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Region: West Africa
Full Name: Republic of Liberia
Capital City: Monrovia
Language Spoken: Liberian English
Get travel insurance to Liberia from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Liberia and most of the world.
6 ? 19’N 10 ? 48’ W
Highest Point: Mount Wuteve - 1,380m
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean - 0m
Guinea 590km, Cote d’Ivoire 778 km, Sierra Leone 299 km.
Harmattan winds that blow from the Sahara Desert (usually occur between December to March)
Timber, diamonds, gold, iron ore, and hydropower
Arable Land: 4.04%
Permanent Crops: 1.62%
Other: 94.34% (2011)
Soil erosion; tropical rain forest deforestation; loss of biodiversity; pollution of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage; endangered species are being hunted for human consumption.
The weather in Liberia is very hot and tropical. The temperature rarely varies. Liberia’s wet season runs from May to October. The dry season runs from December to March. Harmattan winds blow in the dry season
The UK is 1 hour ahead of Liberia.
4,092,310 (July 2014 est.)
0-14 years: 43.2% (male 891,002/female 876,655)
15-24 years: 17.9% (male 357,952/female 375,708)
25-54 years: 31.5% (male 642,835/female 646,104)
55-64 years: 4.3% (male 85,906/female 89,943)
65 years and over: 3.1% (male 62,475/female 63,730) (2014 est.)
Total: 17.9 years
Male: 17.7 years
Female: 18.1 years (2014 est.)
2.52% (2014 est.)
35.07 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)
9.9 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)
At birth:1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.01 male(s)/female
Total Population: 1 male(s)/female (2014 est.)
Total Population: 58.21 years
Male: 56.56 years
Female: 59.9 years (2014 est.)
4.81 children born/woman (2014 est.)
Business attire in Liberia is relatively formal. Even for more unimportant meetings, appearance plays a big factor in showing your character and respect to the other attendees. A lot of time and effort is taken by Liberians in order to look smart and well presented.
Although presentation is an incredibly important part in Liberian business practices, timekeeping is not. Time keeping is not seen as very important in Liberia, and no offence is meant or taken if people show up late to a business meeting. Sometimes, attendees can often be up to an hour late.
Speaking English and owning business cards are essential business practices in Liberia.
Office hours are typically Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00.
Restaurants, hotels, and bars expect a tip of at least 10%.
In Monrovia, there is a high level of crime, including armed robberies.
The FCDO advise that you should not walk anywhere in the city at night time. They suggest that you should take care when walking alone, and that you should only do it in the daytime in areas popular with foreigners.
The drinking age in Liberia is 18.
Homosexuality is illegal in Liberia.
The conditions of local prisons are poor.
Hotels in Liberia are often not up to the international standard. They can be rather expensive, whatever standard you decided to choose.
As well as hotels, there is also a range of bed and breakfasts in the capital.
There is a YMCA hostel in Monrovia. The hostel is cheap, but often fully booked.
Telephone: The internal telephone networking system in Monrovia is slowly being broadened over other parts of the country.
Mobile phone: Mobile phone coverage is fairly restricted to Monrovia and neighbouring areas. Some coverage can be found along the north and northeastern borders with Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Internet access: Internet access can be obtained through a few internet cafes in Monrovia. Some hotels also offer their guests internet access.
Post: The service timings of airmail from Liberia to Europe can fluctuate between 5 days and one month.
The electricity voltage in Liberia is 120 V, with a frequency of 60 Hz.
Types A and B
Liberian specialities include:
National drinks:
It is important that you know the host is responsible for their party guests, whether the party is being held at home, at a bar, or at a restaurant. They must provide all food and drinks, and entertainment. It is important to notify the host when you decide to leave as they are in charge.
The legal drinking age in Liberia is 18.
All travellers are required to provide a yellow fever vaccination certificate on entry.
You must also be able to produce evidence to prove that you have sufficient funds.
You will need to register with the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) if you intend to live in Liberia. The Bureau can be found on Broad Street in Monrovia. If you are just visiting Liberia, then a BIN registration is not necessary.
No extended period is required on your passport; it can just be valid for the duration of your trip.
Visas are required in order for British nationals to enter Liberia.
Every nationality besides American:
No extended period is required on your passport; it can just be valid for the duration of your trip.
Single entry visas are valid up to three months. Multiple entry visas are valid from one to three years.
A visa to gain entry to Liberia can be applied for at the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia, London.
A signature from their parent/guardian is required with all applications for a child's Liberian visa.
Visa applications tend to take around 10 working days in order to process. Additional fees apply if you require same-day, or next-day service.
A report done by UNAIDS in 2012 on the Global AIDS Epidemic predicted that roughly 18,000 adults over the age of 15 in Liberia suffered with HIV. It is advised that you take normal precautions in order to prevent yourself to any exposure to HIV/AIDS
None
Website: www.gov.uk/government
The British FCDO no longer advise all but essential travel to Liberia. They recommend thatyou should keep up-to- date on travel advice before travelling.
They state that there is a low threat from terrorism in Liberia. They advise : “You should bevigilant after recent attacks in Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso, especially in placesvisited by foreigners.”
Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
The British FCDO no longer advise all but essential travel to Liberia. They recommend that you should keep up-to-date on travel advice before travelling.
They state that there is a low threat from terrorism in Liberia. They advise: “You should be vigilant after recent attacks in Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso, especially in places visited by foreigners.”
Liberian Dollar
There are currently no restrictions when importing and exporting local or foreign currency.
Banks in Liberia are usually open Monday-Thursday 09:00-12:00, Friday 08:00-14:00. Fewer banks are open on a Saturday.
1 British Pound = 121.46 Liberian Dollars (August 2016)
Credit cards are not accepted, however there are some cash machines situated in the capital. These only accept Visa cards.
The FCDO advise that you bring sufficient funds, in order to cover the duration of your trip.
Travellers Cheques are not widely accepted.
N/A
Dentists in Liberia:
Medication across Liberia is limited.
Pharmacies in Liberia:
Liberian blood supplies are not safe and are unreliable.
Hospitals and medical centres are poorly equipped across Liberia.
As medical facilities are poor, and medication supplies are limited, it is important that you carry basic medical supplies, and have adequate travel insurance. Don’t forget, you can get your travel insurance from Direct Travel at either www.direct-travel.co.uk or ring our friendly team on 0330 880 3600. As medication supplies are limited, it is critical that you take with you a sufficient supply of any prescription medication you may be taking. This supply should be enough to last you the duration of your trip to Liberia.
Hospitals and Medical Centres in Liberia:
It is advised that you do not eat any fruit and vegetables without them being cooked or peeled. Always drink bottled water rather than water that has come from a tap or a well. This is the same with ice. Only use ice that has been made from bottled water.
Bilharzia/Schistosomiasis
It is advised to avoid fresh water swimming or paddling in Liberia as Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Bilharzia is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that can be found in fresh water of tropical and subtropical areas. The worm is mostly found across Africa, however they also live in some South American, Caribbean, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries. Symptoms of the infection often do not show when you are first affected, however the worm can go on to live in your body for several years. This can cause harm to your organs, including, your liver, kidneys, and bladder.
Malaria
There is a high risk of malaria in certain locations across Liberia. Malaria is a serious disease which can be found in tropical locations. The disease is transmitted through the bite of a carrying mosquito. If the disease is not addressed rapidly, then it can be fatal.
If you are travelling to a high risk area of Liberia, it is important that you know the symptoms of the disease. Knowing the symptoms will allow you to reach a hospital swiftly if you think you may have contracted it.
Symptoms of Malaria include:
Malaria symptoms often appear within 7 and 18 days of becoming infected. In some cases, it has been known for the symptoms to not appear for up to a year or more.
If you are travelling to high risk areas, or are at a high risk of catching the diseases, you should make sure that you have had the correct vaccinations and treatment before you travel.
If you are bitten by a mosquito in Liberia, and begin to feel unwell, it is imperative that you seek medical attention, without delay.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is a risk, however this depends on the location visited and at what time of year. Meningococcal meningitis is a bacteria type of meningitis. It is a serious infection which affects the fragile lining around the brain and spinal cord. The infection is able to cause serious brain damage and if left untreated, can be fatal.
The infection is spread from person-to-person. Close contact to a carrier of the infection, such as sneezing, kissing, or coughing on someone, can transmit the infection.
Symptoms of the infection include:
Hepatitis B is hyperendemic in Liberia. It is an infection caused by a virus that is transmitted through body fluids. The infection affects the liver. For adults, the infection does not usually show any clear symptoms, and normally passes over a couple of months untreated. However, in children, the infection often continues, and can result in severe harm to the liver.
Hepatitis E is widespread across Liberia. Hepatitis E is a virus which is spread by faecal-oral transmission. The virus is passed out in the carrier’s faeces, and is then transmitted to the mouth, often by eating contaminated food, or drinking contaminated water.
Symptoms do not normally show until a period of 2-9 weeks has passed. Symptoms of hepatitis E can include:
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Jaundice
- High temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Vomiting
- Aching muscles and joints
- Weakness in arms and legs
Rabies
Rabies is present in Liberia. If you are bitten by an animal in Liberia, it is imperative that you seek medical attention, without delay. Rabies is a very serious infection that affects the brain and nervous system. Once affected by rabies, if you have not been sufficiently vaccinated from the infection, then it can be fatal. However, if you are treated promptly after the bite, the infection can be prevented.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a large risk in Liberia. The NHS define Yellow Fever as ‘a serious viral infection that is spread by certain types of mosquito.’ The infection is passed to humans through the bites of mosquitos, and cannot be transmitted from human to human. The infection is mainly active in South America, parts of the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa. In order to prevent the condition, a vaccination can be given to travellers. All travellers (9 months and over) are required to prove that they have had the vaccine against Yellow Fever in order to enter the country.
There are two stages of symptoms with Yellow Fever. The first stage of symptoms usually develops within three to six days after being infected with the disease. These can include:
Usually, this stage passes within a couple of days and most will fully recover. Although, the NHS state that roughly 15% of people with the disease will progress to more developed and serious symptoms. These can include:
When travelling to Liberia, you should be up-to-date with your routine jabs and boosters including MMR, Polio, and your yearly flu jab. It is required that you are vaccinated against Yellow Fever, as you need evidence to prove that you have been vaccinated in order to enter the country. It is advised to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, preferably 4-6 weeks before you are due to travel, and that you should consider being vaccinated against Rabies, Tetanus, and Typhoid. It is always best to check with your GP to make sure that you are up-to-date with your vaccinations and whether other vaccinations can be recommended for your chosen place of travel.
Bilharzia/Schistosomiasis
It is advised to avoid fresh water swimming or paddling in Liberia as Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Bilharzia is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that can be found in fresh water of tropical and subtropical areas. The worm is mostly found across Africa, however they also live in some South American, Caribbean, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries.
Malaria
There is a high risk of malaria in certain locations across Liberia. Malaria is a serious disease which can be found in tropical locations. The disease is transmitted through the bite of a carrying mosquito. If the disease is not addressed rapidly, then it can be fatal.
Malaria symptoms often appear within 7 and 18 days of becoming infected. In some cases, it has been known for the symptoms to not appear for up to a year or more.
If you are travelling to high risk areas, or are at a high risk of catching the diseases, you should make sure that you have had the correct vaccinations and treatment before you travel.
If you are bitten by a mosquito in Liberia, and begin to feel unwell, it is imperative that you seek medical attention, without delay.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is a risk, however this depends on the location visited and at what time of year. Meningococcal meningitis is a bacteria type of meningitis. It is a serious infection which affects the fragile lining around the brain and spinal cord. The infection is able to cause serious brain damage and if left untreated, can be fatal.
Hepatitis B is hyperendemic in Liberia. It is an infection caused by a virus that is transmitted through body fluids. The infection affects the liver. For adults, the infection does not usually show any clear symptoms, and normally passes over a couple of months untreated. However, in children, the infection often continues, and can result in severe harm to the liver.
Hepatitis E is widespread across Liberia. Hepatitis E is a virus which is spread by faecal-oral transmission. The virus is passed out in the carrier’s faeces, and is then transmitted to the mouth, often by eating contaminated food, or drinking contaminated water.
Rabies
Rabies is present in Liberia. If you are bitten by an animal in Liberia, it is imperative that you seek medical attention, without delay. Rabies is a very serious infection that affects the brain and nervous system. Once affected by rabies, if you have not been sufficiently vaccinated from the infection, then it can be fatal. However, if you are treated promptly after the bite, the infection can be prevented.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a large risk in Liberia. The NHS define Yellow Fever as ‘a serious viral infection that is spread by certain types of mosquito.’ The infection is passed to humans through the bites of mosquitos, and cannot be transmitted from human to human. The infection is mainly active in South America, parts of the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa. In order to prevent the condition, a vaccination can be given to travellers. All travellers (9 months and over) are required to prove that they have had the vaccine against Yellow Fever in order to enter the country.
All travellers are required to provide a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate on entry.
An epidemic of Ebola was experienced in 2014, and 2015, with the first case reported in March 2014. Other neighbouring countries also experienced an epidemic including Sierra Leone and Guinea.
N/A
TV and Radio: LBS is a state-run broadcaster which operates one radio station, however, this does not cover nationally. It does not operate a television service. Several other radio stations have the support of agencies from around the world.
Newspapers: Liberian newspapers are run privately. They include: The News, Daily Observer, The Analyst, and The Inquirer.
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