Liberia
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
64 / 100
Partly Free
Liberia has enjoyed two decades of peace and stability since the second civil war ended in 2003, with the country making considerable progress rebuilding government capacity, reestablishing the rule of law, and ensuring citizens’ political rights and civil liberties. Liberia enjoyed its first peaceful transition of power in decades in 2017, and the 2023 elections were especially competitive. However, corruption, impunity, and violence against women are still major problems.
Research & Recommendations
Liberia
Partly Free
64
100
| PR Political Rights | 30 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 34 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
64
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Liberia has enjoyed two decades of peace and stability since its second civil war ended in 2003, making considerable progress in rebuilding government capacity, reestablishing the rule of law, and ensuring citizens’ political rights and civil liberties. For the first time in decades, the country experienced a peaceful transfer of power between elected leaders in 2017, and the highly competitive 2023 elections led to another democratic handover in early 2024. However, persistent problems include corruption, impunity, pressure on media freedom, and violence against women.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
64
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 5,303,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
