Country Profile - LIBERIA

General Information

Note: Foreigners are advised against all travel to Liberia: the security situation is volatile and flights out of the country are intermittent. Looting and shelling have been reported in Monrovia, and pockets of fighting still exist elsewhere. For further advice potential visitors should contact their local government travel advice department.

Area: 97,754 sq km (37,743 sq miles).

Population: 2,913,000 (2000).

Population Density: 29.8 per sq km.

Capital: Monrovia. Population: 421,058 (1984).

GEOGRAPHY: Liberia borders Sierra Leone, Guinea Republic and Côte d’Ivoire. The Atlantic coastline to the west is 560km (348 miles) long, of which over half is sandy beach. Lying parallel to the shore are three distinct belts. The low coastal belt is well watered by shallow lagoons, tidal creeks and mangrove swamps, behind which rises a gently undulating plateau, 500-800m (1640-2625ft) high, partly covered with dense forests. Inland and to the north is the mountain region which includes Mount Nimba at 1752m (5748ft) and Waulo Mountain at 1400m (4593ft). About half the country’s population are rural dwellers.

Government: Republic. Declared independence in 1847. Head of State and Government: President Charles Ghankay Taylor since 1997.

Language: English is the official language. The main local languages are Bassa, Dan (Gio), Kpelleh, Kru, Lorma and Mano. There are 16 major languages and dialects.

Religion: Officially a Christian state, with more than 30 denominations represented; Islam is practised in the north and traditional animist beliefs exist throughout the country.

Time: GMT.

Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz.

Communications:

Telephone: IDD service to some cities. Country code: 231 (no area codes). Outgoing international code: 00. The internal network in Monrovia is gradually being extended over the country.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network operated by LonestarCell.

Internet: There are a few Internet cafes in Monrovia. ISPs include Africalink (website: www.africalink.com).

Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to 1 month.

Press: The Liberian press is in English; the main papers are The Daily Observer and the Inquirer. The Ministry of Tourism of Liberia also publishes a bi-annual tourist publication, Tourism in Liberia, which is available free of charge to visitors from the Ministry of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section).

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Passport/Visa

Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes Yes Yes Australian Yes Yes Yes Canadian Yes Yes Yes USA Yes Yes Yes OtherEU Yes Yes Yes Japanese Yes Yes Yes

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from date of entry required by all.

VISAS: Required by all except the following:

(a) nationals of other countries belonging to ECOWAS (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo) and Korea (Rep);

(b) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 48 hours, provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Types of visa and cost: Tourist/Business: £30 (single-entry); £60 (multiple-entry).

Validity: Single-entry: 3 months from date of issue; multiple-entry: 6 months from date of issue.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Completed application form. (c) Two passport-size photos attached to each form. (d) Onward ticket. (e) International yellow fever vaccination certificate. (f) Inoculation against cholera may be required. (g) Letter stating purpose of visit and name of contact in Liberia. Applicants must produce proof of financial status while in the country. (h) For business trips, a letter from company, or statement giving purpose of visit.

Working days required: 1.

Temporary residence: Application should be made prior to arrival to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monrovia.

Note: All visitors holding a visa issued abroad and intending to stay in Liberia for more than 15 days must report within 48 hours of their arrival to the Immigration Office, Broad Street, Monrovia. Two passport-size photos must be submitted.

Money

Currency: Liberian Dollar (L$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of L$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. US Dollar notes are in circulation in the following denominations: US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

Note: The Liberian Dollar is tied to the US Dollar.

Currency exchange: Money can be exchanged at the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), on the corner of Randall and Ashmun Streets in Monrovia. LBDI also incorporates a Western Union office, which can receive urgent money transfers from abroad (though the procedure is lengthy and will take approximately 1 day).

Credit & debit cards: Not generally accepted.

Travellers cheques: These are generally not accepted.

Currency restrictions: There are no restrictions on the import or export of local currency. The import of foreign currency over the equivalent of US$10,000 should be declared or heavy fines may be imposed. The export of foreign currency is permitted up to US$7500; more may be exported only as bank drafts, travellers cheques or money orders.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Liberian Dollar against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date Aug ’03 Nov ’03 Feb ’04 May '04 £1.00= 1.58 1.69 1.82 94.66 $1.00= 1.00 1.00 1.00 53.00

Banking hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1200, Fri 0800-1400. Some banks may open on Saturday.

Duty Free

Duty-Free: The following goods may be imported into Liberia without incurring customs duty:

200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250g tobacco products; 1l of spirits and 1l of wine; 100g of perfume; goods to the value of US$125.

Public Holidays

Public Holidays: Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Feb 11 Armed Forces Day. Mar 8 Decoration Day. Mar 15 J J Roberts’ Birthday. Apr 12 National Redemption Day. Apr 14 Fast and Prayer Day. May 6 Samuel K Doe’s Birthday. May 14 National Unification Day. May 25 Africa Day. Jul 26 Independence Day. Aug 24 Flag Day. Oct 29 Youth Day. Nov 25 Thanksgiving Day. Nov 29 President Tubman’s Birthday. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Feb 11 Armed Forces Day. Mar 8 Decoration Day. Mar 15 J J Roberts’ Birthday. Apr 12 National Redemption Day. Apr 14 Fast and Prayer Day. May 6 Samuel K Doe’s Birthday. May 14 National Unification Day. May 25 Africa Day. Jul 26 Independence Day. Aug 24 Flag Day. Oct 29 Youth Day. Nov 24 Thanksgiving Day. Nov 29 President Tubman’s Birthday. Dec 25 Christmas Day.

Health

Special Precautions Certificate Required? Yellow Fever Yes 1 Cholera 2 No Typhoid and Polio 3 N/A Malaria 4 N/A

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over 1 year of age. Note that the certificate must be presented with all visa applications.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Liberia. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix.

3: Typhoid is widespread and poliomyelitis is still endemic.

4: Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists all year throughout the country. High resistance to chloroquine and resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Meningococcal meningitis is a risk, depending on the area visited and time of year. Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis occur. Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is reported. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic, and hepatitis A and E are widespread.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: International travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure. The British Embassy in Abidjan advises that at present there are no hospital facilities in Liberia and anyone requiring treatment will need to be evacuated to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Travel – International

Note: Although the threat from global terrorism is low, it is advised that visitors only embark on essential travel to Monrovia and against all travel to the rest of Liberia. UN peacekeepers have now been deployed throughout much of Liberia, but the security situation remains unpredictable, with sporadic fighting and looting. It is recommended that visitors, should they choose to visit Liberia, do not stay overnight outside the city.

AIR: Main airlines serving Liberia include Air Afrique (RK) and Ghana Airways (GH). Air Ivoire operates flights between Monrovia and Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire). Weasua Air Transport (XA) operates flights between Monrovia and Freetown (Sierra Leone) (tel: 275 440; fax: 226 067).

Approximate flight times: From Monrovia to New York (via Dakar) is 9 hours; to London (via Brussels) is 11 hours.

International airports: Monrovia (ROB) (Roberts International) is 60km (38 miles) southeast of the city. There are bus services and taxis to and from the city. Airport facilities are limited, but include restaurant and first aid facilities.

No airlines currently land at Spriggs Payne Airport (MLW) which is in the city itself.

Departure tax: None.

SEA: There are unscheduled freighter services with passenger accommodation from European ports. The main Liberian ports are Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, Harper and Robertsport.

The port in Monrovia is being expanded.

ROAD: Best routes to Liberia are through Guinea Republic and Côte d’Ivoire, but they are impassable during the rainy season. The northeastern route to Sierra Leone (via Kolahun and Kailahun) is currently closed.

Accommodation

HOTELS: Hotel accommodation can be quite expensive, but is not extortionate by international standards. It is advisable to book well in advance, whatever the category of accommodation. There are a few air conditioned hotels of international standard and a range of inexpensive hotels and motels. The top hotels charge from US$110 a night. Hotels in the mid-range charge from US$60 and tend to provide the bare minimum.

GUEST HOUSES: There are several mission guest houses with both cooking and laundry facilities about 4km (2 miles) from the city centre.

CAMPING: There are few official sites. Camping is free but caution should be exercised when choosing where to camp. Specialist operators run sites near national parks, contact the Ministry of Tourism or West African Safaris for details (see Contact Addresses section).

YOUTH HOSTELS: The YMCA is cheap, but often full, and is located on the corner of Broad and McDonald Streets.

Sport & Activities

Safaris: The Sapo National Park (see Resorts & Excursions section) is West Africa’s largest untouched tract of rainforest and offers excellent opportunities for safaris and jungle treks. West African Safaris, a company in the USA, offers comprehensive and exclusive safari packages that include transport to the park, accommodation in luxury safari tents as well as experienced local guides. River trips on the Sinoe River are also available. For further information, contact the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (see Contact Addresses section).

Watersports: Swimming and boating are popular at Liberia’s many sandy beaches. These include Bernard’s Beach, Caesar’s Beach, Cedar Beach, Cooper’s Beach, Elwa Beach, Kendaje Beach, Kenema Beach and Sugar Beach, all of which charge a small entrance fee. Lake Piso is also ideal for watersports. The skindiving season is from December to May, when the sea is at its clearest. There is good fishing in the Mesurado and Saint Paul rivers, along the coast and at Lake Piso, where there are traditional fishing villages.

Other: There is a private golf club in Monrovia. Football is the Liberian national sport.

Social Profile

Food & Drink: Liberia’s hotels, motels and restaurants serve a variety of American, European, Asian, Chinese, Lebanese and African dishes, as well as the more predictable fare of hotel dining rooms. Here, as well as in the smaller towns of the north and east, the visitor should enjoy sampling some of the more unusual West African foods in ‘cookhouses’ which serve rice with traditional Liberian dishes.

Liberia produces a lot of its own brands of alcoholic drink, which are readily available – some of the beers are excellent; wines and imported beverages are also available.

Nightlife: In Monrovia, nightlife is extensive with dozens of crowded nightclubs, discos and bars open until the early hours. Most of the nightlife centres are on Gurley Street. Providence Island has a bandstand and an amphitheatre where performances of traditional African music and dance are staged.

Shopping: Monrovia’s sidestreets are crowded with tailors selling brightly coloured tie-dyed and embroidered cloth which they will make up immediately into African or European styles. Monrovia offers the shopper elegant boutiques and shops as well as modern, air conditioned supermarkets which compete with old-fashioned stores. Liberian handicrafts include carvings in sapwood, camwood, ebony and mahogany, stone items, soapstone carvings (such as fertility symbols from the Kissi), ritual masks, metal jewellery and figurines and reed dolls of the Loma. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1300 and 1500-1800.

Social Conventions: In Muslim areas, the visitor should respect the conventions of dress and the food laws, since failure to do so will be taken as an insult. Dress is casual and must be practical, but smarter dress will be expected in hotel dining rooms and for important social functions. The visitor should be aware that the cost of living is high. Sending flowers or chocolates to hosts is inappropriate; a letter of thanks is all that is required. Tipping: There is no need to tip taxi drivers, but other tips are normally around 10 per cent.

Business Profile

Economy: The civil war caused severe damage to the economy, and following the peace settlement reconstruction has been the highest priority. 70 per cent of the population work the land, producing rice and cassava as staple foods and palm oil, coffee and cocoa as cash crops. The country’s principal export commodities are iron ore and rubber. Some gold and diamonds are also mined. The manufacturing industry – still operating far below capacity – produces cement and other building materials, chemicals, drinks and tobacco and consumer products. Liberia operates one of the longest established open registry (flag of convenience) merchant shipping fleets. This continues to be an essential source of foreign exchange and government revenue. Liberia relies heavily on international aid and financial support. It is a member of the West African trading bloc ECOWAS. The USA is Liberia’s largest trading partner, followed by Germany, Belgium, France and Italy.

Business: Business dress is informal – normally a shirt and tie is acceptable. The language used in business circles is English. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1700.

Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Liberia Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 92, Monrovia (tel: 222 040 or 223 738).

Climate

Climate: Hot, tropical climate with little variation in temperature. The wet season runs from May to October. The dry harmattan wind blows from December to March, making the coastal belt particularly arid.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens are worn throughout the year, with waterproofing advised during the wet season.