Liberia profile

Refugee children living at a Catholic church in LURD (Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy) rebel territory

Civil war in the 1990s destroyed Liberia's economy, left 250,000 dead and created thousands of refugees

  • Full name: Republic of Liberia

  • Population: 4.2 million (UN, 2012)

  • Capital: Monrovia

  • Area: 99,067 sq km (38,250 sq miles)

  • Languages: English, 29 African languages belonging to the Mande, Kwa or Mel linguistic groups

  • Major religions: Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs

  • Life expectancy: 56 years (men), 59 years (women) (UN)

  • Monetary unit: 1 Liberian dollar (L$) = 100 cents

  • Main exports: Diamonds, iron ore, rubber, timber, coffee, cocoa

  • GNI per capita: US $330 (World Bank, 2011)

  • Internet domain: .lr

  • International dialling code: +231