Liberia, Africa’s oldest republic, was established in 1822 with settlements of freed American slaves.

A strong government for more than 100 years did much to encourage foreign investment and improve the economic, social and physical conditions of its citizens. However, in the last 30 years, Liberia has been marked by political upheaval, including coups, assassinations and a prolonged civil war.

Liberia’s political instability has resulted in chronic displacement and poverty—today 80% of the population lives below the poverty line.

The basic health care and social service infrastructure was essentially decimated during the last 15 years of civil war. In 2005, conflict ceased and free and fair elections brought to power Africa’s first duly elected female head of state – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.