Liberia
Republic of Liberia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.18%
Liberia is a Western Africa country of around 5.25 million residents, placing it a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 111,369 km², translating to a density of 47 people per km². Its capital is Monrovia, and English is the official language, while the Liberian dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
5,248,621
Area
111,369 km²
Density
47/km²
World Rank
#126
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 31 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 8.1 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 39.5% of the population is under 15, while only 3.3% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Monrovia
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- Liberian dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +231
- Top-Level Domain
- .lr
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC
Population Details
- Total Population
- 5,248,621
- Land Area
- 111,369 km²
- Population Density
- 47 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.18%
- Annual Growth
- +114,420 people
- Daily Growth
- +313 people
- World Population Share
- 0.06%
- Coordinates
- 6.50°, -9.50°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $852 classifies Liberia as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.9%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 35.3 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
62.2 years
GDP per Capita
$852
Birth Rate
31.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
8.1 per 1,000
Urban Population
55.5%
Fertility Rate
3.95 births/woman
Infant Mortality
52.6 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.9%
Literacy Rate
59.4%
Internet Users
23.5%
Under 15
39.5%
Over 65
3.3%
Health Spending
13.0% GDP
Gini Index
35.3
Age Distribution
0-14 years
2.1M
15-64 years
3.0M
65+ years
173K
Urbanization
About 55.5% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Monrovia, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 9870.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
2.9M
55.5%
2.3M
44.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 62.2 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. An infant mortality rate of 52.6 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. Literacy stands at 59.4%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Liberia
Liberia has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Liberia is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Liberia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,248,621 |
| 2030 | 5,699,020 |
| 2035 | 6,266,325 |
| 2040 | 6,836,973 |
| 2045 | 7,410,096 |
| 2050 | 7,985,428 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Liberia.
Largest Cities in Liberia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Liberia by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Liberia?
The population of Liberia is approximately 5.2 million as of 2026, making it #126 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Liberia?
The capital of Liberia is Monrovia.
What languages are spoken in Liberia?
The main languages spoken in Liberia are English.
How big is Liberia?
Liberia covers an area of 111,369 km² with a population density of 47 people per km².
Is Liberia growing or shrinking?
Liberia is growing at a rate of 2.18% per year, adding approximately 114,420 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Liberia?
The average life expectancy in Liberia is 62.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Liberia?
The GDP per capita of Liberia is $852.