Liberia: Africa's Oldest Republic and Founded by Former Slaves

Liberia is Africa’s first republic and country created by freed slaves from America in 1822 that today constitute 5% of Liberia’s population but the majority of its ruling elite and intellectuals. The country witness more than two decades of civil strife that left over 2,50,000 people dead. In 2006 Sir Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became Liberia’s and Africa’s first woman President and promised to quickly resuscitate Liberia’s ailing economy. Charles Taylor, the country’s former President in exile in Nigeria was handed over to the ICCin Hague for war crimes during his reign that killed scores of people in Sierra Leone.

Liberia Facts:

· National Name: Republic of Liberia
· Capital: Monrovia
· Total area: 111,370 sq km
· Population: 3,334,587 (2008 est.)
· Currency: Liberian dollar
· Languages: English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic-group languages
· Ethnicity/ Races: indigenous African tribes 95% (including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, Bella, Mandingo, and Mende), Americo-Liberians 2.5% (descendants of former U.S. slaves), Congo People 2.5% (descendants of former Caribbean slaves)
· Religion: traditional 40%, Christian 40%, Islam 20%
· GDP (Per Capita): $500 (2007 est.)
· Life Expectancy: Male: 39 years, Female: 44 years (2004 est.)
· Literacy: 58% (2003 est.)

Liberia Geography and Climate:
Liberia is a West African country bordering the North Atlantic Ocean to its west and Sierra Leone, Guinea and Cote D’Ivoire to its north, east and south. Most of the vegetation is marked by mangroves and swamps whereas tropical rainforests cover the hills. The important mountain ranges in Liberia include Guinee Forestiere and Cape Mount near the Liberia-Sierra Leone border.

Liberia experiences tropical climate with dry dust-laden Harmattan winds blowing during the months of November to March.

Culture and Cuisine of Liberia:
Liberia is composed of 16 different ethnic groups that can be differentiated into 5 groups: Mel, Kwa, Mande-Fu, Mande-Tan and the Repatriated consisting of Americo-Liberians, Congolese and Caribbean people. Liberians are well known for their textile arts and quilting skills. These quilts have been gifted to visiting heads of state to Liberia.

Rice forms the primary food of Liberia and is the centrepiece of all Liberian cuisines. Meat and fish are used more for garnishing and as a sauce rather than being the main ingredients. Fruits are consumed in plenty and mangoes, citrus, bananas are eaten throughout the day.

Liberia Economy:
Liberian Economy has been ruined by decades of civil strife and war due to which there are no pliable roads and electricity mains even in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital. Exports of iron ore and rubber were at one time the principal drivers of Liberian economy but later on various Liberian rulers exploited the regions diamond wealth for their personal benefit that resulted in Liberia becoming the regions top illegal diamond trading hub. Today the country is faced with over 85% unemployment rate, which is second only to Nauru.

Liberia Tourist Attractions:
With the coastal waters as the perfect backdrop Liberia offers many exciting places to visit for the indulgent tourist. Some of the popular Liberian tourist destinations include:

Lake Piso: Lake Piso is located just 75 miles from the capital city of Monrovia and served as a US Navy base during the second WW.

Providence Island: Located at the mouth of the Mesurado river it was the landing site of the freed slaves, Liberia’s founding fathers who came here in 1822.

Sapo National Park: Liberia’s first national park is home to many indigenous species like pygmy hippo, forest elephant, bongo antelope, leopard etc.

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