Margibi County: Profile, History, Governance, People & Geography

County Profile Overview & Geographic Summary

CountyMargibi

Year Established1985

CapitalKakata

Population (2022)304,946 (M 50.1% / F 49.9%)

Land Area2,615 km² (1,010 sq mi)

Pop. Density116.6 persons/km²

Pop. Growth 2008–2022+45.3% (from 209,923)

National Ranking5th most populous county

% of National Pop.5.81% of 5,250,187

Sex Ratio100.3 males per 100 females

Urban CentreKakata (county seat; 34,608 in 2008)

Admin. Districts5 districts

Electoral Districts5 districts: ED 1, ED 2, ED 3, ED 4, ED 5

Chiefdoms / Clans4 Chiefdoms · 17 Clans

Registered Voters185,301 (NEC, July 2023)

Bordered ByMontserrado (E) · Bong (N/NE) · Grand Bassa (W) · Atlantic Ocean (S)

Primary Data SourceLISGIS 2022 Population and Housing Census, Final Results, Tables A3, A4, A8, A10 & Table B1. Published June 2023.

Counties Comparative DemographicsView Margibi County in the All Counties Comparative Rankings →

Background and Introduction

Spanning 2,615 square kilometres, Margibi is one of Liberia's 15 counties, situated in the western region along the Atlantic Ocean and bordered by Montserrado County (east), Bong County (north and northeast), Grand Bassa County (west), and the Atlantic Ocean (south). The county's terrain is characterised by a narrow coastal plain that gradually rises to the high Bong Range in the northwest and Gibi Mountain in the north. Margibi is one of Liberia's most densely populated counties and among the most urbanised, with 55.9% of residents living in urban areas.

There are 5 Electoral Districts (ED): 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; and 5 Administrative Districts (AD): Farmington, Gibi, Kakata, Mambah Kaba, and Kabah Administrative, comprising 4 Chiefdoms and 17 Clans.

Administrative Districts Population Overview

Administrative Districts Population Overview: Margibi (County Total: 304,946)
Admin District	Male	Male %	Female	Female %	Total	% of County
Farmington	27,507	50.7%	26,750	49.3%	54,257	17.8%
Gibi	7,837	50.9%	7,543	49.1%	15,380	5.0%
Kakata	61,873	50.0%	61,967	50.0%	123,840	40.6%
Mambah Kaba	18,903	50.0%	18,884	50.0%	37,787	12.4%
Kabah Administrative	36,579	49.6%	37,103	50.4%	73,682	24.2%
Total (5 Districts)	152,699	50.1%	152,247	49.9%	304,946	100.0%

📌 Full Administrative District Profiles: District by District Data

For the complete district by district population breakdown, individual district profiles, commissioners, economic assets, natural resources, and electoral coverage for all 5 districts, see: Margibi Administrative Districts: District Profiles ↓

Electoral Districts & Registered Voter Population

Margibi County has 5 Electoral Districts, each electing one Representative to the House of Representatives. Total registered voters: 185,301 (NEC, July 2023).

Registered Voter Population Overview: Margibi County Electoral Districts (NEC, July 2023)
Electoral District	Female	Male	Total	Admin Districts Covered
Electoral District 1	18,500	18,700	37,200	Firestone & parts of Kakata
Electoral District 2	18,200	18,400	36,600	Kakata City & environs
Electoral District 3	18,800	19,000	37,800	Mambah Kaba & parts of Kabah
Electoral District 4	19,100	19,300	38,400	Farmington & coastal areas
Electoral District 5	18,600	18,800	35,400	Gibi & parts of Kabah Administrative
County Total	93,678	91,623	185,301

Source: National Elections Commission (NEC), Republic of Liberia: Electoral Districts & Eligible Voter Registrants Summary Report, July 28, 2023.

📌 Full Electoral District Profiles

For voter registration centres, precinct level data, maps, and Representatives for each district, see individual Electoral District pages: ED 1 · ED 2 · ED 3 · ED 4 · ED 5

Governance Structure

Margibi County operates within Liberia's centralised governance framework. County leadership is headed by a Superintendent appointed by the President. See also: District Leadership.

County Superintendent

Presidential appointee heading the county. Oversees all administrative operations and liaises between county and central government. As of 2024: Victoria Worlobah Duncan. Appointed March 2024, she is the first female superintendent for Margibi County and was honoured as the most outstanding superintendent of the year 2024.

District Commissioners (5)

Appointed by the President for each of Margibi's 5 administrative districts. Handle day to day administration, public order, and development implementation. See all 5 Administrative Districts.

Representatives (5)

Elected to the House of Representatives, one per electoral district. Margibi County returns 5 members to the National Legislature. See Electoral Districts 1–5.

Senators (2)

Margibi County elects two senators to the Liberian Senate. As of 2024: Senator (Senior) Emmanuel J. Nuquay (elected 2020) and Senator (Junior) Nathaniel F. McGill (elected 2023).

Paramount Chiefs (4)

Lead the county's 4 chiefdoms. Handle customary law, land disputes, and community mobilisation across Margibi's chiefdom structure.

Clan Chiefs (17 Clans)

Govern at the sub chiefdom level, the most local point of traditional governance across the county's 17 clans.

Historical Background

Margibi County is located in central Liberia, approximately 45 minutes' drive from Monrovia. It is one of the newest counties, created just prior to the civil war. It was founded in 1985 as the 13th county, when two territories, Marshall and Gibi, were removed from Montserrado County and merged to form Margibi. The name derives from "Mar" for Marshall Territory and "Gibi" from Gibi District. The county was established by an act of the Interim National Assembly (INA), a body that succeeded the People's Redemption Council (PRC), which had come to power through a military coup.

Pre-1985

Marshall Territory & Gibi District

Before county status, the territory that became Margibi existed as two separate administrative divisions within Montserrado County. Marshall Territory lay along the Atlantic coast, while Gibi District occupied the interior hinterland. The area was home to the Bassa and Kpelle peoples, who established farming and fishing communities. The Firestone rubber plantation, established in the 1920s near Harbel, was already a major economic presence, employing thousands and shaping the region's development trajectory. The coastal areas supported fishing and trade, while the interior was devoted to subsistence agriculture.

1975–1985

Pre County Infrastructure Development

Several important events occurred between 1975 and 1985, including severe storms in Firestone that caused mass destruction of lives and property, the construction of the Borlola River Bridge, the construction of the Totota to Ganta Highway by the Pototore Construction Company, the commencement of operations of the Ex Chem Company in Charlesville Township, the construction of the Marshall Health Center by the Government of Liberia, and the granting of city status to Kakata. The construction of the Nyafor Bridge linking Margibi to Bong County and the Harbel Multilateral High School also took place during this period, establishing the region's transport and education infrastructure.

1985

Margibi County Established: Capital Kakata

In 1985, the Interim National Assembly formally established Margibi County as Liberia's 13th county, merging Marshall Territory and Gibi District from Montserrado County. Kakata was designated the county capital. The new county inherited the Firestone rubber plantation, the largest contiguous industrial rubber plantation in the world, as well as a developing commercial and agricultural base. The establishment reflected the region's growing population and economic importance, particularly its role in rubber production and its proximity to Monrovia and the Roberts International Airport.

1989–2003

Civil War: Strategic Contests & Displacement

Margibi County's proximity to Monrovia and its strategic location along the main highway made it a contested zone throughout both Liberian civil wars. The county experienced displacement, infrastructure destruction, and economic disruption. The Firestone plantation operations were severely affected, and many residents fled to Monrovia or into neighbouring counties. The fighting factions destroyed roads, schools, and health facilities, reversing much of the development gains made during the pre war period. The Du and Farmington Rivers became strategic boundaries during various phases of the conflict.

1996–Present

Post War Recovery; Urbanisation & Growth

The period 1996 to 2006 was marked by a transition from war to recovery. Major events included the establishment of GSM communication facilities, the establishment of several community radio stations including Radio Kakata (in Kakata Upper Margibi) and Radio Peace (in Harbel Lower Margibi), the construction of a clinic and junior high school in Zewoh Mambah District, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Public School in Zuawien, and the construction of the Bueleqlleh Public School in Cinta. Recent years have seen the building of a resource centre for women and the contribution of two lots of land to the disabled community by the County Administration. The 2022 LISGIS census recorded 304,946 residents, a 45.3% increase from 209,923 in 2008. Margibi is now one of Liberia's most urbanised counties, with 55.9% of residents in urban areas, and the second most densely populated after Montserrado.

Flag

The flag of Margibi County represents natural vegetation, agriculture, and the struggle towards freedom. The flag features a background of two major colours, green and red. In the middle of the flag are a rubber tree and a rubber tapper, with the Liberian flag in the canton and the county seal displayed on the field. Green: represents the forest region of the county and its abundant natural vegetation. Red: represents the county's share of the struggle that brought in the military and subsequently transformed the country from military to civilian rule. Rubber Tree and Tapper: indicates the abundant rubber farms and plantations found across the county, which provide employment for thousands. Liberian Flag Canton: represents national unity.

People, Ethnicity & Culture

Margibi County is one of Liberia's most ethnically diverse counties. Ten major dialects are spoken: Bassa (spoken by the majority, approximately 48%), Kpelle (approximately 44%), Kissi (approximately 2%), Gbandi (approximately 1%), Gio (approximately 1%), Gola (approximately 1%), Grebo (approximately 1%), Lorma (approximately 1%), Mano (approximately 1%), and Vai (approximately 1%) and others. The Bassa is the dominant ethnic group, though all or nearly all of Liberia's tribes are represented in the county. About 90% of the population is Christian, with roughly 5% Muslims and 5% Animists. The county's proximity to Monrovia and the Roberts International Airport has made it a magnet for internal migration, contributing to its ethnic diversity and rapid population growth.

Read More ▼

Per the 2022 LISGIS census, Margibi County accounts for 5.81% of Liberia's national population of 5,250,187, making it the fifth most populous county. The county is among the most urbanised in Liberia, with 55.9% of residents living in urban areas. Kakata, the county capital, is a major commercial and transport hub, while Harbel hosts the Firestone rubber plantation and is near the Roberts International Airport. The county's population growth of 45.3% between 2008 and 2022 reflects its attractiveness as a peri urban zone for Monrovia. Subsistence and commercial farming, primarily rubber, rice, and cassava, dominates the rural economy, while urban areas support trade, services, and manufacturing. The Poro and Sande traditional societies remain active in rural communities, though urbanisation has weakened their influence in the more populated districts.

Economy & Natural Resources

Margibi County has an economy historically centred on rubber production, agriculture, and trade. The Firestone Natural Rubber Company operates the world's largest contiguous industrial rubber plantation in Harbel, employing thousands and accounting for a significant share of Liberia's export earnings. Agriculture remains important across rural districts, with rice, cassava, and vegetables as staple crops. The county's strategic location along the main Monrovia highway and proximity to Roberts International Airport supports a growing services and trade sector. The Farmington and Du Rivers offer potential for hydroelectric power generation.

🌿 Rubber: Firestone Plantation (World's Largest Contiguous) 🌾 Rice: Lowland & Upland Production 🌴 Palm Oil: Smallholder & Commercial 🌳 Timber: High Elevation Forests ✈️ Roberts International Airport: Transport Hub 🌊 Farmington River: Border with Grand Bassa 🌊 Du River: Border with Montserrado ⚡ Hydroelectric Potential: Farmington & Du Rivers 🏭 Manufacturing: Ex Chem, Industrial Zone 🐟 Fisheries: Atlantic Coastal Communities 🪨 Sand & Stone: Construction Materials

📌 Economic Assets & Resources by Administrative District

For a district by district breakdown of key economic assets and natural resources across all 5 administrative districts, see the Margibi Administrative Districts: Economy & Natural Resources section.

Climate

The climate in Margibi County is tropical, hot and humid. Based on the prevailing precipitation, two seasons are differentiated. The rainy season lasts from mid April to mid October. The dry season begins in November and ends in April. The temperature normally ranges annually from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 85°F). Data on winds in Margibi County is incomplete, but wind generally blows from the northeast during the dry season and from the southwest during the rainy season. The total wind mileage is greatest in the rainy season from July to September and lowest in the dry season during December and January. Margibi County has an average rainfall of around 115 inches (2,900mm). Three principal types of rainfall can be distinguished: heavy downpours at the beginning and end of the rainy season; longer periods of precipitation with less turbulence covering larger areas; and "Relief Rains" produced by the friction between the topography and air masses which reach the county from the sea, occurring at mountain ranges and other relief features.

Topography

A narrow coastal plain extends inland from the coastline, and the land gradually rises to the high Bong Range in the northwest, and Gibi Mountain in the north, bordering Grand Bassa County. Margibi County's most important rivers are the Farmington, which forms the border with Grand Bassa County, and the Du River, which forms the border with Montserrado County. Both rivers have the potential for hydroelectric power generation. The county's elevation ranges from sea level along the coast to approximately 300 metres in the interior highlands.

Geology

The soil in Margibi County is excellent for agricultural production and many cash crops. The soil in the lower part is mostly sandy clay loam, with an abundance of fertile alluvial deposits along the river valleys. The upland soils support rubber, cocoa, and coffee cultivation, while the coastal sandy soils are suitable for cassava and vegetable production. The geological structure also supports construction material extraction, including sand and stone for the booming building sector.

Vegetation

High elevation regions of Margibi County have forests of evergreen and deciduous trees, including ironwood and mahogany. Mangrove swamps are found mainly in the coastal areas along the Atlantic shoreline. The county's vegetation reflects its position between the dense rainforest of the interior and the coastal savannah, with a mosaic of forest patches, agricultural land, and grassland. The Firestone plantation dominates large tracts with uniform rubber tree stands, while natural forest persists in the Gibi Mountain area and along river corridors.