Liberia Population – What Is The Population Of Liberia?
The Population Of Liberia
Liberia has an estimated population of 4.4 million people; of this, 1.1 people live in the Monsterrado County, the most populous county and home to the country's capital city of Monrovia. About half a million people occupy Nimba County, the second most populous county in Liberia. It has an approximate population density of 35 people per square kilometer.
Vital Statistics Of The Population Of Liberia
Liberia has a crude birth rate of 40.5%, and a death rate of 12%. The natural change is 28% meaning that the population of Liberia is a growing population. Liberia is among the countries which have highest population growth rates in the world with an average of 2.7% per year. The average life expectancy for both sexes is 62 years, and the sex ratio is one male per female. The total fertility rate is 4 children for every woman surviving through her child-bearing years
Ethnic Origins Of The Population Of Liberia
95% of the population of Liberia belongs to the 16 ethnic groups of Kpelle, Bassa, Glo, Kru, Grebo, Mandingo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, Belle, Mande, and Dey. There are also the Fula and Fanti immigrants from Ghana. There are other foreign minority groups which include the Americo-Liberians who are the descendants of the former African-American freed slaves, Congolese, Lebanese, Indians and people of European descent.
Religions Prevalent In Liberia
Christianity is the most widespread religion in Liberia, practiced by 85.5% of the total population. It includes the Lutherans, Baptist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal among other minority groups. Muslim comprises 12.2% largely of Mandingo and Vai ethnic groups. The majority of Muslims are Malikite Sunni with some populations of Shia and Ahmadiyya Muslims. 0.5%of the population practice traditional indigenous religions while 1.8% subscribe to no religion or paganism.
Culture Of The People Of Liberia
The official language of Liberia is English taught in all learning institutions. The country has its ancient music and instruments like the drums and bearded guards used during the performance of the traditional folk song and in many mainstreams of Liberian singers. Its crafts include ornate masks, wood carvings, and sculptures. There is a massive influence on the history of Liberia in its sculptures. There is also a wide variety of literature in Liberia with Liberian authors writing different genres of folk art, ancient proverbs, countryside life, city life, and religion. Many authors present their literature in poetic styles incorporating spiritual and material life in their work. Rice is the staple food for Liberians, with other ingredients like cassava, fish, banana okra, and sweet potatoes.
Although the law prohibits ethnic discrimination in Liberia, the constitution restricts citizenship to people of African descent. Only citizens can own land and non-citizens cannot engage in specified types of businesses. Tribal divisions are minimal in Liberia owing to intermarriages between ethnic groups and aggressive national unification programs. HIV prevalence has had a significant effect on the population of Liberia. It causes higher death and infant mortality rates and lowers the life expectancy of the people.
