A reflection type liquid crystal display device comprises a pair of substrates having electrodes, a light scattering type liquid crystal layer interposed between the substrates, a reflection layer disposed over a rear surface of the light scattering type liquid crystal layer, and a light absorbing layer disposed over a rear surface of the reflection layer for absorbing a light passed through the reflection layer. The light scattering type liquid crystal layer changes into a scattering state or a transparent state in accordance with a change in a voltage level between the electrodes, and transmits 60% or more of incident light irrespective of the change in the voltage level between the electrodes. The reflection layer has a reflectivity within a range of 10 to 50% for reflecting a forward scattered light passed through the light scattering type liquid crystal layer.