Liberia
Statistics & Facts:
- Capital City = Monrovia
- Population = 3,685,076
- Official and Recognized Languages = English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages few of which can be written or used in correspondence
- Independence = July 26, 1847
- GDP = $1.627 BILLION (USD 2009 estimate) / Per capita = $500
- Currency = Liberian dollars
- Religion = Christian 40%, Muslim 20%, Indigenous beliefs 40%
(Statistics from CIA – World Factbook)
Liberia and Diamonds:
The western part of Liberia is underlain by an Archaean age craton that is also present in neighbouring Sierra Leone and Guinea, making it highly prospective for hosting diamondiferous kimberlites. The areas along and between the Lofa river and the border with Sierra Leone have been mined by artisinals for several years, including during periods of civil unrest. Areas around Gbapa and Takpormah have been known as Liberia’s principal alluvial mining centers during the 1980′s. Diamond production estimates are extremely difficult, since traditionally much of the Liberian production results from smuggled stones originating from neighbouring Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea. Production in 2001 was estimated at 155 000 ct. On average, 25% of Liberia’s diamonds are of gem quality, 40% of near gem and 35% of industrial quality.
In June 2004 the UN Security Council ruled that peace in Liberia is still too fragile for sanctions on diamond and timber exports to be lifted. Liberia was also been suspended by the Kimberley Process because it would not allow monitoring of its diamond trade. The country has been a major outlet for conflict diamonds mined in Sierra Leone, which claims it has stamped out the conflict diamond trade.
The only really active foreign company in Liberia, Mano River Resources has to date located a total of six kimberlites on their Kpo Range diamond prospect. The kimberlites could be a possible source to the numerous alluvial showings in the area. Mano River have also reported the recovery of several kimberlitic indicator minerals on their Bea Mountain permit. South Africa’s Trans Hex Group has entered into an agreement with Mano River over the evaluation of the Kpo kimberlite cluster.
During 2004 Diamond Fields International Ltd. entered into an option agreement with the Liberian-based Ducor Minerals Inc., under which it may earn an interest in Ducor’s rights under two Mineral Exploration Agreements between Ducor and the Republic of Liberia. The Gbapolu and Grand Gedeh Properties cover a total area of 1813.72 km(2) and are prospective for both diamonds and gold.
(MBendi.com)
Education in Liberia:
The University of Liberia is the country’s largest college and is located in Monrovia. Opened in 1862, it is one of Africa’s oldest institutes of higher learning organized based upon the western model. Civil war severely damaged the university in the 1990s, but the university has begun to rebuild following the restoration of peace. The school includes six colleges, including a medical school and the nation’s only law school, Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
Cuttington University was established by the Episcopal Church of the USA (ECUSA) in 1889; its campus is currently located in Suakoko, Bong County, 120 miles (190 km) north of Monrovia). The private school, the oldest private college in Liberia, also holds graduate courses in Monrovia.
According to statistics published by UNESCO for 2004 65% of primary-school age and 24% of secondary-school age children were enrolled in school. This is a significant increase on previous years; the statistics also show substantial numbers of older children going back to earlier school years. On average, children attain 10 years of education, 11 for boys and 8 for girls.[28] Children ages five to eleven are required by law to attend school, though enforcement is lax. A 1912 law required children ages 6 to 16 to attend school. The African Methodist Episcopal University is another fast growing university in the capital.
(Wikipedia.org)
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