West Africa.

GMT.

97,754 sq km (37,743 sq miles).

3.2 million (2003).

33.1 per sq km.

Monrovia. Population: 550,200 (2003).

Liberia borders Sierra Leone, Guinea Republic and Côte d’Ivoire. The Atlantic coastline to the west is 560km (348 miles) long, of which over half is sandy beach. Lying parallel to the shore are three distinct belts. The low coastal belt is well watered by shallow lagoons, tidal creeks and mangrove swamps, behind which rises a gently undulating plateau, 500 to 800m (1640 to 2625ft) high, partly covered with dense forests. Inland and to the north is the mountain region which includes Mount Nimba at 1752m (5748ft) and Waulo Mountain at 1400m (4593ft). About half of the country’s population are rural dwellers.

Liberia has been ruled by a transitional government since 2003, but this is about to change following the election of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as president in November 2005. The previous Constitution – which is likely to be the model for any future constitution – dates from 1995. It allows for a bicameral legislature comprising a 26-strong Senate, whose members are directly elected for nine-year terms in two-seat constituencies, and a House of Representatives with 64 members directly elected to serve six-year terms in single-seat constituencies. Executive power is vested in the president, who is also elected for a six-year term of office, assisted by an appointed cabinet of ministers.

Republic. Declared independence in 1847. Head of State and Government: President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf since January 2006. Recent history: The 2006 presidential elections resulted in a run-off between ex-footballer George Weah and Johnson-Sirleaf, a former World Bank economist. Johnson-Sirleaf won with 59 per cent of the vote. International observers declared the election to be free and fair, despite Weah's allegations of electoral fraud. She is Africa's first elected female ruler. She pledged to unite her country, which has been struggling for peace after nearly 25 years of coups and civil wars.

English is the official language. The main local languages are Bassa, Dan (Gio), Kpelleh, Kru, Lorma and Mano. There are 16 major languages and dialects.

Officially a Christian state, with more than 30 denominations represented; Islam is practised in the north and traditional animist beliefs exist throughout the country.

In Muslim areas, the visitor should respect the conventions of dress and the food laws, since failure to do so will be taken as an insult. Dress is casual and must be practical, but smarter dress will be expected in hotel dining rooms and for important social functions. The visitor should be aware that the cost of living is high. Sending flowers or chocolates to hosts is inappropriate; a letter of thanks is all that is required.

110 volts AC, 60Hz.