Population and Demographics

As of 2006, Liberia has the highest population growth rate in the world (4.91%).

There are 16 ethnic groups that make up Liberia's indigenous population:

• 95% - indigenous African tribes
  • Kpelle
  • Bassa
  • Gio, Kru
  • Grebo
  • Mandingo
  • Mano
  • Krahn
  • Gola
  • Gbandi
  • Loma
  • Kissi
  • Vai
  • Bella
• 2.5% - Americo-Liberians
  (descendants of immigrants from the US who had been slaves)
• 2.5% - Congo People
  (descendants of immigrants from the Caribbean who had been slaves)

There are also about 5,000 persons of European descent, confined largely to Monrovia and its immediate surroundings.

The Liberian constitution restricts citizenship only to people of African descent.

40% of the population are Christian, 40% are of indigenous beliefs, whilst the remaining 20% are Muslim.