Liberia Today — Post-War Recovery & Present
Liberia today is a country still working to overcome the wounds of its recent past, but with real evidence of progress and a young population whose ambitions are not defined by the wars their parents lived through.
The Ebola Crisis, 2014–2015
The Ebola epidemic of 2014–2015 was one of the most severe tests of the post war recovery. The outbreak killed more than 4,000 people in Liberia and pushed the healthcare system already fragile to the breaking point. The epidemic was declared officially over on May 8, 2015, and Liberia’s response produced lessons that informed global preparedness for subsequent outbreaks.
George Weah Presidency, 2018–2024
In 2017, George Weah — a former professional footballer who won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1995 — won the presidency in a runoff against former Vice President Joseph Boakai. Weah’s victory was notable not only for the celebrity of the winner but for the manner of the transition: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf handed power to her political opponent in a peaceful, constitutional transfer.
Joseph Boakai Inaugurated, January 2024
President Weah served one term before losing the November 2023 presidential election in a runoff to Joseph Boakai, who was inaugurated in January 2024. The second consecutive peaceful transfer of power between opponents was widely recognized as a meaningful indicator of democratic consolidation. See the full list of presidents on the LiberiaData Executive page.
Ongoing Challenges
Significant challenges remain. Infrastructure — roads, electricity, water remains inadequate across much of the country, particularly outside Montserrado County. The judiciary, the legislature, and the anti,corruption agencies are still developing the independence and capacity they need. Liberia’s economy remains dependent on iron ore from Nimba County, rubber from Margibi County, and timber from Lofa County and Rivercess County. Track Liberia’s current development data on the LiberiaData Data Dashboard. Explore all 15 counties on the Counties section.
Sources:
FamilySearch [13];
Britannica [5] (updated April 2026);
Liberian government official sources