Country Information - Liberia

ECONOMIC BACKGROUND The American Colonization Society established Liberia as a place to send freed African-Americans. African-Americans gradually immigrated to the colony and became known as Americo-Liberians, where many present day Liberians trace their ancestry. Liberia's more recent history has been troubled, but the departure of the former president, Charles Taylor, the establishment of the all-inclusive Transitional Government, and the arrival of a UN mission have helped defuse the political crisis, although more work lies ahead to again encourage economic development. The country is richly endowed with water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products - primarily raw timber and rubber. Liberia's new president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, hopes to bring her credentials as an economist to bear and enlist the help of the international community in rebuilding Liberia’s economy and infrastructure. Sources: Wikipedia / CIA World Factbook Click here for Country Map [23kB]

BI-LATERAL TRADE OVERVIEW Liberia currently enjoys a trade surplus with the United States, with two-way trade valued at over US$ 150mn in 2005. Liberia's exports to the U.S. consist mainly of natural rubber products. Click here for Detailed Trade Profile