Gbarpolu County — Economic Profile
On-demand county report for Gbarpolu, generated by garmaijohnson75@gmail.com on 2026-08-07.
County Overview
- Capital: Bopolu
- Region: North-West
- Year: 2,024
- Population: 95,995
- Land Area (km²): 9,700
- GDP Contribution (USD M): 56.4
- GDP Share %: 1.2
- Growth Rate %: 5
- Gov Allocation (USD): 380,000
- Main Resources: Gold, diamonds, timber, fertile land
Key Industries
- Gold mining
- Diamond mining
- Agriculture
- Logging
Agricultural Products
- Rice
- Cassava
- Rubber
- Palm oil
National Trade Context
- Year: 2,026
- Total Exports (USD): 199.97
- Total Imports (USD): 261.94
- Trade Balance (USD): -61.97
- FDI Inflows (USD): 0
- Remittances (USD): 84.78
- Top Export Commodity: Rubber
- Top Import Commodity: Fuel
- Top Trading Partners: United States, Canada, Switzerland
Private Sector Context (National)
- Year: 2,024
- Total GDP Contribution (USD M): 545.5
- Total Employment: 29,270
- ArcelorMittal Liberia: 480,000,000 USD revenue · 3,200 employees · mining
- Firestone Natural Rubber: 185,000,000 USD revenue · 6,800 employees · agriculture
- BRAC Liberia: 12,000,000 USD revenue · 450 employees · social services
- Save the Children Liberia: 8,500,000 USD revenue · 320 employees · health & education
- SME Sector Aggregate: 95,000,000 USD revenue · 18,500 employees · mixed (trade, services, manufacturing)
Economic Analysis & Outlook
Gbarpolu County, situated in the North-Western region of Liberia with its administrative hub in Bopolu, serves as a vital component of the national economy, contributing approximately 56.4 million USD to the national GDP. With a population of 95,995 and a growth rate of 5 percent, the county leverages its abundant natural resource wealth, primarily through gold and diamond mining, alongside traditional agricultural pursuits including the cultivation of rice, cassava, rubber, and palm oil. While the local economy is anchored by the extractive and agricultural sectors, it operates within a broader national trade context characterized by a deficit, reflecting the ongoing need to improve local productivity and value-added processing to balance exports against imports. Despite these natural advantages, the county currently receives a government allocation of 380,000 USD, which highlights a potential gap between existing fiscal support and the infrastructure required to maximize its economic output. The absence of foreign direct investment presents both a challenge and a unique opening, as the region remains largely untapped by international capital. Strategic investments in rural infrastructure, particularly transport networks to facilitate the movement of agricultural goods and mining materials, could significantly catalyze growth. Risks remain tied to the volatility of global commodity prices and the challenges associated with formalizing artisanal mining practices, which are essential for sustainable long-term development. Looking ahead, Gbarpolu is well-positioned for transformation if it can improve its logistical connectivity and implement sustainable management of its timber and mineral reserves, potentially shifting the county toward a more diversified and robust economic model that contributes more substantially to Liberia’s overall national development objectives.