Liberia Country & Tourist Information

Location
West Africa.

Area
97,754 sq km (37,743 sq miles).

Population
3.2 million (2003).

Population Density
33.1 per sq km.

Capital
Monrovia.
Population: 550,200 (2003).

Government
Republic. Declared independence in 1847. Head of State and Government: President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf since January 2006. Recent history: The 2006 presidential elections resulted in a run-off between ex-footballer George Weah and Johnson-Sirleaf, a former World Bank economist. Johnson-Sirleaf won with 59 per cent of the vote. International observers declared the election to be free and fair, despite Weah’s allegations of electoral fraud. She is Africa’s first elected female ruler. She pledged to unite her country, which has been struggling for peace after nearly 25 years of coups and civil wars.

Language
English is the official language. The main local languages are Bassa, Dan (Gio), Kpelleh, Kru, Lorma and Mano. There are 16 major languages and dialects.

Religion
Officially a Christian state, with more than 30 denominations represented; Islam is practiced in the north and traditional animist beliefs exist throughout the country.

Time
GMT.

Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz.

Telephone
Country code: 231 (no area codes). The internal network in Monrovia is gradually being extended over the country.

Mobile Telephone
Coverage is limited to Monrovia and surrounding areas.

Internet
There are a few Internet cafes in Monrovia.

Media
Following years of civil war, Liberia’s broadcasters and publishers are still struggling to find resources to pay their staff. The state-run broadcaster has no television service and operates a single radio service, which does not have national coverage.


Post
Airmail to Europe takes up to one month.

Press
• Private daily newspapers include The Inquirer, The News and The Analyst.
• Weekly publications include The Heritage.

Radio
• State-run ELBC is operated by Liberian Broadcasting System.
• Many stations are run with the support of international agencies.
• Star Radio is an FM and shortwave station, operated in partnership with Swiss-based Hirondelle Foundation.
• UNMIL Radio is operated by the United Nations mission.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period. 

2007
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
11 Feb Armed Forces’ Day. 
14 Mar Decoration Day.
15 Mar J J Roberts’ Birthday.
12 Apr National Redemption Day.
13 Apr Fast and Prayer Day.
14 May National Unification Day.
25 May Africa Day.
26 Jul Independence Day.
24 Aug Flag Day.
1 Nov Thanksgiving Day.
29 Nov President Tubman’s Birthday.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
11 Feb Armed Forces’ Day.
8 Mar Decoration Day.
15 Mar J J Roberts’ Birthday.
12 Apr National Redemption Day.
14 Apr Fast and Prayer Day. 
14 May National Unification Day.
25 May Africa Day.
26 Jul Independence Day.
24 Aug Flag Day.
6 Nov Thanksgiving Day.
29 Nov President Tubman’s Birthday.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Contact Information:

Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT)
110 United Nations Drive, PO Box 10-9021, Capitol Hill, 1000 Monrovia, Liberia
Tel: 226 269. Fax: 226 069.

Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in the UK
23 Fitzroy Square, London W1 6EW, UK
Tel: (020) 7388 5489. Fax: (020) 7380 1593.
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 1030-1600; Mon-Thurs 1100-1530 (visa section).
Also deals with tourism enquiries.

Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in the USA
5201 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA
Tel: (202) 723 0437.
Website: www.embassyofliberia.org
Also deals with enquiries from Canada.


Next Page »

Related Liberia Content