Ten surprising facts about the West African country of Liberia

Liberia is a fascinating country with a culture and heritage unlike any other. Find out more about how Liberia's unique history, culture and landscape make it stand out as a place to visit in West Africa.

Liberia was founded in 1821 by the American Colonization Society as a home for former slaves from the United States. There were many motives for this movement. Some of these motives were criticized by abolitionists, who argued that the removal of former slaves from the United States strengthened the institution of slavery. Between 1822 and 1861, approximately 15,000 African Americans settled in Liberia.

Liberia declared its independence in 1847 and elected its first president in 1848, Joseph Jenkins Roberts. an African American born free to a former slave and a Welsh planter in Virginia. Because many people who came to Liberia were educated in the United States, Liberia's political system is very similar to that of the United States. For more information about Liberia's fascinating history, visit places like Providence Island and the National Museum of Liberia, two important historical sites in Monrovia!

The official language of Liberia is English due to its historical connection with the United States. In addition to English, 20 other languages ​​are spoken in the country. There are many varieties of English. Liberian English is the most formal variety, but Kru Pidgin, Liberian Creole, Merico and Caribbean English are also widely spoken. The remaining 22 languages ​​spoken in Liberia are divided into the following umbrella languages: Mel, Mande and Kru.

When asked about the best surfing spots in Africa, only a few know that Liberia is one of them. Robertsport in northwest Liberia has an active local surfing community and attracts people from all over the world who want to ride the waves in a remote and beautiful location. Robertsport is a small fishing village 3-5 hours from Monrovia. Here the waves of the Atlantic created exceptional conditions for surfers. Several guest houses, such as Nana's Lodge, Philip's Guesthouse and Vartilda's Guesthouse, can be found right on the beach in Robertsport near the Robertsport Surf Club, which offers camping, prepared meals, surf lessons and board rentals.

Liberia is home to at least 16 indigenous ethnic groups, the largest of which are the Kpelle, making up 20% of the total population. The other 15 groups are Bassa, Grebo, Gio, Kru, Lorma, Kissi, Gola, Mano, Mandingo, Crane, Gbandi, Loma, Vai, Kuwaa and Dey. The National Museum of Liberia's "Waves of Time" exhibit takes museum visitors on a journey through time to learn more about Liberia, its people and its history. The introductory panel describes the waves of history that "have shaped and reshaped Liberia's culture, transformed its people, and made it an important presence in Africa and the world even as it has struggled to emerge as a stable, vital, and resilient society." .5. Liberia is the oldest republic in Africa

Liberia declared independence on July 26, 1847. The next African country to become an independent state was South Africa in 1910, after it declared separation from Britain. Liberia's independence came very early compared to other countries in the region, making Liberia the first recognized independent state in Africa. Several monuments in Monrovia bear witness to this impressive fact, including the Joseph Jenkins Robert Memorial and the Centennial Pavilion.

Liberia declared independence on July 26, 1847. The next African country to become an independent state was South Africa in 1910, after it declared separation from Britain. Liberia's independence came very early compared to other countries in the region, making Liberia the first recognized independent state in Africa. Several monuments in Monrovia bear witness to this impressive fact, including the Joseph Jenkins Robert Memorial and the Centennial Pavilion.

Liberia is home to many rare and endangered animals, such as the Diana monkey, the Upper Guinea red colobus, the western chimpanzee and the pygmy hippopotamus. Liberia is trying to protect these valuable species by creating protected areas, employing Department of Forestry rangers to monitor protected areas, and training community members to collect wildlife and monitor illegal human activities in the forest. Learn more about the conservation and rescue work being done in Liberia through the Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Conservation Service and the Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Liberia is home to an extraordinary diversity of bird species, and the varied landscapes allow viewing of the country's 700 bird species.

As the second largest protected primary rainforest area in West Africa, it is no surprise that Sapo National Park is home to 590 species of birds. These include endangered species such as the white-breasted guineafowl and the white-necked rock partridge. African fish eagle, gray parrot, great blue turaco, egrets, hornbills, kingfishers, rollers and sunbirds can also be found in Sapo National Park. Located in the southeast and the country's first national park, Sapo National Park is also home to the pygmy hippopotamus, forest elephants and chimpanzees. Be one of the lucky ones staying at the new Sapo Ecolodge and experience incredible bird life and breathtaking natural landscapes!

Like Liberia's wealth of bird species, it is home to many species of butterflies! More than 800 species of beautiful butterflies can be found, inhabiting areas from the coast to the jungle. For example, in the East Nimba Nature Reserve you can find the largest butterfly in Africa - the giant African swallowtail. Scientists believe there are even more species that have not yet been discovered!

Liberia is home to much of Upper Guinea's remaining forest, and this enchanting rainforest is one of the country's most incredible assets. The Upper Guinea forest in West Africa is a global biodiversity hotspot. According to Conservation International, 36 areas are considered biodiversity hotspots worldwide. These global biodiversity hotspots support more than half of the world's endemic plant species and 44 percent of the world's endemic birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

The Government of Liberia believes that tourism is an important part of the economy. For this reason, the government supports the tourism industry in Liberia. Many adventures await you.