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Global Hotspots: Liberia

Malaria Outbreak Blamed On Troops (Oct 20 2003)
The large outbreak of malaria among Marines who spent time ashore in the West African nation of Liberia in the summer was apparently caused by a nearly wholesale failure of the troops to follow protective measures.

U.S. Begins Pullout From Liberia (30 Sept 2003)
The United States has started to withdraw the military force sent for a brief peacekeeping deployment in Liberia.

Military Malaria Cases Under Control

Malaria Cases Among Marines Probed

12 Marines Contract Malaria in Liberia

General Praises U.S. Moves In Liberia

U.S. Withdrawal In Liberia Worries Some

Starving Liberians Await More Aid

Pact Offers Hope For Voting

Liberian Capital Rests From Violence

Background: Seven years of civil strife were brought to a close in 1996 when free and open presidential and legislative elections were held. President Charles Taylor now holds strong executive power with no real political opposition. The years of fighting coupled with the flight of most businesses have disrupted formal economic activity. A still unsettled domestic security situation has slowed the process of rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn country. In 2001, the UN imposed sanctions on Liberian diamonds along with an army embargo and a travel ban on government officials for Liberia's support of the rebel insurgency in Sierra Leone.

Source: CIA World Factbook

Country Facts

Population: 3,288,198

Population growth rate: 1.91%

Life expectancy at birth: 51.8 years

Total fertility rate: 6.29 children born per woman

Ethnic groups: Indigenous African tribes 95%, Americo-Liberians 2.5%, Congo People 2.5%

Religions: Indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Languages: English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages, of which a few can be written and are used in correspondence

Literacy: 38.3%

Area: 111,370 sq km - slightly larger than Tennessee

Currency: Liberian dollar

Source: CIA World Factbook