[Please refer to How to Read a Country Entry for help interpreting this material. It was produced prior to March 2001 as part of a US government report entitled Citizenship Laws of the World. The accuracy and depth of these country listings varies significantly, and some information may be incorrect. At best, this page presents only part of the story for a particular country. Additional information for this country may be available in Country Information]

LIBERIA

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship laws are based upon the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia. The Liberian Constitution states that, "In order to preserve, foster, and maintain the positive Liberian culture, values, and character, only persons who are Negroes or of Negro descent shall qualify by birth or by naturalization to be citizens of Liberia."

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of Liberia does not automatically confer citizenship. The only exception is a child born to unknown parents.

BY DESCENT: Child, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Liberia, regardless of the child's country of birth.

BY NATURALIZATION: No information provided beyond the stated constitutional requirements. .

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED. Exception: Child may keep dual citizenship before reaching the age of majority (18). Upon reaching majority age, the person must renounce any other citizenship.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Liberian citizenship is permitted by law.

INVOLUNTARY: The following is grounds for involuntary loss of Liberian citizenship: Person above the age of majority (18) acquires a foreign citizenship.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship of Liberia should be directed to the address below:

Embassy of the Republic of Liberia 5201 16th Street, NW Washington DC 20011

Telephone: 202-723-0437 Fax: 202-723-0436

info@liberiaemb.org

Copyright (C) 2002-2007 All rights reserved.