Zwedru, Liberia 🇱🇷
#769
6.068724, -8.134273
Nomad Score:
41%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Zwedru is the capital of Grand Gedeh County, located in southeastern Liberia, known for its lush landscapes and local culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 5-10 Mbps, but can vary significantly by provider and area. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Liberian Dollar (LRD). 1 USD is roughly equivalent to 150 LRD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 120V, 60Hz. Power outages are common, so having backup power is advised. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include LoneStar and Orange Liberia, with prepaid plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks include Access Bank and Ecobank, primarily servicing local transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses like Zwedru Hotel and local rental apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is king in many places; some vendors may accept mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Limited availability; Airbnb might list local homes but options are few. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses start at $15 per night for basic accommodations. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are no dedicated coworking spaces; local cafes may offer Wi-Fi but are not designed for work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Zwedru offers a relaxed atmosphere with coffee and limited snacks. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local community center events are rare but occasionally organized by NGOs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups focused on expat communities serve as a platform for meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major apps available; local taxis operate mostly by phone or street hail. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at some hotels but limited in availability. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches directly in Zwedru; the nearest coastal area is about 3 hours by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fly Liberia operates local flights mainly from Roberts International Airport in Monrovia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines and Air France operate flights to Liberia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Zwedru is accessible via the main highway from Monrovia; conditions can be poor. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; travel is primarily by road. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; it's mostly pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel by shared taxis or minivans to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Zwedru Referral Hospital is the primary healthcare facility, offering limited services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; local community centers sometimes hold fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | No dedicated gyms; some local hotels may offer basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services are available but vary in quality. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps available; food must be ordered directly from restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Fufu' served with Palm Nut soup – a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; most local restaurants serve meat-heavy meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries sell basic pastries; no specific dessert spots. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets provide varied groceries at affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce options are very limited; larger stores sell only at physical locations. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No grocery delivery services available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; few local bars available. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There are no local breweries; imported beers are available in stores. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No dedicated wine bars exist; alcohol is sold in local shops. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks such as fried plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Very few international options, primarily local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Zwedru Town Hall is a key landmark, along with its local markets. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural centers occasionally display local art but are not formally established. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Limited to local historical buildings; the region's historical context is mainly oral. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Several churches reflect the Christian community's presence in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Annual Independence Day celebrations and local cultural festivals. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local communities showcase traditional crafts and folklore at events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No dedicated theaters; community events may take place outside. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Zwedru Central Market is the main hub for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music can be found during community events and celebrations. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; mostly found during community festivals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Not widely available; informal local cooking classes may be offered. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | No dedicated art galleries exist; local artisans may sell works at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Local government buildings reflect colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich oral traditions shared in community gatherings and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lofa Forest Reserve offers a scenic escape into nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sapo National Park is a major park, about an hour's drive from Zwedru. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited cycling paths; local roads provide opportunities for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Various viewpoints near the Lofa River, ideal for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sapo National Park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks may allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services may offer parcel handling, but reliability varies. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech repair services available; check local shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | No known table tennis venues. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited; local community centers may offer informal classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are available but with limited resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers occasionally host events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges in the area. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos or gaming halls in Zwedru. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $39,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | This information may vary; consult local regulations. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system in place; consult with a local advisor. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate is about 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is around 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign subsidiaries are subject to local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 5% of the property value. |