Capital: Monrovia
Currency: Liberian Dollar (LRD)
Borders: Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone
306 km
Liberia is situated in West Africa and occupies a coastline that
faces the Atlantic Ocean. This coastline is often referred to as the
Grain Coast. Shared land borders include Sierra Leone, Guinea and
the Ivory Coast. The total area of Liberia is 111,370 sq km,
including 15,050 sq km of rivers. The main rivers are the Sangwin,
Cestos, St John, St Paul and Lofa. Many of these ooze in from Guinea
in the north, finally flowing out into the Atlantic Ocean down
south. Moving inland from the coast, the land rises through a series
of plateau and hills and into the Guinea Highlands. These forested
highlands are home to a large variety of wildlife and flora. Other
important raised elevations include the Wologisi, Wanigisi and Zua
mountains. The highest point within Liberia is Mt Nimba which stands
at 1513m. The coastal region offers sandy beaches, stretching out to
the Atlantic Ocean.The people of Liberia
speak English, Gola, Kiss, and Vai. The unit of currency is the
Liberian dollar. The capital of Liberia is Monrovia and is home to
465,000 Liberians. It is the main port of Liberia and home to many
industries, principally oil.
Elsewhere, rubber and palm oil are produced along with the mining of
diamonds. Many of the rubber plantations offer a much needed source
of income for the people of Liberia. Rubber tapping can be seen in
many parts of the country, and indeed the nickname for Liberia is
'Land of the Rubber Tree'. Other large cities within Liberia include
Buchanan, Harper and Greenville.
In 1821, the Americans chose Liberia as a freedom base for former
American slaves. Upon gaining independence in 1847, the tables
turned. American Liberian groups set about reviving the slave trade,
segregating the American Negro slaves from local tribes people,
causing internal struggle.
The climate of Liberia is equatorial, meaning that it is hot and
humid year-round. Liberia receives a dry season between November and
March with temperatures often reaching 34°C. Between April and
September, the rainy season falls upon Liberia, with the wettest
month being July. |
