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Liberia Economy Monrovia

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Liberia is one of the poorest countries in Africa. Emeka Chigozie in Top 10 Poorest Countries describes Liberia’s large population as having a “formal employment rate of 15%” and “approximately 85% of the population living below $1.” Liberia became known for its disastrous civil war spanning from 1989 to 2003. Sadly, a corrupt government, struggling economy, and lack of emphasis on gender equality and education, prevents Liberia from rebuilding.

Currently, Liberia is in transition from a dictatorship to democracy, in which the President is the dominant force in politics. Various politicians have formerly been involved with differing scandals of corruption. Flawed government hinders development in growing nations. A 2013 UN Human Rights Report …show more content…
The civil war destroyed much of Liberia's infrastructure surrounding the capital city of Monrovia. According to the Liberia Country Profile by BBC, “the restoration of infrastructure [in Liberia] and the raising of incomes depend on the implementation of government policies; including the encouragement of foreign investment.” The damaged economy prevents Liberia’s growth based on the insufficient infrastructure and the lack of jobs available to the population. Further, thousands of Liberian youth have resorted to working odd jobs, making up the large percent of Liberians living under the poverty line. In addition, they cannot consistently participate in the purchasing of goods and services to support the economy. Martin K. in Youth Unemployment in Post-conflict Liberia details that many vulnerable youth “have little to no benefits, unassured salary and pension, or work for a family member without pay.” The high unemployment rate has had a direct impact on the social and economic development of Liberia. With this struggling economy, Liberia remains trapped with little opportunity for upward …show more content…
In Liberia, there are clear gender divisions of labor between men and women; women are generally expected to clean, cook, and take care of children. Men are seen as the head of the households and are expected to make money to support the family. (Liberia: Gender Inequality - a Major Threat to Women's Progress.) The exclusion of women in Liberia’s workforce prevents growth in this nation. Women are a powerful force for change; focusing on gender equality can help women gain the knowledge and skills they need to participate in the economy and be a major part in their country’s development. The main contributors to the overall low levels of education is the lack of infrastructure in schools, security problems across the country, and the high cost of education that few are able to afford. A 2006 census from the Liberian Ministry of Education found that “one in five schools in Liberia had been destroyed during the wars. Many schools were without water and restrooms, along with more than 60% of teachers lacking formal qualifications and being paid very low salaries ($200–$300USD per year).” The lack of emphasis on gender equality and education poses major problems for the upcoming generation, which hinder Liberia from expanding and growing as a

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