The African city that's the poorest in the world where people make just £100 a month

Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, is often cited as one of the world’s poorest cities, reflecting the country’s long-standing economic struggles and underdevelopment. Despite being the political and economic centre of the nation, many of its residents live in extreme poverty, facing harsh conditions with limited access to basic services.

The average monthly salary in Monrovia is approximately 30,000 Liberian dollars (LRD), around £115, a stark indication of the city's financial hardship when some estimates put the cost of living in the city to be as high as £2,000 a month. Liberia’s history is marked by periods of both prosperity and devastation. Founded in 1822 by freed African Americans, the country declared independence in 1847, becoming Africa’s first republic. However, the late 20th century saw the country descend into two brutal civil wars, from 1989 to 1997 and 1999 to 2003.

These conflicts claimed the lives of over 100,000 people and left much of the nation’s infrastructure in ruins. Recovery was further set back by the Ebola outbreak of 2014-2016, which strained an already fragile healthcare system and economy, deepening the country's economic woes.

Political instability has played a significant role in Monrovia’s struggles with years of conflict having weakened institutions, making governance and public service delivery extremely ineffective.

Corruption remains a persistent issue, hindering economic growth and preventing equitable distribution of resources. The country has also suffered from high unemployment rates, particularly among young people, further exacerbating poverty.

Meanwhile, Liberia’s reliance on commodity exports such as rubber and iron ore makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global market prices, limiting economic stability.

The challenges in Monrovia are severe and widespread. The city’s infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with many roads, schools, and hospitals in need of significant improvements. Access to quality education is limited, leaving many young people without the necessary skills to secure stable employment.

The healthcare system is underfunded and poorly equipped, leading to poor public health outcomes. Additionally, rapid urbanisation has resulted in overcrowding, with informal settlements and slums growing as people migrate to the capital in search of better opportunities.

According to the World Bank’s 2023 Liberia Poverty Assessment, more than half of the country’s population lives below the poverty line, with poverty rates rising from 54.1% in 2014 to 58.9% in 2016.

In Monrovia, around 30% of residents live in poverty, while in rural areas, the rate is even higher, affecting 8 out of 10 individuals. The high cost of living in the city, combined with limited job opportunities, leaves many families struggling to afford even the most basic of necessities.

Despite these hardships, efforts are underway to address Monrovia’s economic challenges. The government and international partners are working to implement reforms aimed at improving governance and reducing corruption. Economic diversification is also being explored, with initiatives to invest in agriculture, manufacturing, and small business development to create employment opportunities.

Expanding access to education and vocational training is seen as a key step toward empowering the younger generation and breaking the cycle of poverty. Strengthening the healthcare system is another priority, as better medical facilities and resources are essential for improving quality of life and supporting economic growth.