Liberia
Africa · Western Africa
Founded by freed American slaves; post-civil-war recovery, a rubber and iron economy.
At a Glance
📈Liberia's Human Development Index
0.487
Low human development#175 of 191 countries worldwide, #40 of 54 in Africa.
Higher than 8% of countries with data. UNDP Human Development Report.
UNDP builds the index from three dimensions: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and a decent standard of living. They are measured by life expectancy at birth, mean and expected years of schooling, and gross national income per capita.
Closest indicators in this dataset
World Bank, own vintages. UNDP’s own component values are not carried here, so these are related measures rather than the index inputs.
Nearest countries by HDI
Full HDI ranking, all 191 countries →Liberia
Liberia is a West African country with a history unlike any other on the continent, founded by freed American and Caribbean slaves in the 19th century, with an Atlantic coastline of surf beaches, dense rainforest, and a culture that blends American-influenced Americo-Liberian traditions with the cultures of sixteen indigenous ethnic groups. The natural beauty is largely unspoilt. It is for experienced African travellers who want to engage with a complex and fascinating national identity.
- Founded in 1847 by freed American slaves — its capital Monrovia is named after US President Monroe.
- Uses the US dollar as a secondary currency and English as its official language.
- Has one of the world's oldest rubber plantations — Firestone has operated here since 1926.
Quick Facts
Capital
Monrovia
Language
English
Currency
$ LRD
Area
96,320 km²
Nomad Hub
GDP / Capita
$915
PPP / Capita
$2K
Inflation
8.3%
Unemployment
2.9%
GNI / Capita
$830
FDI Inflows
9.9%
Education Spend
2.3%
Price Level Index
45th pct
20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast
Income & inflation over time
HDI since 1999
0.392 → 0.487 (+0.095)Year by year →UNDP Human Development Report, 2023-24 edition. 24 annual values, none interpolated; hover any point for its year.
Twenty years here
Year by year →The world report →World Bank observations, first to last available year per indicator (roughly 2005–2024; each series has its own window).
Thinking about Liberia for real?
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💬Quick answers
What is Liberia's Human Development Index?
Liberia's Human Development Index is 0.487 (UNDP Human Development Report), ranked #175 of 191 countries.
Is Liberia safe?
Liberia scores 2.02 on the Global Peace Index (lower is more peaceful), ranked #86 of 160 countries by the Institute for Economics & Peace. That measures national-level peace, not street crime; both are covered below.
What is life expectancy in Liberia?
Life expectancy at birth in Liberia is 62.3 yrs (World Bank), ranked #180 of 195 countries.