Key Economic Insights: The economy of Liberia generates an estimated GDP of $5.25 billion ($915 per capita) supporting a population of 5,731,206. Productive output is anchored by 40.0% services, 24.5% industry and manufacturing, and 32.7% agriculture and natural resource extraction. Key merchandise exports include gold, ships, iron ore, rubber, and refined petroleum.
Liberia, with a population of 5,731,206 (as of 2025), is ranked 116th in the world. Located in West Africa, it covers 111,370 square kilometers, ranking 98th globally, slightly smaller than Honduras.
As of 2025, Liberia’s economy reflects a GDP of approximately $5.25 billion, ranking it among the world’s smaller economies. The GDP per capita for Liberia in 2025 stands at approximately $915, according to the World Bank.
Despite facing challenges, Liberia continues to strive for economic growth and development, with potential for further advancement in the coming years.
Liberia Economic Structure & Sector Analysis
| Economic Dimension | Figure | Authoritative Source |
|---|---|---|
| GDP & Macro Output | Nominal GDP: $5.25 billion | Per Capita: $915 | World Bank WDI / IMF |
| Sector Breakdown | Services: 40.0% | Industry: 24.5% | Agriculture: 32.7% | World Bank National Accounts |
| Trade & Commodities | Top Exports: gold, ships, iron ore, rubber, and refined petroleum | UN Comtrade / OEC |
| Demographics & Labor | Population: 5,731,206 | ILO / UN Population Division |
- Primary activities (agriculture): 32.7% of GDP (World Bank, 2025).
- Secondary activities (industry): 24.5% of GDP (World Bank, 2025).
- Tertiary activities (services): 40.0% of GDP (World Bank, 2025).
Primary Sector of Liberia
Agricultural land covers 19.97% of the country. The main products include cassava, rice, sugarcane, oil palm fruit, bananas, rubber, vegetables, plantains, taro, and maize.
Agriculture contributes 32.7% to the GDP and produces a diverse range of crops and animal products.
With a rich geological diversity, the primary sector thrives in Liberia. Abundant in iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, and hydropower, these resources drive the economy, creating jobs and revenue streams for the country.
Secondary Sector of Liberia
In Liberia, the main industrial products include iron ore, gold, rubber processing, palm oil processing, and diamonds. These products contribute significantly to the country’s exports and domestic consumption.
As of 2024, Liberia’s exports are dominated by raw materials such as gold, iron ore, and rubber, with manufactured goods contributing relatively little. Liberia also operates the world’s largest open ship registry by gross tonnage, a significant source of government revenue (as of 2024, per the Liberian Registry).
Tertiary sector of Liberia
The tertiary sector in Liberia encompasses services that enhance productivity and address needs through intangible offerings like knowledge and time. Key activities include healthcare, education, banking, communication, tourism, and transportation. These sectors support economic growth and development in the country.
Of particular importance, Liberia’s economy heavily relies on tourism, contributing significantly to its GDP. With over 120,000 annual tourist arrivals, Liberia’s pristine beaches, such as the renowned Robertsport Beach and the lush Sapo National Park, attract visitors worldwide, boosting local businesses and employment opportunities.
Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 1.7 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth. This connectivity supports business operations across various industries.
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Liberia
In Liberia, the primary sector provides resources needed for military use, while the secondary sector focuses on manufacturing equipment. The tertiary sector includes services offered by the military, such as training and logistics. The quaternary sector involves research and development for military technology, and the quinary sector deals with high-level decision-making and strategy.
In 2023, Liberia’s military expenditure was 37.2 million US dollars, which is 1.26% of the country’s GDP. The active military force consists of 2,010 personnel, resulting in 0.4 active military members for every 1,000 people in the country. This data shows how the military interacts with various economic sectors in Liberia.
International Trade of Liberia
Import Activities of Liberia
As of 2024, Liberia’s merchandise imports, which help meet domestic demand, represented approximately 32.5% of GDP (about $1.5 billion), according to the World Bank.
Liberia’s key import activities include ships, refined petroleum, additive manufacturing machines, centrifuges, and rice. The country’s main import partners are China (42%), South Korea (23%), Japan (15%), Germany (5%), and Brazil (3%).
Exports Activities of Liberia
As of 2024, Liberia’s total exports of goods amounted to roughly $1.1–$2.0 billion, with mining (gold and iron ore) the leading drivers. Exports hold high importance in driving Liberia’s economic growth and stability.
Liberia’s export activities are diverse, with key partners including Switzerland, France, Germany, UK, and Poland. The country mainly exports gold, ships, iron ore, rubber, and refined petroleum.
Liberia economy challenges in 2024
As of 2024, Liberia continues to face challenges with its low-income economy, food scarcity in rural areas, high poverty, and inflation. The country struggles with a growing government debt and a large informal economy. Despite being home to the longest continuously operated rubber plantation, Liberia’s economy remains fragile due to the recession caused by the Ebola crisis before COVID-19.
Sources
Last updated: October 2026
Leave a Reply