GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Liberia.
Capital
Monrovia.
Geography
According to a2zgov, Liberia borders the Republic of Guinea to the north, Côte d’Ivoire to the east and Sierra Leone to the northwest. The Atlantic coast in the southwest is 560 km long and consists of over 50% sandy beaches. Three different landscape areas extend parallel to the coast. The coast is irrigated by the shallow lagoons, numerous bays and mangrove swamps. Behind it the land rises gradually to a plateau covered with dense jungle (500-800 m). The interior is mountainous, Mount Nimba (1752 m) and Mount Waulo (1400 m) are the highest peaks. Around 50% of the population live in rural areas.
Government
Presidential republic since 1847. Constitution of 1986. Two-chamber parliament: House of Representatives with 64 and Senate with 26 members.
Head of state
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, since November 2005.
Head of government
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, since November 2005.
Electricity
110 V, partly also 220 V, 60 Hz. There is no public power supply in Liberia.
Time zone
Greenwich Mean Time: CET -1
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English (20%). About 20 African tribal languages such as Golla, Kpelle, Mande and Kru are also spoken.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Liberia duty-free (people over 18 years):
200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
1 liter of spirits and 1 liter of wine;
100 g perfume and 1 liter eau de toilette;
Gifts / other merchandise up to a total value of US $ 125.
Prohibited imports
Drugs, narcotics, weapons.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
English is spoken in business circles. Casual clothing for business appointments, a safari suit or shirt and tie or summer costume are sufficient.
Opening hours of the authorities: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Economy
Liberia Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 92, LR-Monrovia
Tel: 22 20 40, 22 37 38.
Business contacts
Liberia Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 92, LR-Monrovia
Tel: 22 20 40, 22 37 38.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing to some cities. No area codes, internal telephone network currently limited mainly to Monrovia, expansion planned.
Cellphone
GMS 900. Network operators are LonestarCell, Libercell and Comium (Internet: www.comium.com).
Internet
There are internet cafes in Monrovia. The provider is among others Afrlink.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes 1 week to 1 month.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Handicrafts, stone objects, soapstone carvings (such as fertility symbols of the Kissi), metal jewelry, statuettes, straw dolls of the Loma and ritual masks. Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are night clubs and bars in Monrovia. Providence Island has a bandstand and amphitheater that perform traditional African music and dances.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
Accommodation in and outside of the capital is expensive and should be booked well in advance. There are air-conditioned hotels that meet international standards, as well as some cheaper hotels and motels. In middle-class hotels, comfort is usually limited to the absolute minimum.
Camping
No official campsites; Camping is permitted, but caution is advised.
Other accommodation options
The youth hostel (YMCA) is inexpensive, but mostly fully booked. It’s on the corner of Broad Street and McDonald Street.
CULTURE
Religion
Mainly followers of natural religions (40%) as well as Christians (40%) and Muslims (20%).
Social rules of conduct
Visitors should respect Islamic manners and customs. Clothing may i. General Be casual and practical, only in hotels and restaurants in the upper price range do you expect a more elegant wardrobe. Tipping: Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, otherwise 10% is common.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Hot and tropical climate all year round with hardly noticeable temperature differences. The rainy season is from May to October. The Harmattan desert wind blows in the coastal region from December to March.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +231 Area (sq km) 111 369 Population 4195 666 Population density (per sq km) 38 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No major emergency number 911 area code +231