Life in Liberia, City of Manrovia, History, People, Lifestyle, Traditions, and Music. Liberia was established in 1822 as a haven for freed slaves from the Americas. Originally named Cristopolis, the settlement was later renamed Manrovia 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 free land 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 Cote Duvoir 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. Manrovia, the capital city of Liberia, is located on Cape Mesurato 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 Apangwa, who is a former footballer. Liberia's first inhabitants were the Gola and Kissi 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 Capele, Bassa, Geo, Crew, Gribo, Mandingo, and more. The color people are the largest ethnic group. Polygamous marriages are common, and over two dozen languages are spoken, with English being the official language. The Fangadans 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. Joll of rice is a popular dish, and contemporary music like Hippco thrives. Football is a beloved sport, and Liberia has produced icons like George Weia. 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 Sappown National Park, relax at coastal towns like Cape Mountain Robert's and discover cultural landmarks such as Providence Island and the National Museum. Immerse in warm hospitality, save a Liberian cuisine, and create unforgettable memories.