 Life in Liberia, City of Monrovia, History, People, Lifestyle, Traditions, and Music. Liberia was established in 1822 as a haven for freed slaves from the Americas. Originally named Christopolis, the settlement was later renamed Monrovia in honor of American President James Monroe. Over time, Liberia developed from a colony into a commonwealth and gained independence in 1847. The colony was formally known as Liberia, meaning the Freeland in Latin. Liberia is the only black state in Africa that was never subjected to colonial rule and is Africa's oldest republic. Liberia is located along the coast of West Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest, Sierra Leone to the west, Guinea to the north, and Côte d'Ivoire to the east. Liberia is made up of 15 political subdivisions called counties. It has a population of around 5 million and covers an area of 43,000 square miles, or 111,369 kilometers square. Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, is located on Cape Mesurado on the Atlantic coast and as of the 2023 census had 1,678,000 residents, home to 32% of Liberia's total population. Liberia is a multi-party republic and enjoy a very stable political environment. The 1986 constitution, the head of state and government is the president who is directly elected for a six-year term. Members of the bicameral national assembly who serve six-year terms in the House of Representatives and nine-year terms in the Senate are also elected directly. The name of the current president of Liberia is George Apongwa, who is a former footballer. Liberia's first inhabitants were the Gola and Kisi peoples from north-central Africa who arrived as early as the 4th century. They were joined later by the crew and people moving in from the north and east. Liberia has a diverse population with 16 ethnic groups, including the Capelle, Bassa, Geo, Crew, Griebo, Mandingo, and more. The Kela people are the largest ethnic group. Polygamous marriages are common and over two dozen languages are spoken, with English being the official language. The Fanga Dance is a traditional Liberian invocation to the earth and sky, possibly originating in Liberia or Sierra Leone. Liberia relies primarily on commodity exports, mainly rubber, iron ore, gold, and diamonds, as major sources of export earnings. The Liberian dollar is the official currency of the Republic of Liberia. However, the United States dollar is a legal tender in Liberia and is used alongside the Liberian dollar currency. Liberians enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, with beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. Jolof Rice is a popular dish, and contemporary music like hip-co thrives. Football is a beloved sport, and Liberia has produced icons like George Weya. It's a culture that blends tradition with modernity, making Liberia a captivating and unique place. Liberia is an excellent destination for those seeking new adventures, culture, and natural beauty. As a country still largely untouched by mass tourism, Liberia has many untapped areas just waiting to be discovered from pristine rainforests to beautiful beaches. Liberia, a hidden gem on the West African coast, offers diverse landscapes, pristine rainforests, and stunning beaches. Modern airports provide easy access. Explore wildlife in Sappo National Park. Relax at coastal towns like Cape Mountain Robertsport, and discover cultural landmarks such as Providence Island and the National Museum. Immerse in warm hospitality, save a Liberian cuisine, and create unforgettable memories.