Liberia

Liberia is Africa’s oldest republic and a center of influence in West Africa. Founded as a haven for freed African-American slaves, Liberia was shaped by U.S. influences in its politics, constitution and official language. That influence also imparted a strong Christian heritage. However, while churches still dot the landscape, in many communities the spiritual influence these churches once wielded has quietly eroded.

Liberia pulses with youth—40% of its people are under the age of 15. This is the first generation to come of age in sustained peace since the civil war ended in 2005. Parents who endured years of trauma and violence now rest their hopes on their children and place a high value on education, which can be very difficult to access in remote areas.

Geographically, Liberia unfolds from broad, sandy coastlines to dense, emerald rainforests inland. Blessed with abundant minerals and natural resources, it is poised for economic growth as destroyed roads, ports and utilities are rebuilt. Yet when it rains, unpaved highways turn to mud, underscoring the urgent need for durable infrastructure.

Liberia made history as the first African country to elect a female head of state. Rice is a dietary staple and a regulated political commodity—despite fertile farmland, much of Liberia’s rice supply is imported from India.

The capital city of Monrovia is home to 30% of Liberia’s population, a shift fueled by internal displacement during the civil war. This rapid rural-to-urban migration strains resources such as food, water and health care systems, leaving nearly half of Liberians in extreme poverty. Due to this widespread poverty, there is a deep appreciation for community development projects.