Liberia

Africa's oldest republic was founded by freed American and Caribbean slaves in the 1820's.

Today, Liberia's popluation largely comprises indigenous Africans, with descendents of slavery only around 5% of the population.

Modern Liberia is, however, sadly synonymous with bitter civil warfare, into which the country descended following the 1989 revolution led by Charles Taylor.

While the war in Liberia ended in 2003, scars run deep and the infrastructure and services of a country brought to its knees will take years to fully re-develop.

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Liberian woman

Liberia is still hugely dependent on outside assistance. The UN still maintains a presence, while much financial aid is needed to stimulate the ravaged economy of a country rich in natural and mineral resources, diamond and timber.

Fertile land and abundant water signal hope that agriculture will play a pivotal role in Liberia's economic regeneration.

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Area (size): 43,000 square miles (a little less than half UK) Capital City: Monrovia

Population: 3.68 million, comprising 16 major African ethnic groups (95%) of which Mande is the largest; minority Americo-Liberian (decendents of immigrants from the Americas who had been slaves).

Languages: English (official, minority); more than 20 ethnic African languages.

Religion: Christianity; Islam; indigenous beliefs.

Christians in Liberia

With religious freedom in theory, Liberian Christians face pressure from a blend of indigenous and traditional beliefs; powers exercised by secret societies (some with occultist influences); and the aftermath of conflict.

Precise numbers of Christians in Liberia are unknown due to the large numbers of people who fled the war. Yet Baptist, Methodist and Catholic denominations are strongly representend.

Renewed evangelistic efforts are seeing many new churches planted. Pray for the great need for trained pastors and leaders to help churches withstand multiple pressures and nurture believers to a mature faith in Christ.