Republic of Liberia
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "The love of liberty brought us here"
Anthem: All Hail, Liberia, Hail!
Capital (and largest city)		Monrovia 6°19′N, 10°48′W
Official languages		English
Demonym		Liberian
Government		Republic
-	President	Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
-	Vice-President	Joseph Boakai
Formation		by African-Americans
-	ACS colonies    consolidation	1821-1842
-	Independence (from the United States)	26 July 1847
Area
-	Total	111,369 km² (103rd) 43,000 sq mi
-	Water (%)	13. The Liberian flag bears close resemblance to the Flag of the United States, showing the ex-American slave origins of the country The Coat of Arms of Liberia consists of a shield containing a picture of 19th century ship arriving in Liberia A motto (from the Italian word motto, meaning witticism sentence is a phrase meant to formally describe the general motivation or intention of a social group A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history traditions and struggles of its people recognized either by a nation's " All Hail Liberia Hail! " is the National anthem of Liberia, lyrics written by President Daniel Bashiel Warner (1815-1880 3rd president of Liberia Please update with 2006 data from https//wwwciagov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/li For alternate meanings see Monrovia (disambiguation. Monrovia, is the Capital city of the West African nation of Liberia An official language is a Language that is given a special legal status in a particular Country, State, or other territory English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States A demonym or gentilic is a word that denotes the members of a People or the inhabitants of a place For the government of parliamentary systems see Executive (government. A republic is a State or Country that is not led by a hereditary Monarch, but in which the people (or at least a part of its people have impact on its The following is a list of Presidents of the Republic of Liberia, made up of the 24 heads of state in the history of Liberia. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born October 29 1938 is the current President of Liberia. The Vice-President of Liberia is the second-highest executive official in the Liberian government Joseph Nyumah Boakai (born November 30, 1944) is the Vice-President of Liberia. Liberia was set up by citizens of the United States as a Colony for former African-American Slaves from the U African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa The American Colonization Society (in full The Society for the Colonization of Free People of Color of America was an organization that helped in founding Liberia, a Colony Year 1821 ( MDCCCXXI) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year Year 1842 ( MDCCCXLII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Independence is the Self-government of a Nation, Country, or State by its residents and population or some portion thereof generally exercising The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Events 657 - Battle of Siffin. 811 - Battle of Pliska; Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus Year 1847 ( MDCCCXLVII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. To help compare Orders of magnitude of different geographical regions we list here Surface areas between 100000 km² and 1000000 km² This is a list of the countries of the world sorted by total area. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. Water is a common Chemical substance that is essential for the survival of all known forms of Life. In Mathematics, a percentage is a way of expressing a number as a Fraction of 100 ( per cent meaning "per hundred" 514
Population
-	2007 United Nation estimate	3,386,000 (132nd)
-	Density	29/km² (174th) 75/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2005 estimate
-	Total	$1. In Biology a population is the collection of inter-breeding organisms of a particular Species; in Sociology The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security List of countries by population in 2005|List of countries by population in 1907This is a list of countries ordered according to Population. Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume List of countries and dependencies by Population density in inhabitants/km² The purchasing power parity ( PPP) theory uses the long-term equilibrium Exchange rate of two currencies to equalize their Purchasing power. 6 billion (170th)
-	Per capita	$500 (178th)
HDI (1993)		0. There are three lists of Countries of the world sorted by their Gross domestic product (GDP (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation Per capita is a Latin phrase meaning for each head with Per meaning 'through' or 'by' This article includes three lists of Countries of the world sorted by their Gross domestic product (GDP at Purchasing power parity (PPP Per capita The Human Development Index ( HDI) is an index combining normalized measures of Life expectancy, Literacy, Educational attainment, and GDP 311 (low) (n/a)
Currency		Liberian dollar1 (LRD)
Time zone		GMT
Internet TLD		.lr
Calling code		+231
1 United States dollar also in common usage. This is a list of countries by Human Development Index as included in the United Nations Development Program 's Human Development Report 2007 A currency is a unit of exchange, facilitating the transfer of Goods and/or services It is one form of Money, where money is The dollar ( Currency code LRD) has been the Currency of Liberia since 1943 ISO 4217 is the International standard describing three-letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT) is a term originally referring to mean solar time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London A country This is a list of country calling codes defined by ITU-T recommendation E The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been

Liberia, officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Atlantic Ocean. Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. Guinea, officially Republic of Guinea (pronounced /ˈgɪni/ République de Guinée is a country in West Africa, formerly known as French Guinea Côte d'Ivoire (ˌkoʊt divˈwɑː(r ' in English, kot diˈvwaʀ in French) or Ivory Coast, officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, is a Liberia has a hot equatorial climate with most rainfall arriving in summer with harsh harmattan winds in the dry season. The Harmattan is a dry and dusty West African Trade wind. It blows south from Sahara into the Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the Liberia's populated Pepper Coast is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the sparse inland is forested, later opening to a plateau of drier grasslands. Pepper Coast is the name of a coastal area in western Africa, between Cape Mesurado and Cape Palmas. Mangroves (generally are Trees and Shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats in the Tropics and Subtropics. Since 1989, Liberia has been in a state of flux witnessing two civil wars, the First Liberian Civil War (1989–1996), and the Second Liberian Civil War (1999–2003), displacing hundreds of thousands of people and devastating the country's economy. A civil war is a War between a State and domestic political actors that are in control of some part of the territory claimed by the state The First Liberian Civil War was a conflict in Liberia from 1989 until 1996. Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) The Second Liberian Civil War began in 1999 when a rebel group backed by the government of neighbouring Guinea, the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. The Liberian Civil War in 1989-96 destroyed much of Liberia 's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around Monrovia.

Contents 1 Etymology 2 History 2.1 Indigenous peoples of West Africa 2.2 Settlers from the United States 2.3 Significant mid-twentieth century events 2.4 1989 and 2003 civil wars 2.5 Transitional government and elections 2.6 Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf presidency 2.7 Human rights situation 3 Politics and Government 4 Geography 5 Counties and districts 6 Economy 7 Demographics 8 Culture 9 Education 10 Famous Liberians 11 References 12 Bibliography 13 Further reading 14 External links

Etymology

The name Liberia denotes "liberty" or "Land of the Free" as the country was colonized by freed African American slaves in 1822, who founded the country in 1847 with the support of Government of the United States creating a new ethnic group called the Americo-Liberians. African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa Slavery is a social-economic system under which certain persons — known as slaves — are deprived of personal freedom and compelled to perform labour or services The federal government of the United States is the central United States Governmental body established by the United States Constitution. Americo-Liberians are a Liberian ethnicity of African American descent ^[1] However, this introduction of a new ethnic mix compounded ethnic tensions with the sixteen other main ethnicities. ^[2]

History

Main article: History of Liberia

Indigenous peoples of West Africa

Anthropological research shows the region of Liberia was inhabited at least as far back as the 12th century, perhaps earlier. Liberia was set up by citizens of the United States as a Colony for former African-American Slaves from the U Mende speaking people expanded westward, forcing many smaller ethnic groups southward towards the Atlantic sea. The Deys, Bassa, Kru, Gola and Gissi were some of the earliest recorded arrivals. The Bassa are a people of Liberia, living in Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Montserrado counties who speak the Bassa language, a The Kru are an ethnic group who live in interior of Liberia. Their history is one marked by a strong sense of ethnicity and resistance to occupation Gola or Gula are a tribal people living in western Liberia. The Gola language is part of the Southern branch of the West Atlantic language family as of ^[3] This influx was compounded during the ancient decline of the Western Sudanic Mali Empire in 1375 and later in 1591 with the Songhai Empire. The Mali Empire or Manding Empire or Manden Kurufa was a Medieval West African civilization of the Mandinka from c The Songhai Empire, also known as the Songhay Empire was a pre-colonial African state of west Africa. Additionally, inland regions underwent desertification, and inhabitants were pressured to move to the wetter Pepper Coast. Desertification is the degradation of land in arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting primarily from human activities and influenced by climatic variations Pepper Coast is the name of a coastal area in western Africa, between Cape Mesurado and Cape Palmas. These new inhabitants brought skills such as cotton spinning, cloth weaving, iron smelting, rice and sorghum cultivation, and social and political institutions from the Mali and Songhay Empires. Sorghum is a genus of numerous species of grasses, some of which are raised for grain and many of which are used as Fodder plants either cultivated or as part ^[4]

Shortly after the Manes conquered the region there was a migration of the Vai people into the region of Grand Cape Mount. The Vai are an Ethnic group that live mostly in Liberia, small communities of Vai also live in south-eastern Sierra Leone. The Vai were part of the Mali Empire who were forced to migrate when the empire collapsed in the fourteenth century. The Mali Empire or Manding Empire or Manden Kurufa was a Medieval West African civilization of the Mandinka from c The Vai chose to migrate to the coastal region.

The ethnic Kru opposed the migration of the Vai into their region. The Kru are an ethnic group who live in interior of Liberia. Their history is one marked by a strong sense of ethnicity and resistance to occupation An alliance of the Manes and Kru were able to stop the further migration of the Vai but the Vai remained in the Grand Cape Mount region (where the city of Robertsport is now located). Robertsport, also known as Roberts Port and Robert's Port, is a town in western Liberia, about 10 miles from the Sierra Leone border

Littoral coast people built canoes and traded with other West Africans from Cap-Vert to the Gold Coast. Littoral refers to the coast of an ocean or sea or to the banks of a river lake or estuary Cap-Vert is a Peninsula in Senegal, and the westernmost part of the continent of Africa. The Gold Coast was the region of West Africa which is now the nation of Ghana. Later European traders would barter various commodities and goods with local people, sometimes hoisting their canoes aboard. When the Kru began trading with Europeans, they initially traded in non-slave commodities but later became active participants in the African slave trade. This article discusses systems of slavery within Africa the history and effects of the slavery trade upon Africa

Kru laborers left their territory to work on plantations and in construction as paid laborers. Fundamentally a plantation is usually a large Farm or estate, especially in a tropical or semitropical country on which Cotton, Tobacco Some even worked building the Suez and Panama Canals. The Suez Canal is a Canal in Egypt. Opened in 1869 it allows Water transportation between Europe and Asia without circumnavigation The Panama Canal is a man-made Canal in Panama which joins the

Another tribal group in the area was the Glebo. The name Grebo (or Glebo is used to refer to an Ethnic group or subgroup within the larger Kru group of West Africa, to certain of its constituent elements The Glebo were driven, as a result of the Manes invasion, to migrate to the coast of what later became Liberia.

Settlers from the United States

In 1822, the American Colonization Society established Liberia as a place to send freed African-American slaves. The American Colonization Society (in full The Society for the Colonization of Free People of Color of America was an organization that helped in founding Liberia, a Colony ^[5] African-Americans gradually migrated to the colony and became known as Americo-Liberians, where many present day Liberians trace their ancestry. Americo-Liberians are a Liberian ethnicity of African American descent On July 26, 1847, the Americo-Liberian settlers declared the independence of the Republic of Liberia. Events 657 - Battle of Siffin. 811 - Battle of Pliska; Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus Year 1847 ( MDCCCXLVII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common

The settlers regarded Africa as a "Promised Land", but they did not integrate into an African society. Once in Africa, they referred to themselves as "Americans" and were recognized as such by local Africans and by British colonial authorities in neighbouring Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. The symbols of their state — its flag, motto, and seal — and the form of government that they chose reflected their American background and diaspora experience. The term Diaspora (in Greek, διασπορά &ndash " a scattering or sowing of seeds " refers any population sharing common ethnic Lincoln University (founded as Ashmun Institute for educating young blacks in Pennsylvania in 1854) played an important role in supplying Americo-Liberians leadership for the new Nation. Lincoln University ( LU) is America's first degree granting historically black university located in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania A nation is a Human Cultural and Social Community. In as much as most members never meet each other yet feel a common bond it may be considered The first graduating class of Lincoln University, James R. Amos, his brother Thomas H. Amos, and Armistead Miller sailed for Liberia on the brig Mary C. In nautical terms, a brig is a vessel with two square-rigged masts Stevens in April, 1859 after graduation.

The religious practices, social customs and cultural standards of the Americo-Liberians had their roots in the antebellum American South. " Antebellum " is an expression derived from Latin that means "before war" ( ante, "before" and bellum The Southern United States &mdashcommonly referred to as the American South, Dixie, or simply the South &mdashconstitutes a large distinctive These ideals strongly influenced the attitudes of the settlers toward the indigenous African people. The new nation, as they perceived it, was coextensive with the settler community and with those Africans who were assimilated into it. A settler is a person who has migrated to an area and established permanent residence there often to colonize the area A region or society where several different groups are spontaneously assimilated is sometimes referred to as a Melting pot. Mutual mistrust and hostility between the "Americans" along the coast and the "Natives" of the interior was a recurrent theme in the country's history, along with (usually successful) attempts by the Americo-Liberian minority to dominate what they identified to be savage native peoples. They named the land "Liberia," which in the Romance languages, and in Latin in particular, means "Land of the Free," as an homage to their freedom from slavery.

Historically, Liberia has enjoyed the support and unofficial cooperation of the United States government ^[6]. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Liberia’s government, modeled after that of the United States, was democratic in structure, if not always in substance. After 1877 the True Whig Party monopolized political power in the country, and competition for office was usually contained within the party, whose nomination virtually ensured election. The True Whig Party, also known as Liberian Whig Party, was Liberia 's only legal political party for over 100 years from 1878 to the Coup d'etat Two problems confronting successive administrations were pressure from neighboring colonial powers, Britain and France, and the threat of financial insolvency, both of which challenged the country’s sovereignty. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Liberia retained its independence during the Scramble for Africa, but lost its claim to extensive territories that were annexed by Britain and France. The Scramble for Africa, also known as the Race for Africa, was the proliferation of conflicting European claims to African territory during the New Economic development was hindered by the decline of markets for Liberian goods in the late nineteenth century and by indebtedness on a series of loans, payments on which drained the economy.

Significant mid-twentieth century events

Two events were of particular importance in releasing Liberia from its self-imposed isolation. Edwin James Barclay (1882-1955 was a Liberian politician A member of the True Whig political party he served as the 18th President of the country from 1930 The first was the grant in 1926 of a large concession to the American-owned Firestone Plantation Company; that move became a first step in the (limited) modernization of the Liberian economy. The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900 to supply pneumatic tires for wagons buggies and other forms of wheeled transportation The Liberian Civil War in 1989-96 destroyed much of Liberia 's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around Monrovia. The second occurred during World War II, when the United States began providing technical and economic assistance that enabled Liberia to make economic progress and introduce social change. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including

In a late night raid on April 12, 1980, a successful military coup was staged by a group of noncommissioned army officers led by Master Sergeant Samuel Kanyon Doe. Events 467 - Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Samuel Kanyon Doe ( May 6, 1951 &ndash September 9, 1990) was the President of Liberia from 1980 to 1990 The soldiers were a mixture of the various ethnic groups that had claimed marginalization from the hands of the minority Americo-Liberian settlers. They killed William R. Tolbert, Jr. in his mansion. William Richard Tolbert Jr ( May 13, 1913 April 12, 1980) was president of Liberia from 1971 to 1980 He had been president for nine years. Constituting themselves the People’s Redemption Council, Doe and his associates seized control of the government and brought an end to Africa’s first republic. Significantly, Doe was the first Liberian head of state who was not a member of the Americo-Liberian elite. In the early 1980s, the United States provided Liberia more than $500 million for pushing the Soviet Union out of the country, and for providing the US exclusive rights to use Liberia's ports and land (including allowing the CIA to use Liberian territory to spy on Libya). The 1980s was the decade spanning from January 1 1980 to December 31 1989. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 near as long as it used to be several months ago It has been actively summarized and split into sub-articles and there is a dynamic talk page discussion of all Libya ( ليبيا ar-Latn Lībiyā; Libyan vernacular: Lībya; Amazigh:) officially the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab

Doe favored authoritarian policies, banning newspapers and outlawing various opposition parties. Authoritarianism describes a Form of government characterized by an emphasis on the Authority of the State in a republic or union His tactic was to brand popular opposition parties as "socialist", and therefore illegal according to the Liberian constitution, while allowing less popular minor parties to remain as a token opposition. Unfortunately for Doe, popular support would then tend to realign behind one of these smaller parties, causing them to be labeled "socialist" in their turn.

In October 1985, Liberia held the first post-coup elections, ostensibly to legitimize Doe's regime. Virtually all international observers agreed that the Liberia Action Party (LAP) led by Jackson Doe (no relation) had won the election by a clear margin. After a week of counting the votes, however, Samuel Doe fired the count officials and replaced them with his own Special Election Committee (SECOM), which announced that Samuel Doe's ruling National Democratic Party of Liberia had won with 50. 9% of the vote. In response, on November 12th, a counter-coup was launched by Thomas Quiwonkpa, whose soldiers briefly occupied the Executive Mansion and the national radio station, with widespread support throughout the country. Thomas Quiwonkpa, a Gio from Nimba County, was a Commanding General of the Armed Forces of Liberia and founder of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia Three days later, Quiwonkpa's coup was overthrown. Following this failed coup, government repression intensified, as Doe's troops killed more than 2000 civilians and imprisoned more than 100 opposing politicians, including Jackson Doe, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and BBC journalist Isaac Bantu. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born October 29 1938 is the current President of Liberia.

1989 and 2003 civil wars

In late 1989, a civil war began. Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) The First Liberian Civil War was a conflict in Liberia from 1989 until 1996. The harsh dictatorial atmosphere that gripped the country was due in large part to Sergeant Samuel Doe's rule. An Americo-Liberian named Charles Taylor with the backing of neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire entered Nimba County with around 100 men. Charles McArthur Ghankay Taylor (born January 28, 1948) served as President of Liberia from August 2, 1997 to August 11 County administration Nimba County is one of fifteen political subdivisions of Liberia ^[7] These fighters gained high levels of support with the local population who were disillusioned with their present government. A large section of the country came under the invaders' control as a result. By this time a new player had also emerged. Yormie Prince Johnson (former ally of Taylor) had formed his own army and had gained tremendous support from the Gio and Mano ethnic groups.

In August 1990, the Economic Community Monitoring Group under the Economic Community of West African States organized its own military task force to intervene in the crisis. The Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group or ECOMOG was a West African multilateral armed force established by the Economic Community of West The Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen West African countries founded on May 28 The troops were largely from Nigeria, Guinea and Ghana. After the meeting and on his way out, Doe who was traveling only with his personal staff, was ambushed and captured by members of the Gio Tribe who were loyal to Prince Yormie Johnson. The Gio or Dan people is an Ethnic group in north-eastern Liberia and in Côte d'Ivoire. The soldiers took him to the headquarters of Johnson in neighboring Caldwell, tortured and killed him.

With some financial support from the U. S. , after prompting from Taylor that the Nigerians and Ghanainas were opposed to him, Senagalese troops were brought in. Their service was however shortlived, after a major outing with Taylor forces.

By September 1990 Doe's forces controlled only a small area just outside the capital of Monrovia. Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) After his death, and as a condition for the end of the conflict, interim president Amos Sawyer resigned in 1994, handing power to the Council of State. Dr Amos Claudius Sawyer (born 1945) is an Americo-Liberian who was the President of the Interim Government of National Unity in Liberia ( November Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Prominent warlord Charles G. Taylor was elected as President in 1997, after leading a bloody insurgency backed by Libyan President Muammar al-Gaddafi. Charles McArthur Ghankay Taylor (born January 28, 1948) served as President of Liberia from August 2, 1997 to August 11 Liberia held Presidential and Legislative elections on 19 July 1997 following an end to a bloody civil war that devastated the country Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi 1 (معمر القذافي) (born 7 June 1942) also known as Colonel Gaddafi Taylor's brutal regime targeted several leading opposition and political activists. In 1998, the government sought to assassinate child rights activist Kimmie Weeks for a report he had published on its involvement in the training of child soldiers, which forced him into exile. Kimmie Weeks was born on December 6, 1981 in the West African Nation of Liberia. Taylor's autocratic and dysfunctional government led to a new rebellion in 1999. The Second Liberian Civil War began in 1999 when a rebel group backed by the government of neighbouring Guinea, the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) More than 200,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the civil wars. The conflict intensified in mid-2003, and the fighting moved into Monrovia. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. For alternate meanings see Monrovia (disambiguation. Monrovia, is the Capital city of the West African nation of Liberia As the power of the government shrank and with increasing international and American pressure for him to resign, President Taylor accepted an asylum offer from Nigeria, but vowed: "God willing, I will be back. Nigeria, officially named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal Constitutional republic comprising thirty-six states and one Federal " On March 29, 2006 he was extradited from Nigeria to Sierra Leone, where he had been indicted by the Special Court (a war crimes tribunal). Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. Charles Taylor's trial by that court is being held in the Hague, for security. He is charged with crimes against humanity, violations of the Geneva Conventions and "other serious violations of international humanitarian law". ^[8]

Transitional government and elections

After the exile of Taylor, Gyude Bryant was appointed Chairman of the transitional government in late 2003. Charles Gyude Bryant (born January 17, 1949) is a former Chairman of the Government of Liberia. Because of failures of the Transitional Government in curbing corruption, Liberia signed onto GEMAP, a novel anti-corruption program. The Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program (GEMAP is an effort started September 2005 by the Liberian government and the international community via the International The primary task of the transitional government was to prepare for fair and peaceful democratic elections. With UNMIL troops safeguarding the peace, Liberia successfully conducted presidential elections in the fall of 2005. The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL is a peace-keeping force established in September 2003 to monitor a ceasefire agreement in Liberia following the resignation of Twenty three candidates stood for the October 11, 2005 general election, with the early favorite George Weah, internationally famous footballer, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and member of the Kru ethnic group expected to dominate the popular vote. George Weah (born October 1, 1966 in Monrovia) is a Liberian politician and former football forward. The United Nations Children's Fund (or UNICEF) was created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946 No candidate took the required majority in the general election, so that a run-off between the top two vote getters, Weah and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, was necessary. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born October 29 1938 is the current President of Liberia. The November 8, 2005 presidential runoff election was won decisively by Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a Harvard-trained economist. Both the general election and runoff were marked by peace and order, with thousands of Liberians waiting patiently in the Liberian heat to cast their ballots.

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf presidency

Daughter of the first indigenous Liberian to be elected to the national legislature, Jahmale Carney Johnson, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was born in rural Liberia. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born October 29 1938 is the current President of Liberia. Widely celebrated for being the first elected female head of state in Africa, Johnson-Sirleaf’s election focused much international attention on Liberia. A former Citibank and World Bank employee, Johnson-Sirleaf’s career also includes heading the U.N. Development Programme for Africa [1]. Citibank is a major international Bank, founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York, later First National City Bank of New York. The World Bank is an internationally supported Bank that provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries for development programs (e Johnson-Sirleaf was jailed twice during the Doe administration before escaping and going into exile. As president, Johnson-Sirleaf hopes to bring her credentials as an economist to bear and enlist the help of the international community in rebuilding Liberia’s economy and infrastructure. Her efforts to have Liberia’s external debt of $3. 5 billion cancelled were at least partially rewarded on November 12, 2007, when the IMF agreed to begin providing debt relief. Events 764 - Tibetan troops occupy Chang'an, the capital of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, for fifteen days Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The International Monetary Fund ( IMF) is an International organization that oversees the Global financial system by following the Macroeconomic ^[9] She has extended a special invitation to the Nigerian business community to participate in business opportunities in Liberia, in part as thanks for Nigeria’s help in securing Liberia’s peace. Exiled Liberians are also investing in the country and participating in Liberia's rebuilding efforts.

In addition to focusing her early efforts to restore basic services like water and electricity to the capital of Monrovia, Johnson-Sirleaf has established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address crimes committed during the later stages of Liberia's long civil war. The Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC is a Parliament -enacted organization created in May 2005 in order to investigate and report on gross Human rights ^[10] She is also working to re-establish Liberia's food independence. Johnson-Sirleaf also requested that Nigeria extradite accused war criminal and profiteer Charles Taylor. Charles McArthur Ghankay Taylor (born January 28, 1948) served as President of Liberia from August 2, 1997 to August 11

Human rights situation

Amnesty International summarizes in its Annual Report 2006: "Sporadic outbreaks of violence continued to threaten prospects of peace. Amnesty International (commonly known as Amnesty or AI) is a Western based international Non-governmental organization which defines its mission as "to Former rebel fighters who should have been disarmed and demobilized protested violently when they did not receive benefits. Slow progress in reforming the police, judiciary and the criminal justice system resulted in systematic violations of due process and vigilante violence against criminal suspects. Laws establishing an Independent National Commission on Human Rights and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission were adopted. Over 200,000 internally displaced people and refugees returned to their homes, although disputes over land and property appropriated during the war raised ethnic tensions. UN sanctions on the trade in diamonds and timber were renewed. Those responsible for human rights abuses during the armed conflict continued to enjoy impunity. The UN Security Council gave peacekeeping forces in Liberia powers to arrest former President Taylor and transfer him to the Special Court for Sierra Leone if he should return from Nigeria, where he continued to receive asylum. Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. Nigeria, officially named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal Constitutional republic comprising thirty-six states and one Federal Liberia made a commitment to abolish capital punishment. Capital punishment, the death penalty or execution, is the Killing of a person by judicial process as Punishment. A new law on rape, which initially proposed imposition of the death penalty for gang rape, was amended to provide a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. "^[11] Former 22nd president Charles Taylor was later captured trying to escape across the border of Cameroon and has been sent to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for trial. Charlie and Chuck are common familiar or shortened forms for Charles. The International Criminal Court ( ICC or ICCt) was established in 2002 as a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for Genocide, crimes against

Politics and Government

Main article: Politics of Liberia

Liberia has a dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for the modern sector and customary unwritten law for the native sector for exclusively rural tribes. Politics of Liberia takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic Republic modeled on the government of the United England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Common law refers to law and the corresponding legal system developed through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive ^[12] Liberia's modern sector has three equal branches of government in the constitution, though in practice the executive branch headed by President of Liberia is the strongest of the three. A constitution is a system for government often Codified as a written document that establishes the rules and principles of an autonomous political entity The following is a list of Presidents of the Republic of Liberia, made up of the 24 heads of state in the history of Liberia. Following the dissolution of the Republican Party in 1876, the True Whig Party dominated the Liberian government until the 1980 coup. The Republican Party of Liberia was a Political party founded soon after the founding of Liberia in 1848 Year 1876 ( MDCCCLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year The True Whig Party, also known as Liberian Whig Party, was Liberia 's only legal political party for over 100 years from 1878 to the Coup d'etat Currently, no party has majority control of the legislature. The longest serving president in Liberian history was William Tubman, serving from 1944 until his death in 1971. William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman ( November 29, 1895 &ndash July 23, 1971) was a Liberian politician Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1971 ( MCMLXXI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1971 Gregorian calendar. The shortest term was held by James Skivring Smith, who controlled the government for two months. James Skivring Smith (1825-1884? served as the President of Liberia from November 4, 1871 to January 1, 1872. However, the political process from Liberia's founding in 1847, despite widespread corruption, was very stable until the end of the First Republic in 1980. Year 1847 ( MDCCCXLVII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar)

Geography

Main article: Geography of Liberia

Liberia is situated in West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean to the country's southwest. Location Liberia is a large Sub-Saharan nation in West Africa located at 6 °N 9 °W West Africa or Western Africa is the Westernmost Region of the African Continent. The landscape is characterized by mostly flat to rolling coastal plains, which rise to a rolling plateau and low mountains in the northeast. The equatorial climate is hot year-round with heavy rainfall from May to October with a short two-week interlude in August. During the winter months of November to March dry dust-laden harmattan winds blow inland causing many problems for residents. The Harmattan is a dry and dusty West African Trade wind. It blows south from Sahara into the Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the

Liberia's watershed tends to move in a southwestern pattern towards the sea as new rains move down the forested plateau off of the inland mountain range of Guinée Forestière, in Guinea. Guinée Forestière is a Forested Mountain range in south eastern Guinea, flowing into north eastern Sierra Leone. Guinea, officially Republic of Guinea (pronounced /ˈgɪni/ République de Guinée is a country in West Africa, formerly known as French Guinea The country's main northwestern boundary is traversed by the Mano River while its southeast limits are bounded by the river Cavalla. Liberia's three largest rivers are St. Paul exiting near Monrovia, the river St. The Saint Paul River is a river of western Africa. Its headwaters are in southeastern Guinea. For alternate meanings see Monrovia (disambiguation. Monrovia, is the Capital city of the West African nation of Liberia John at Buchanan and the Cestos River, all of which flow into the Atlantic. Buchanan is the second largest city in Liberia, lying on Waterhouse Bay, part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Liberia's highest point is Mount Wuteve at 1440 meters (4,724 feet) above sea level in the northwestern Liberia range of the West Africa Mountains and the Guinea Highlands. Mount Wuteve is a 1440 Metre -high Mountain located in Liberia, and is the highest point in Liberia. However, Mount Nimba near Yekepa, is taller at 1,752 meters (5,748 feet) above sea level but is not wholly within Liberia as Nimba shares a border with Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire and is their tallest mountain as well. Mount Nimba is a Mountain along the border of Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Guinea in West Africa. Yekepa is a town in northern Liberia, lying near the Guinean border Guinea, officially Republic of Guinea (pronounced /ˈgɪni/ République de Guinée is a country in West Africa, formerly known as French Guinea Côte d'Ivoire (ˌkoʊt divˈwɑː(r ' in English, kot diˈvwaʀ in French) or Ivory Coast, officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, is a ^[13]

Counties and districts

Main articles: Counties of Liberia, Districts of Liberia, and Clans of Liberia

Liberia is divided into 15 counties, which are subdivided into districts, and further subdivided into clans. |||} There are 15 counties in Liberia, as of 2005. |||} The counties of Liberia are subdivided into districts Bomi County Dewoin District |||} The districts of Liberia are divided into clans. |||} There are 15 counties in Liberia, as of 2005. Districts are a type of Administrative division, in some countries managed by a Local government. The counties are:

Bomi Bong Gbarpolu Grand Bassa Grand Cape Mount

Grand Gedeh Grand Kru Lofa Margibi Maryland

Montserrado Nimba River Cess River Gee Sinoe

Economy

Main article: Economy of Liberia

Historically, the Liberian economy depended heavily on iron ore and rubber exports, foreign direct investment, as well as the export of its other natural resources, such as timber. Bomi is a county in the northwestern portion of the West African nation of Liberia. Bong is a county in the north-central portion of the West African nation of Liberia. Sources NRC Assessment Report History Maryland was first established as a colony of the Maryland State Colonization Society 1834 but was not granted independence until 1854 County administration Nimba County is one of fifteen political subdivisions of Liberia Formation and Geography River Gee split from Grand Gedeh County in May 2000 after receiving approval from Liberia's House of Representatives in May 1997 and Senate approval The Liberian Civil War in 1989-96 destroyed much of Liberia 's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around Monrovia. Foreign trade was primarily conducted for the benefit of the Americo-Liberian elite, with trade between foreigners and indigenous Liberians severely restricted throughout most of its history by the 1864 Ports of Entry Act. Little foreign direct investment benefited the 95% majority population, who were often subjected to forced labor on foreign concessions. Liberian law often did not protect indigenous Liberians from the extraction of rents and arbitrary taxation, with the majority surviving on subsistence farming and low wage work on foreign concessions.

While official export figures for commodities declined during the 1990’s civil war as many investors fled, Liberia’s wartime economy featured the exploitation of the region’s diamond wealth, with the country acting as a major trader in Liberian, Sierra Leonian and Angolan conflict diamonds, exporting over $300 million in diamonds annually. In relation to diamond trading blood diamond (also called a converted diamond, conflict diamond, hot diamond or a war diamond) refers to a diamond More recently, the UN ban on Liberian diamond exports as well as the enforcement of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme by international diamond traders has effectively shut down Liberia’s diamond industry, (although there were fears that foreign traders are hoarding the country’s diamonds during the ban). The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, popularly known as KPCS is a process designed to certify the origin of Rough diamonds from sources which are free of conflict On April 27, 2007 the UN voted unanimously to rescind the ban in recognition of advances in Liberian efforts to ensure that diamonds are mined legally. Events 1124 - David I becomes King of Scotland. 1296 - Battle of Dunbar: The Scots are defeated Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

Timber, iron ore, rubber, and other commodity exports continued during the war, in part due to illicit agreements struck between Liberia’s warlords and foreign concessionaires. Looting and war profiteering destroyed nearly the entire infrastructure of the country, such that the Monrovian capital was without running water and electricity (except for fuel-powered generators) by the time the first elected post-war government began to institute development and reforms in 2006. Although some official exporting and legitimate business activity resumed once the hostilities ended (for instance, Liberia signed a new deal with steel giant Mittal for the export of iron ore in summer 2005), as of mid-2006 Liberia is dependent on foreign aid, and carries a debt overhang of $3. Mittal Steel Company NV () was the world's largest Steel producer by volume and also the largest in turnover 5 billion.

Liberia currently has an approximate 85% unemployment rate, the second highest in the world.

The Liberia dollar currently trades against the US dollar at a ratio of 57:1. Liberia used the US dollar as its currency from 1943 until it reversed dollarization in 1982. Its external debt ($3. 5 billion) is huge in comparison to its GDP (approx $2. 5 billion/year); it annually imports approximately $4. 839 billion in goods while it exports only about $910 million. Inflation is falling, but still significant (dropping from 15% in 2003 to 4. 9% in the 3rd quarter of 2005); interest rates are high, with the average lending rate listed by the Central Bank of Liberia at 17. 6% for 3rd quarter 2005 (although the average time deposit rate was only . 4%, and CD rate only 4. 4%, barely keeping pace with inflation). It continues to suffer with poor economic performance due to a fragile security situation, the devastation wrought by its long war, its lack of infrastructure, and necessary human capital to help the country recover from the scourges of conflict and corruption.

In 2005, a lawsuit was brought by the International Labour Rights Fund against the company Bridgestone/Firestone for its alleged role in using child labour in its rubber plantations in Liberia and abusing the environment. Workers also briefly staged a strike at the company’s million-acre (4,000 km²) plantation at Harbel in early 2006, but the strike could not be sustained by the poorly funded labour union. However, an international campaign called Stop Firestone is actively campaigning to pressure the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company to change its policies. The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900 to supply pneumatic tires for wagons buggies and other forms of wheeled transportation

Liberia has one of the world's largest national registries of ships, due to its status as a "flag of convenience". A flag of convenience (FOC vessel or ship is one where the nationality of the owner is different from the country of registration

According to the managing-director of Liberia's National Port Authority, Togba Ngangana, Chinese investors have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a manufacturing zone outside the southern port of Buchanan which would produce 50,000 jobs. This is in addition to an undisclosed amount of low-interest loans, debt relief and other incentives.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Liberia

The population of over 3 million comprises 16 indigenous ethnic groups and various foreign minorities. Please update with 2006 data from https//wwwciagov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/li Indigenous peoples comprise about 85% of the population, the largest of which are the Kpelle in central and western Liberia. The Kpelle are the largest ethnic group of the West African nation of Liberia, and are important also in southeastern Guinea (where they are also known as Guerze Americo-Liberians, who are descendants of freed slaves that arrived in Liberia as of 1821, make up an estimated 15% of the population, of whom half from US origin and half from the Caribbean. The Caribbean (ˌkærəˡbiən kæ'rəbiən Cariben|Caraïben or Caraïben; Caraïbe or more commonly Antilles; Caribe is a Region consisting There also is a sizable number of Lebanese, Indians, and other West African nationals who make up a significant part of Liberia's business community. Lebanon (ˈlɛbənɒn Arabic: ar لبنان Lubnān) officially the Republic of Lebanon or Lebanese Republic (ar الجمهورية اللبنانية India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country A few whites (estimated at 18,000 in 1999; probably fewer now) reside in the country.

As of 2006, Liberia has the highest population growth rate in the world (4. This is a list of countries and self-governing dependent territories by Population growth rate, with estimates taken from the 2006 edition of the United Nations World 50%). Similar to its neighbors, it has a large youth population, with half of the population being under the age of 18.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Liberia

Liberia was traditionally noted for its hospitality, academic institutions, cultural skills, and arts/craft works— Liberia has a long, rich history in textile arts and quilting. The culture of Liberia reflects this nation's diverse ethnicities and long history The free and former US slaves who emigrated to Liberia brought with them their sewing and quilting skills. The 1843 Liberian census indicated a variety of occupations, including hatter, milliner, seamstress and tailor. Liberia hosted National Fairs in 1857 and 1858 in which prizes were awarded for various needle arts. One of the most well-known Liberian quilters was Martha Ann Ricks, who presented a quilt featuring the famed Liberian coffee tree to Queen Victoria in 1892.

In modern times, Liberian presidents would present quilts as official government gifts. The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum collection includes a cotton quilt by Mrs. Jemima Parker which has portraits of both Liberian president William Tubman and JFK. Zariah Wright-Titus founded the Arthington (Liberia) Women's Self-Help Quilting Club (1987). In the early 1990s, Kathleen Bishop documented examples of appliquéd Liberian quilts. When current Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf moved into the Executive Mansion, she reportedly had a Liberian-made quilt installed in her presidential office. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born October 29 1938 is the current President of Liberia. ^[14]

Education

See also: Category:Education in Liberia

The University of Liberia is located in Monrovia. The University of Liberia (UL is a publicly funded institution of higher learning located in Monrovia, Liberia. For alternate meanings see Monrovia (disambiguation. Monrovia, is the Capital city of the West African nation of Liberia Opened in 1862, it is one of Africa's oldest institutes of higher learning. Year 1862 was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting on Monday Civil war severely damaged the university in the 1990s, but the university has begun to rebuild following the restoration of peace.

Cuttington University was established by the Episcopal Church of the USA (ECUSA) in 1889; its campus is currently located in Suakoko, Bong County (120 miles north of Monrovia). Cuttington University is a private university in Suacoco, Liberia. The Episcopal Church is the official name of the Province of the Anglican Communion in the United States. Year 1889 ( MDCCCLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Bong is a county in the north-central portion of the West African nation of Liberia. For alternate meanings see Monrovia (disambiguation. Monrovia, is the Capital city of the West African nation of Liberia

According to statistics published by UNESCO for 2004 65% of primary-school age and 24% of secondary-school age children were enrolled in school^[15]. United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established on November 16 Primary education is the first stage of Compulsory education. Australia See also Education This is a significant increase on previous years, the statistics also show substantial numbers of older children going back to earlier school years.

Famous Liberians

American NFL football players: Ashton Youboty, Tamba Hali, Bhawoh Jue, Thomas Tapeh. Ashton Youboty (born July 7, 1984 in Monrovia Liberia) is an American football Cornerback who currently plays for the Buffalo Tamba Boimah Hali (born November 3, 1983, in Monrovia Liberia) is an American football Defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs Bhawoh Papi Jue (BOW JEW (born May 24, 1979, in Monrovia Liberia) is an American football safety for the Arizona Cardinals Thomas Teah Tapeh (pronounced TUH-PEH) (born March 28, 1980 in Monrovia, Liberia) is an American football fullback

Clarence Moniba - Actor - Son of former Vice President Harry Moniba appeared in and performed football stunts for the Hollywood blockbuster movies Invincible, Radio, and We Are Marshall. Harry Fumba Moniba ( 22 October 1937 - 24 November 2004) was a politician in Liberia hailing from the northeastern county of Lofa Also played Arena League Football

Soccer players: Christopher Wreh, Louis Crayton, Jimmy Dixon, Willis Forko, Zizi Roberts and Aaron Paye

George Weah - Had a 14 year professional soccer career. George Weah (born October 1, 1966 in Monrovia) is a Liberian politician and former football forward. In 1995, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year, European Footballer of the Year, and African Footballer of the Year. Weah has since become a humanitarian and politician in Liberia.

Hans-Jürgen Massaquoi, journalist/author (Jet and Ebony magazines). Hans-Jürgen Massaquoi (born January 19, 1926) is a German American journalist and author

Alvin Chea of Kru descent, musician - Take 6

See also: List of Famous Liberians and List of Liberian people

References

Bibliography

• Gilbert, Erik & Reynolds, Jonathon T (2004) Africa in World History, From Prehistory to the Present. Pearson Education Canada Ltd pg 357 ISBN-13 9780130929075
• Merriam Webster Inc. (1997) Merriam Webster's Geographical Dictionary: 3rd Edition. Merriam Webster Inc. Springfield, Mass. ISBN 0877795460
• Runn-Marcos, K. T. Kolleholon, B. Ngovo (2005)Liberians: An Introduction to their History and Culture. Center for Applied Linguistics, Washington, DC

Further reading

• Great Tales of Liberia by Wilton Sankawulo. Dr. Sankawulo is the compiler of these tales from Liberia and about Liberian culture. Published by Editura Universitatii "Lucian Blaga";; din Sibiu, Romania, 2004. - ISBN 973-651-838-8
• Sundown at Dawn: A Liberian Odyssey by Wilton Sankawulo. Recommended by the Cultural Resource Center, Center for Applied Linguistics for its content concerning Liberian culture. ISBN 0-9763565-0-3
• http://www.analystliberia.com/featurearticle_aug20_07.html
• http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/africa/07/23/twih.liberia/index.html
• Mississippi in Africa: The Saga of the Slaves of Prospect Hill Plantation and Their Legacy in Liberia Today, by Alan Huffman (Gotham Books, 2004)
• To Liberia: Destiny's Timing, by Victoria Lang (Publish America, Baltimore, 2004, ISBN 1-4137-1829-9). A fast-paced gripping novel of the journey of a young Black couple fleeing America to settle in the African motherland of Liberia.
• Liberia: The Heart of Darkness by Gabriel I. H. Williams, Publisher: Trafford Publishing (July 6, 2006) ISBN-10: 1553692942
• Liberia: Portrait of a Failed State by John-Peter Pham, ISBN-10: 1594290121
• Godfrey Mwakikagile, Military Coups in West Africa Since The Sixties, Chapter Eight: Liberia: 'The Love of Liberty Brought Us Here,' pp. Godfrey Mwakikagile is a Tanzanian writer who was born in Kigoma in western Tanganyika on 4 October 1949. 85 - 110, Nova Science Publishers, Inc. , Huntington, New York, 2001; Godfrey Mwakikagile, The Modern African State: Quest for Transformation, Chapter One: The Collapse of A Modern African State: Death and Rebirth of Liberia, pp. 1 - 18, Nova Science Publishers, Inc. , 2001.

External links

• allAfrica.com - Liberia news headlines
• Liberia travel guide from Wikitravel
• Cuttington Chronicle - Student Newspaper of Cuttington University in Suakoko, Liberia
• Cuttington University - Liberia's oldest university
• Johnson-Sirleaf presidential speeches from CSPAN
• Liberia. Wikitravel is a Web -based project "to create a free, complete up-to-date and reliable worldwide travel guide. CIA - The World Factbook. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1204 - Baldwin IX Count of Flanders is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin Empire.
• Bureau of African Affairs (April 2008). Liberia. US State Department. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1204 - Baldwin IX Count of Flanders is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin Empire.
• Liberian Law - Cornell Law Library - contains digitized documents dealing with the creation of the nation of Liberia and the laws enacted at its foundation, as well as extensive links for further research

History	Timeline | American Colonization Society | Civil War | 2005 elections | Foreign relations | Postal
Politics	Law ( Constitution ) | Political parties ( CDC | LP | UP | APD | CTL | NPP | TWP ) | Elections
Government	Legislative branch ( Legislature: House of Representatives | Senate ) Executive branch ( President & Vice-President | Cabinet ) | Judicial branch ( Supreme Court ) |Law enforcement | Military ( Army | Navy | Air Force )
Geography	Mountains | Islands | Rivers | Counties | Cities | Districts | Regions
Economy	Agriculture | Companies | Liberian dollar | Petroleum
Society	Demographics | Languages | Religion | Media | Education (Universities) | Holidays
Culture	Sport | Art and Entertainment | Music ( Highlife | Afrobeat ) | Literature ( Poets ) | Cuisine | Dance | Architecture
Other	Communications | Transportation ( Highways | Airports ) | List of Liberians | Flag | Coat of Arms | Tourism | Corruption | Ethnic groups | Crime

Liberia was set up by citizens of the United States as a Colony for former African-American Slaves from the U The American Colonization Society (in full The Society for the Colonization of Free People of Color of America was an organization that helped in founding Liberia, a Colony Liberian elections in 2005 marked the end of the political transition following Liberia 's second civil war. Liberian foreign relations were traditionally stable and cordial throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries Politics of Liberia takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic Republic modeled on the government of the United Political parties in Liberia lists political parties in Liberia. Congress for Democratic Change (CDC is a Liberian Political party formed by supporters of George Weah 's 2005 presidential candidacy The Liberty Party (LP is a Political party in Liberia. It fielded candidates in the 11 October 2005 elections. The Unity Party (UP is a political party in Liberia that was started in 1984 by the late Dr The Alliance for Peace and Democracy (APD is a coalition of two Liberian political parties, the Liberian People's Party (LPP and the United People's The Coalition for the Transformation of Liberia (COTOL is a four-party coalition that was formed to contest the 2005 elections in Liberia. The National Patriotic Party is a Political party in Liberia. The True Whig Party, also known as Liberian Whig Party, was Liberia 's only legal political party for over 100 years from 1878 to the Coup d'etat Liberia elects on national level a Head of state - the President - and a Legislature. A legislature is a type of representative Deliberative assembly with the power to create amend and change Laws The law created by a legislature is called Legislation The Legislature of Liberia is Bicameral, consisting of a Senate ( Upper house) and House of Representatives ( Lower house) same as The House of Representatives is the Lower chamber of the Bicameral Liberian Legislature. The Senate is the Upper chamber of the Bicameral Liberian Legislature. In Political science and Constitutional law, the executive is the branch of government responsible for the day-to-day management of the State. The following is a list of Presidents of the Republic of Liberia, made up of the 24 heads of state in the history of Liberia. The Vice-President of Liberia is the second-highest executive official in the Liberian government The Cabinet of Liberia, together with the President and Vice-President, form the Executive branch of government in the country In Law, the judiciary or judicial system is the system of Courts which administer Justice in the name of the sovereign or State The Supreme Court of Liberia is the highest judicial body in the West African nation of Liberia. The Armed Forces of Liberia ( AFL) is the military of Liberia. Location Liberia is a large Sub-Saharan nation in West Africa located at 6 °N 9 °W |||} There are 15 counties in Liberia, as of 2005. This is a list of Cities in Liberia: Barclayville Bensonville Bopolu Buchanan |||} The counties of Liberia are subdivided into districts Bomi County Dewoin District The Liberian Civil War in 1989-96 destroyed much of Liberia 's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around Monrovia. This is a list of Liberian companies. Agricultural and Cooperative Development Bank Central Bank of Liberia Liberian Bank The dollar ( Currency code LRD) has been the Currency of Liberia since 1943 Please update with 2006 data from https//wwwciagov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/li It is estimated that as much as 40 percent of the population of Liberia practices either Christianity or Christianity combined with elements of traditional indigenous religious The culture of Liberia reflects this nation's diverse ethnicities and long history The music of Liberia involves several different genres Liberia is a West African country Highlife is a Musical genre that originated in Ghana and spread to Sierra Leone and Nigeria in the 1920s and other West African Afrobeat is a combination of Yoruba music, Jazz, Highlife, and Funk Rhythms fused with percussion and Vocal Communications in Liberia are as follows There are 6700 main Telephone lines in use Transport in Liberia is as follows Railways total 490 km (328 km single track note in 1989 Liberia had three rail systems owned and List of Airports in Liberia, sorted by location List Airport names show in bold indicate the airport has scheduled service on commercial Below is a partial list of notable Liberian people B-D Nathaniel Barnes Major Martha Sandolo Belleh Joseph The Liberian flag bears close resemblance to the Flag of the United States, showing the ex-American slave origins of the country The Coat of Arms of Liberia consists of a shield containing a picture of 19th century ship arriving in Liberia

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