PEOPLE
There
are 16 ethnic groups that make up Liberia's indigenous population.
The Kpelle in central and western Liberia is the largest ethnic
group. Americo-Liberians who are descendants of freed slaves that
arrived in Liberia early in 1821 make up an estimated 5% of the
population.
There also are sizable numbers of Lebanese, Indians, and other West African nationals who make up a significant part of Liberia's business community. The Liberian constitution restricts citizenship only to people of Negro descent; also, land ownership is restricted by law to citizens.
Liberia was traditionally noted for its academic institutions and its large iron-mining and rubber industries. Political upheavals beginning in the 1980s and a 14-year civil war (1989-2003) largely destroyed Liberia's economy and brought a steep decline in living standards.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Liberian(s).
Population (2006): 3.57 million.
Annual growth rate (2006): 2.9%.
Ethnic groups: Kpelle 20%, Bassa 16%, Gio 8%, Kru 7%, 49% spread over 12 other ethnic groups.
Religions: Christian 40%, Muslim 20%, animist 40%.
Languages: English is the official language. There are 16 indigenous languages.
Education: Literacy (2003)--20%.
Health: Life expectancy (2005)--42.5 years.
Work force: Agriculture--70%; industry--15%; services--2%. Employment in the formal sector is estimated at 15%.
