Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$500 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

11.2% (2007 est.)

Population

3,441,790 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

D

Ease of Doing Business

157/181

Global Competitiveness

3.89942/134

Country Map

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Liberia : Introduction

Settlement of freed slaves from the US in what is today Liberia began in 1822; by 1847, the Americo-Liberians were able to establish a republic. William TUBMAN, president from 1944-71, did much to promote foreign investment and to bridge the economic, social, and political gaps between the descendents of the original settlers and the inhabitants of the interior. In 1980, a military coup led by Samuel DOE ushered in a decade of authoritarian rule. In December 1989, Charles TAYLOR launched a rebellion against DOE's regime that led to a prolonged civil war in which DOE himself was killed. A period of relative peace in 1997 allowed for elections that brought TAYLOR to power, but major fighting resumed in 2000. An August 2003 peace agreement ended the war and prompted the resignation of former president Charles TAYLOR, who faces war crimes charges in The Hague related to his involvement in Sierra Leone's civil war. After two years of rule by a transitional government, democratic elections in late 2005 brought President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF to power. The UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) maintains a strong presence throughout the country, but the security situation is still fragile and the process of rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn country will take many years.

Liberia: Liberian Registry

The Liberian Registry is an open ship registry including over 3,000 ships. The site provides information on corporate formation in Liberia with emphasis on maritime companies. Also included is information on expenses, required documents, maritime rules, and the vessel registration process.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (September 2009)