A home of glorious liberty, By God's command!