Liberia Country Information: Economy
Current Situation
War in any society has the potential to shut down any and all means for making a living. Survival can be impossible. Such is the case for many in Liberia. The homeless children, especially, are at risk. Not only is food scarce, but many are without parents or even extended family. Some children have been given a little shelter out of the kindness of strangers, but those who have taken them in lack the means to buy what little food is available.
Reconstruction efforts create jobs, but not enough for people to find the work they need to provide for their families. Agriculture is only now getting started again. Scant supply is available in street markets. Liberia was a large diamond and gold exporter before the war. At this time, things have been on hold. Mining is just now beginning again.
Statistics
There were so many years of civil war that accurate, measurable statistics are not readily available. Here are statistics that many seem to agree on as of 2007:
- 83% unemployment
- 50% of people are under the age of 18
- 15,000 UN workers provide some hard currency into the local economy.
Currency
The official currency is the Liberian "Liberty." US dollars and other hard currencies are accepted among businesses, but generally not in the local street markets.