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Liberia is one of the very few African countries not colonized by a European country, and subsequently established a unique relationship with the Unites States.
The country was in fact founded and colonized by freed American slaves with the help of a private organization called the American Colonization Society in 1821-1822
That concept was based on the premise that former American slaves would have greater freedom and equality in Africa. In that regard, slaves freed from other slave ships also were sent there instead of being repatriated to their countries of origin.
Those black colonists formed an elite group in Liberian society, and, in 1847, they founded the Republic of Liberia, establishing a government modeled on that of the United States. They named their capital city Monrovia, after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States.
By 1847, the Americo-Liberians were able to establish a republic. William Tubman, president from 1944-71, did much to promote foreign investment and to bridge the economic, social, and political gaps between the descendents of the original settlers and the inhabitants of the interior.
In 1980, a military coup led by Samuel Doe ushered in a decade of authoritarian rule. In December 1989, Charles Taylor launched a rebellion against Doe's regime that led to a prolonged civil war in which countless thousands were killed, including Doe himself.
A period of relative peace in 1997 allowed for elections that brought Taylor to power, but major fighting resumed in 2000. An August 2003, a peace agreement ended the war and prompted the resignation of Taylor, who was exiled to Nigeria. He is now on trial in The Hague.
Liberia is still recovering from the lingering effects of civil war and related economic dislocation. The process of rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn country is difficult, and statistics indicate that about 85% of the population live below US$1.25 a day.
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- Official Name The Republic of Liberia
- Population 3,793,400
- Capital City Monrovia (pop. 1,010,970)
- Currency Liberian Dollar
- Currency Converter
- Languages English (official) and numerous tribal languages
- Religions Local beliefs, Christian, Muslim
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- Land Area 111.369 sq km (43,000 sq miles)
- Highest Point Mount Nimba, 1,752 m (5,748 ft) This mountain is also the highest point in Guinea
- Lowest Point Atlantic Ocean, 0 m (0 ft)
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Liberia is dominated by flat to rolling coastal plains that contain mangroves and swamps. Those plains slope into a rolling plateau and rainforest-covered hills central, and into relatively low mountains in the northeast.
The country's major rivers include the Mano River in the northwest and the Cavalla River in the southeast. Additional rivers of note are the Lofa, St. Paul, St. John and Cestos River, all of which flow into the Atlantic.
The Cavalla is the longest river in the nation at 515 km (320 mi). It was named by 15th-century Portuguese navigators for the cavalla (or horse mackerel) found at its mouth.
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- Latitude/Longitude 06° 18'N, 10° 47'W
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After years of instability caused by civil war, and the subsequent destruction of buildings, roads and public institutions, Liberia is slowly making progress on the rebuilding effort.
Liberia remains one of the poorest countries in the world and many basic services such as public power, water and sewage and landline phones are either limited or unavailable.
Facilities for foreign visitors are adequate in the capital, Monrovia, but virtually non-existent in the rest of the country, so, do your research and get good advice.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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Liberia is tropical - hot and humid; the dry season is winter with hot days and cool to cold nights; summers are cloudy and wet with frequent heavy showers.
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A curious Liberian chimpanzee...
A terraced Liberian lake...
Liberian two dollor bill...
Daniel Edward Howard, the 16th President of Liberia... |
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