Liberia
Seven years of civil strife were brought to a close in 1996 when free and open presidential and legislative elections were held. President TAYLOR now holds strong executive power with no real political opposition. The years of fighting coupled with the flight of most businesses have disrupted formal economic activity. A still unsettled domestic security situation has slowed the process of rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn country.
 
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone
6 30 N, 9 30 W
Capital City Monrovia
Population: 3,225,837 (July 2001 est.)
Area: total:  111,370 sq km
land:  96,320 sq km
water:  15,050 sq km
slightly larger than Tennessee
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers
Terrain: mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeast
Elevation: lowest point:  Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point:  Mount Wuteve 1,380 m
Natural resources: iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower

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