Liberia is situated on the West Coast of Africa, it is the oldest independent Republic of the continent. Settled circa 1820 by free Afro-American and Afro-Caribbean settlers from the United States of America and declared a Republic in in 1847. The land of liberty name originated from the freemen (Americo-Liberians) that formed the nation on the principle of freedom, liberty and justice.
One of the original members of the League of Nations ( precursor to the United Nations), Liberia championed the independence movements of other colonized states, providing shelter, travel documents, and even international legal proceedings in defence of then colonized countries and Southern Africa that was under apartheid rule. A founding member of the Organisation of African Unity (precursor to the African Union), Liberia has been present on the continents history for over 200 years.
Originally named the “pepper coast” by the Portuguese traders in the 21st century Liberia shares its boundaries with Sierra Leone (Northwest), Côte d’Ivoire (East) and Guinea (North) , not only a geographical space Liberia and the three other nations form the economic space called Mano River Union since 1973.
The country’s economy is dominated by: mining, timber and rubber are Liberia’s main export. Alluvial diamond and gold mining activities also account for some economic activity. Furthermore Liberia is the second-largest maritime licenser in the world with more than 3,762 vessels registered under its flag, including 35% of the world’s tanker fleet. The recent discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea has the potential to make Liberia a future oil producer.
Spanning over 111,369 square kilometers (43,000 sq mi), with an estimated population of 5,057.68 (2020), it is demographically is composed of 16 indigenous ethnic groups, each with their own unique language and other American and Caribbean groupings descended from the original settlers. English is the official Language , the second non indigenous language spoken is Liberian Kreyol (Liberian kolokwa English, Vernacular Liberian English), legacy of the American Liberian settlers the dialect has evolved and is still based in English .
Liberia can be considered a biodiversity hotspot and has the highest remaining portion of the forests of the Upper Guinea Massif, containing many species endemic to the region, including the rare the pygmy hippo and Nimba otter shrew. With over 580km of Atlantic coastline, Liberia has natural beaches suited for eco-tourism.