Liberia

Despite having one of the lowest GDP per capita figures globally, Liberia achieved a moderate GDP growth rate of 4.684% in 2023. While positive, this growth rate is necessary just to keep pace with population expansion and requires acceleration to significantly improve the standard of living.

A striking feature of Liberia is its vast forest coverage, where over three-quarters of its land area remains forested. This represents a critical natural resource and a major asset for biodiversity and potential sustainable development, contrasting sharply with its low economic development indicators.

Liberia maintains a high fertility rate (nearly 4 children per woman), suggesting a young and rapidly growing population. However, this demographic momentum is dampened by a low life expectancy (around 62 years), indicating persistent challenges in public health and welfare systems.

The country faces a significant economic headwind from high inflation, eroding purchasing power, coupled with extremely limited access to electricity. This lack of reliable power severely constrains industrialization and quality of life improvements, despite moderate GDP growth.