Liberia

Liberia has been in a state of chaos for over a century. Do not travel to Liberia unless absolutely necessary. Coup after coup continues. Economy faltered long ago and what infrastructure was in place was destroyed by neglect and recent fighting. There are sporadic outbreaks of fighting. The locals live in poverty with little prospect of improvement. Petty crime is endemic and corruption rife. Travellers are usually watched by the security services and stopped in towns and cities and searched. Medical facilities are basic, transportation is poor and minor transgressions have landed many Western travellers in jail. Liberia has improved over the last few years. There is still evidence of mines on the borders left from previous attacks and fighting in Sierra Leone. Local militia groups, weapons (various), ballistics danger areas, mines, booby traps, vehicle security, vehicle convoys, personal security, ambushes, kidnappings, bandits/corruption, gunfire, legal/illegal checkpoints, armed robberies, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building/office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation/sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, terrorism, cultures/customs, communications, emergency shelters.

Use bottled water only.

Mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in north-east.

Tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers.

Dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to March).