Bong County derives its name from Mount Bong. Its political and administrative capital of Gbarnga City is located about 200 km NE of Monrovia. The estimated total population of the County is 520,000, based on a survey conducted by the County Health Team. Before the war, the County enjoyed a vibrant socio-economic life. Second only to Montserrado County, Bong attracted the most investment in the country, even attracting economic migrants from different parts of Liberia.

Bong County is still one of the richest in Liberia, boasting natural resources such as gold, diamonds, iron ore and timber. The war brought the economic machinery in Bong to a grinding halt. As in the rest of Liberia, unemployment is a major challenge, especially amongst young women and men. Revitalization of the once-productive economy will occupy a place of prominence on the development agenda, helping to maintain the peace at both the county and national levels.