Liberia

Full Name: Republic of Liberia

Motto: “The Love of Liberty Brought Us Here”

Flag: Similar to the U.S. flag with one white star, symbolizing its American founding roots.

Area: Approx. 111,369 square kilometers

Geography: Coastal plains with swamps, inland plateaus, tropical rainforest, and mountains in the northeast.

                     

History:

• Founded: 1822 by the American Colonization Society (ACS), aiming to resettle freed African Americans.

• Independence: Declared in 1847, making Liberia Africa’s first and oldest modern republic.

• Americo-Liberians: The descendants of the freed slaves who dominated politics and economy until 1980.

• Coup of 1980: Master Sergeant Samuel Doe overthrew President William Tolbert, leading to military rule.

• Civil Wars (1989–2003):

  • Over 250,000 people died.

  • Two major conflicts (1989–1996 and 1999–2003).

  • Rebel leader Charles Taylor became president in 1997 but was later tried for war crimes.

• UN Peacekeeping Mission: Active from 2003 until 2018 to restore peace.

Demographics:

• Ethnic Groups: About 16 major indigenous ethnic groups; largest include Kpelle, Bassa, Grebo, and Gio.

• Languages: English (official), but over 20 indigenous languages are spoken.

• Urbanization: About half the population lives in urban areas.

• Literacy Rate: Around 50–60% (still developing).

Government & Politics:

• System: Unitary presidential republic.

• Branches: Executive, Legislative (bicameral), and Judicial.

• President: Joseph Boakai (since 2024).

• Vice President: Jeremiah Koung.

• Recent Elections: Peaceful transfer of power in 2023 elections.

Economy:

• Main Industries: Agriculture, mining, forestry, rubber, and shipping (flag of convenience).

• Exports: Rubber, iron ore, timber, gold, palm oil.

• Challenges: High unemployment, corruption, reliance on foreign aid, poor infrastructure.

• Major Partners: China, U.S., EU, ECOWAS nations.

International Relations:

• Member of: UN, African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and Mano River Union.

• Diplomatic Ties: Strong historical ties with the U.S.

Culture:

• Music & Dance: Influenced by tribal traditions and American gospel/blues.

• Food: Staples include rice, cassava, plantains, palm oil, and spicy stews.

• Sports: Football (soccer) is the most popular; George Weah, Liberia’s former president, was a world-famous footballer and Ballon d’Or winner.

Recent Challenges:

• Ebola Outbreak (2014–2016): One of the worst-affected countries.

• Poverty: Over half the population lives below the poverty line.

• Youth Unemployment: A major issue due to post-war education gaps.

 

Key Facts:

• Founding History: Liberia was founded by freed African American and Caribbean slaves through the efforts of the American Colonization Society in the early 19th century.

• Name Origin: “Liberia” means “Land of the Free.”

• Political System: Republic with a president as head of state.

• Current President (as of 2025): Joseph Boakai (elected in 2023)

• Major Religions: Christianity (dominant), Islam, and indigenous beliefs.

• Economy: Based on agriculture (especially rubber and palm oil), mining (iron ore, gold), and services.

• Civil Wars: The country experienced two devastating civil wars from 1989 to 2003.

• Peace and Recovery: Liberia has been rebuilding since the end of the civil war with support from international organizations.