Liberian - Language Information & Resources Home » Resources » Languages » Liberian Liberian The Liberian language has a unique history that dates back to the early 19th century, when the Republic of Liberia was founded by freed African-American slaves. Throughout the 1800s, Liberia served as the destination of resettlement for freed slaves, who brought the English language to their new homeland. The Liberian language soon evolved, developing distinct differences from Standard English thanks to the West African and French linguistic influences it came into contact with in Liberia. Since Liberia’s official founding in 1824, English has maintained its status as the most prominent language in the country. English serves as the official Liberian language, and an estimated 3 million people speak the form of pidgin English known as Liberian Kreyol language or Liberian Pidgin English. The Founding of Liberia: Resettlement of Freed American Slaves In 1816 the American Colonization Society, an organization designed to aid in the resettlement of freed African-American slaves, was established. The organization initially attempted to resettle freed American slaves in Sierra Leone; however, this endeavor proved unsuccessful.

Six years later, native African rulers gave US representatives an area of land along the Cape of Mesurado. This area would become Liberia. The freed African-American slaves who migrated to Liberia from the United States are largely credited with the founding of Liberia. Known as Americo-Liberians, the history of this group and the role they played in the early history of the country are intriguing. Development of Liberian Pidgin English (Liberian Kreyol) The unique form of English spoken in Liberia, known as Liberian Pidgin English or Liberian Kreyol language, was developed among the population of Americo-Liberians, the freed slaves who migrated to Liberia from the United States in the 19th century. Based primarily on the English language that these freed slaves spoke in the United States, Liberian Kreyol evolved from standard English as it adopted words from the French and nearby West African languages. Although English is the country’s official language and the Americo-Liberians have controlled Liberia’s government for the majority of the country’s history, only about one-fifth of Liberia’s residents claim Liberian Kreyol language as their native tongue.

Early History of Liberia The first Americo-Liberians to settle the new land are thought to have arrived in the early 1820s. In 1824, the US agent for the newly founded society, Ralph Randolph Gurley, christened the new colony “Liberia.” Gurley also labeled the settlement concentrated at Cape Mesurado “Monrovia” – today, the capital of Liberia. In 1931, Liberia was rocked by scandal when the League of Nations reported that Americo-Liberian migrants were using the native African populations of the area for forced labor – essentially enslaving them. The scandal that ensued prompted the Liberian government to rid the country of all forced-labor practices. Although forced labor was successfully abolished by 1936, the native Africans residing in Liberia were still seen as second-class. For example, they were not given voting rights. Liberia as an Independent Republic The majority of Americo-Liberians arrived before 1865, after which point the waves of migration became increasingly intermittent. Due to conflict between the new colony and the United States, the Americo-Liberian colonists were soon awarded almost complete control of the government.

In 1847, Liberia became a fully independent republic. A Liberian constitution, modeled on that of the United States, was established the same year and Joseph Jenkins Roberts, a black man, became the newly independent country’s first official president. The Liberian Civil War Americo-Liberians controlled the Liberian government until 1980, when the government was overthrown by a military coup. In 1989, a violent Civil War erupted, incited by the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), a dissident rebel group that included an army of approximately 10,000 men. In the early 1990s, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent a peacekeeping force into Liberia in an attempt to establish peace in the area. However the war continued until 1996, killing a total of about 150,000 people and displacing an estimated 1 million. Monrovia: Capital of Liberia Since its founding in 1822, the Americo-Liberian colony of Monrovia has served as the commercial and cultural center of Liberia.

Today, Monrovia is the capital of Liberia and the country’s largest city. An interesting aspect of the city is its old style of architecture, which resembles the pre-Civil War architecture of the southern United States. Although such older buildings are gradually giving way to more modern architecture, such old styles still serve as a reminder of the roots of Liberia’s founders. The People of Modern Liberia Today three major groups of people can be identified within the country of Liberia. The largest group is comprised of those indigenous people who migrated from Sudan as far back as the Middle Ages. A second major group is comprised of African-American immigrants from the United States (sometimes referred to as Americo-Liberians) and their descendents. Finally, the third group consists of immigrants from the West Indies. A number of other smaller minority groups include various immigrants from other nearby African countries, most of who migrated to Liberia during the time of European colonial rule in Africa. Liberian Languages Today Although English is the official Liberian language, the form of pidgin English native to the country (known as Liberian Pidgin English or Liberian Kreyol language) is spoken by approximately only 20 percent of the population.

The majority of Liberia’s residents fall into major linguistic categories: the Mande, Kwa and Mel, all of which belong to the Niger-Congo family of African languages. For the most part, these groups are divided along geographical lines. Mande language speakers are found primarily in the northwest and central areas of Liberia, Kwa speakers are found primarily in the south, and the Mel language speakers are along the northern border and northwest coast. It is important to note that language groups are not necessarily aligned with ethnic identity. For example, Mande language speakers include a number of ethnic groups such as the Vai, Kpelle and Loma peoples. In addition to these three major linguistic groups, Liberia is home to approximately two dozen other languages. Get Your FREE Quote Liberian Language English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic-group languages Recently Asked Questions About English Can someone recommend a English language school in Monrovia? Can you give me a decent English-English translator website? Does anyone know a website that is an audio English translator? Does anyone know any Inspirational English language phrases? how can i improve my English language skills? How hard would it be to learn the English language from scratch?

English Language Phrases About English Language English language is an Anglo-Frisian language which was brought to Britain in the 5th Century AD from various parts of northwest Germany by Germanic settlers. Two successive waves of invasion by Scandinavian branch of the Germanic family in the 8th and 9th century and the Normans in the 11th century had influenced the original English language. The English language changed into Modern English from the late 15th century with the Great Vowel Shift. English language has the largest vocabulary of any language in the world as it is continuously assimilating foreign words, especially from Latin and Greek languages. The first significant English dictionary was published in 1755 by Samuel Johnson. English is the dominant language in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and other former British colonies. With an estimated 380 million native English speakers and 300 million who use English as a second language and a further 100 million use it as a foreign language, it has become the second most spoken language in the world.

More than 45 countries have listed the English Language as the official or co-official language and is spoken extensively in other countries where it has no official status. Alot more English phrases for your journey can be found at LanguagePhrases.com . Airlines Flying To Liberia Liberia Facts, Facts about Liberia Liberia Facts Where is Liberia? Liberia is a west African country bordered by Sierra Leone on the west, Guinea on the north, Cote d'Ivoire on the east and North Atlantic Ocean on the south-west. What is the capital of Liberia? Monrovia is the capital city of Liberia. It is named in honor of James Monroe, president of the United States. With an estimated population of 1,010,970, Monrovia is the most-populated city in the country. Monrovia serves as the cultural, political and economic center of Liberia. How big is Liberia? Liberia covers a total area of 43,000 square miles. According to the 2011 estimate, the country has an estimated population of 3,786,764. What are the ethnic groups in Liberia? There are over sixteen indigenous ethnic groups in Liberia.

The majority of the population is composed of the indigenous people. Kpelle is the largest ethnic group concentrated mainly in central and western Liberia. There are a few descendants of African-American settlers called Americo-Liberians in the country. Lebanese, Indians, and other west African nationals are the minority groups. What are the administrative divisions of Liberia? Liberia is divided into fifteen counties, that are further divided into districts, and sub-divided into clans. Nimba is the largest county with an area of 4,460 square miles. Each county is administered by a superintendent who is appointed by the president. Who are the political leaders of Liberia? The government of Liberia is a unitary presidential constitutional republic. President - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Speaker of the House - Alex J. Tyler Chief Justice - Johnnie Lewis What is the official currency used in Liberia? The dollar denoted by the ISO 4217 code LRD is the official currency of Liberia. It is abbreviated with the dollar sign ($), and is divided into 100 cents. The Central Bank of Liberia issues the currency. The Liberian dollar has been the currency of Liberia since 1943. What is the official language of Liberia?

The government of Liberia recognizes English as the official language. There are over thirty-one indigenous languages spoken in the country that include Bandi, Kpelle, Dan, Maninka, Loma, and Tajuasohn. What is the official religion of Liberia? Christianity is the official and the most widely practiced religion in Liberia. The second-largest religion in Liberia is Islam followed by approximately twelve percent of the population. There are a few adherents of the Bahai faith, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. What is the economy of Liberia like? Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world. In 2010, the gross domestic product (nominal) was estimated at $974 million, while the per capita stood at $226. The economy of the country is heavily dependent on foreign aid and foreign direct investment. Agriculture is a significant part of the economy, employing over sixty-two percent of the Liberians. Export of natural resources such as iron ore, rubber and timber adds to the revenues of the nation. The major imports include foodstuffs, fuels, chemicals, manufactured goods, and machinery. Rubber processing, palm oil processing, and diamond mining are the major industries.

Singapore, China, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States are the major trade partners. When is the national day of Liberia celebrated? The national day of Liberia is celebrated on July 26. On this day in in 1847, Liberia gained independence from the United States and was declared a republic. Most spoken languages in Liberia The most commonly spoken languages in Liberia English is the official language of Liberia Pidgin-English, Kpelle, Bassa, Mano, Dan are other languages spoken on a regular basis in Liberia Spoken languages of African countries - Nations Online Project Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English. note: program of "Arabization" in process English (government business conducted in English), siSwati Kiswahili (Swahili), Kiunguju (name for Swahili in Zanzibar), English (primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education) Arabic (widely spoken in Zanzibar), Gogo, Haya, Makonde, Nyakyusa, Nyamwezi, Sukuma, Tumbuka, many other local languages.

Togo French (the language of commerce) Ewe and Mina (the two major African languages in the south), Kabye (Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the north) Arabic (and the languages of commerce) French (commerce) Uganda English (used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts) Ganda (Luganda; most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages, preferred for native language publications), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Acoli, Swahili, Arabic Western Sahara Liberia History, Language and Culture Liberia History, Language and Culture History of Liberia Little is known for sure about this slice of West Africa prior to the 14th century. However, historians believe the indigenous population of Liberia are likely to have descended from migrants fleeing the Mali and Songhey Empires between the 13th and 16th century. During this period, European traders established contact with coastal communities whose inhabitants became fluent in many languages. The slave trade both expanded this connection to the rest of the world and caused deep changes in legal and social structures within Liberia, draining the country of skilled, youthful people.

As resistance to the slave trade grew, a movement began in the USA called the American Colonisation Society (ACS), which sought to return African slaves back to their motherland. Critics say the ACS was borne out of fear that freed slaves would pose a threat to American society, but, nevertheless, the group established the colony of Liberia in 1822 and sent thousands of emancipated slaves there to start new lives. Indigenous Liberians allowed the new arrivals to share their land, but were surprised when the settlers didn’t abide by the laws of the local chiefs. Scuffles ensued. So in 1847 the settlers, aided by the United States, formed a republic to reinforce their right to rule themselves and to defend themselves against a series of indigenous attacks. Using US military support, the republic not only survived but thrived and it wasn’t until 1904 that the indigenous tribes were enfranchised in this new society. However, long-term inequality and deepening poverty resulted in the Rice Riots of 1979 and a coup d’état in 1980.

However, the new regime of Sergeant Samuel Doe failed to quell unrest, which simmered over in 1989 with the outbreak of the First Liberian Civil War. Peace negotiations and elections ended the war in 1997 and saw Charles Taylor appointed president. But the peace was short-lived and in 1999 the Second Liberian Civil War broke out, drawing in neighbouring Sierra Leone and Guinea . By 2003 when the fighting finally ceased, Liberia’s brutal wars had claimed an estimated 300,000 lives . President Taylor went into exile in Nigeria , but in 2006 he was arrested for war crimes and extradited to The Hague where he was found guilty and sentenced to 50 years imprisonment. As Taylor started his sentence, the new Liberian president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. As Africa’s first elected female president, she leads a nation described in the 2013 Ibrahim Index of African Governance as the continent’s most improved country. Did you know? • Liberia was founded by the United States in 1822 and became Africa’s first republic in 1847.

• The Liberian flag is based largely on that of the USA’s – the star symbolises the freedom ex-slaves were given and the stripes represent the signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence. • Much of the Liberia’s revenue comes from the controversial practice of providing a “flag of convenience,” which means allowing foreign ships to register as Liberian. This enables vessel owners to bypass stringent regulations set by their home countries. Liberia Culture Religion : Officially a Christian state, with more than 30 denominations represented; Islam is practised in the north and traditional animist beliefs exist throughout the country. Social conventions : In Muslim areas, the visitor should respect the conventions of dress and the food laws, since failure to do so will be taken as an insult. Dress is casual and must be practical, but smarter dress will be expected in hotel dining rooms and for important social functions. The visitor should be aware that the cost of living is high. Sending flowers or chocolates to hosts is inappropriate; a letter of thanks is all that is required. Language in Liberia English is the official language. The main local languages are Bassa, Dan (Gio), Kpelleh, Kru, Lorma and Mano.

There are 29 African languages belonging to the Mande, Kwa or Mel linguistic groups. You may also be interested in: Liberia Education System Certificate/diploma awarded: Doctorate degree Primary Education Education continues to be the victim in war-ravaged Liberia, with what facilities there are, found mainly in the state capital Monrovia. State schools are poorly operated and private school fees beyond the reach of the nation’s poor. Those who do attend kindergartens learn to identify letters and read a little. Thereafter they go on to primary school for 6 years where they follow courses in arithmetic and general science, and sometimes also english and bible studies too. Middle Education Junior high schools are found mainly in Monrovia, and at isolated missions in the countryside. All are controlled by the ministry of education that prescribes algebra, chemistry, geography, geometry and physical science as the curriculum. At the end of this period they sit for their west african examinations. Secondary Education Senior high school completes their school education. Here, students study more advanced levels of junior high school subjects and prepare for university.

As 98% of these schools are in the capital city of Monrovia, it becomes clear that the system is designed around the needs of the nation’s already-haves. Vocational Education Liberian vocational training is little more than a joke in bad taste, with the exception of efforts by unicef and others. Many young people’s futures were mercilessly ravaged in sectarian violence through recent years. If they get a job at all (especially in the rural areas) then they are grateful just to be told what to do. Tertiary Education Tertiary education has also suffered in the past two decades. The core institutions are the University of Liberia (founded as a College in 1863), Cuttington University and Harper Technical College, with contributions also being made by several other private religious institutions. The University of Liberia illustrated here offers graduate courses in education and administration, while Cuttington University adds public health and business administration. Liberia Send me a copy Subject: Email addresses provided here will be used solely to email the link indicated. They will not be saved, shared, or used again in any manner whatsoever.

The CAPTCHA code you entered is not valid, please reenter the CAPTCHA code Liberia Official Name: Republic of Liberia Last Updated: September 22, 2015 Must be valid at time of entry BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page required for entry stamp TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Yes VACCINATIONS: A certificate documenting Yellow Fever vaccination is required for all those over 1 year of age and is recommended for all those over 9 months of age. CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: See Special Circumstances section below CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT: See Special Circumstances section below Expand All Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(231) 77-677-7000 Fax:+(231) 77-677-7370 ConsularMonrovia@state.gov Destination Description Liberia is a country in West Africa that suffered from years of instability and conflict from 1990 to 2003, with attendant destruction of buildings, roads, infrastructure, and public institutions.

After comprehensive peace accords ended the conflict in August 2003, a United Nations peacekeeping force (UNMIL) was deployed to facilitate disarmament and demobilization, help arrange democratic elections, and provide for security of the country. In late 2005, Liberians elected Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as president. She was re-elected in November 2011, and her administration continues to make progress in rebuilding the country. Despite over ten years of peace and economic growth, Liberia is still one of the poorest countries in the world and many basic services (e.g., public power, water and sewage, and landline phones) are either limited or unavailable. Facilities for foreign visitors are adequate in the capital city, Monrovia, but virtually non-existent in the rest of the country. The official language of Liberia is English. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Liberia for additional information. Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements A passport and a Liberian visa are required for entry, as is evidence of yellow fever vaccination. Liberian visas are not issued at the airport, and persons arriving in Liberia without a visa may be deported immediately without being permitted to exit the airport. U.S.

citizens arriving from the United States must obtain a Liberian visa before traveling. For the latest information on entry requirements, visa fees, and applicable airport tax for Liberia, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Liberian embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Liberia. Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page . Safety and Security The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to plan proposed travel to Liberia carefully and to exercise caution when traveling in Liberia. Before traveling to Liberia, U.S. citizens are urged to make arrangements for transportation from the international airport into the city center. Taxis are the only form of public transportation available at the international airport, which is located 40 miles outside of Monrovia. Taxis generally carry multiple passengers to various stops and are poorly maintained. See section on traffic safety and road conditions for additional information. U.S.

citizens traveling to Liberia are also urged to confirm reservations at a reputable hotel, as rooms can be scarce and difficult to find without advance plans. U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Liberia should realize that Liberia's police force has limited resources. UN Police (UNPOL) officers serve as advisors to the Liberia National Police, but they do not have the authority to arrest or detain, and most are unarmed. The Liberia National Police has a strong presence in Monrovia, but less of a presence outside of the capital city. The police can be both a source of assistance as well as a source of problems for visitors. Concerns about police corruption continue, and travelers may be detained by police officers soliciting bribes. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a photocopy of their passports with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and citizenship is readily available. If detained or arrested, U.S. citizens should ask to contact the U.S. Embassy immediately. U.S. citizens in Liberia should be aware of their surroundings at all times and use caution when moving around, especially at night.

Travel outside of Monrovia after dark is strongly discouraged as roads are in poor condition and there are few public street lights. U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations, and should maintain security awareness at all times. To stay connected: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook . Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website , which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution . In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for traveling safely abroad . The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.

CRIME: While incidence of crime in Liberia is high, most crimes that occur within the expat community are crimes of opportunity (which increase during the hours of darkness), to include residential burglary or armed robbery (with use of a knife or machete). Criminal activity has been reported in both urban and rural areas. The Liberia National Police have limited capacity to respond to crime events. Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including U.S. citizens. Formerly associated with Nigeria, these fraud schemes are now prevalent throughout western Africa and pose a danger of both financial loss and physical harm. An increasing number of U.S. citizens have been the target of such scams. The best way to avoid becoming a victim of fraud is to use common sense – if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. U.S. citizens should carefully check any unsolicited business proposal originating in Liberia before committing any funds, providing any goods or services, or undertaking any travel, particularly if the proposal involves mining or the sale of gold and diamonds. There has also been an increase in the number of Liberian-American Internet relationships in which there are eventual requests for financial assistance under fraudulent pretenses.

For additional information, please see the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure on Resources for Victims of International Financial Scams . Petty corruption is rampant. Poorly paid government officials and private company employees may ask for fees for doing their job, and travelers may be inconvenienced for not paying bribes. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may also be breaking local law. VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and find an attorney if needed. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Liberia is also 911. However, emergency services are not provided reliably or consistently.

Also, there is no landline telephone service in Liberia, and cellular phone communication is subject to occasional disruptions in service. A call to 911 in Liberia may go unanswered, and you should employ other resources to obtain emergency assistance. Please see our information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. Local Laws & Special Circumstances CRIMINAL PENALITIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In other places, driving under the influence of alcohol could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws.

Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well. Persons violating Liberian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Liberia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Photographing military installations, air and sea ports, and important government buildings is prohibited. Visitors should not take photographs of sites or activities that may be considered sensitive, as police are liable to confiscate the camera. If you are arrested in Liberia, you should immediately request that authorities contact the U.S. Embassy. Infrastructure: Lodging, fuel, transportation, and telephone services are not consistently available. Services can be nonexistent or severely limited in rural areas. Neither running water nor electricity is commercially available in Liberia, except in some parts of Monrovia. Most hotels have utilities available, but not always on a 24-hour basis. There is no working landline telephone system in Liberia. Several cell phone companies provide service in Monrovia and some areas outside the capital. U.S.

cellular phones do not always work in Liberia and it is advisable to rent or purchase a local cellular phone. The postal system is slow and unreliable. Commercial air courier service is available through UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Financial Issues: The Liberian dollar is the official currency; however, the U.S. dollar is accepted as legal tender and is used alongside the Liberian dollar. While there is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be transported into and out of the country, sums in excess of $10,000 USD must be reported at the port of entry, and no more than $7,500 USD in foreign currency banknotes can be moved out of the country at one time. Larger sums must be transferred via bank drafts or other financial instruments. Persons without a Liberian bank account may be limited in the amount of over-the-counter cash wire transfers per month, and will likely be subject to substantial fees. ATMs are not widely available. Traveler's checks and credit cards are not regularly accepted, except at some major hotels in Monrovia. There have been some reports of financial information being compromised even at hotels where credit cards are routinely accepted.

Nearly all transactions are made with cash, and Liberian dollars are preferred for smaller purchases, especially outside of Monrovia. Swimming Hazard: Liberia has many excellent beaches along the Atlantic coastline that can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, U.S. citizens should be aware of the threat of dangerous rip currents, also known as rip tides. These strong currents can occur anywhere on the coast given the right surf conditions. The Liberia Weather Service does not provide information on where and when these tides form, and there are no lifeguards posted on beaches. Do not swim in the Atlantic if you are unfamiliar with swimming in water where very strong rip currents occur WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our tips for Women Travelers . LGBT RIGHTS: Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Liberia. Voluntary sodomy remains illegal as a first degree misdemeanor with penalties ranging up to one year in prison. As of November 2014, five detainees were in custody for sodomy, two of whom were detained for more than two years.

For more detailed information about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights in Liberia, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 201 4. For further information on LGBT travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page. ACCESSIBILITY: There are no accommodations for individuals with disabilities in Liberia. U.S. citizens with disabilities that hinder mobility should take this into consideration before planning travel to Liberia. Health Hospitals and medical facilities in Liberia are poorly equipped and are incapable of providing many services. Emergency services comparable to those in the United States or Europe are non-existent, and the blood supply is unreliable and unsafe for transfusion. For serious medical problems, U.S. citizens in Liberia should consider traveling to the United States, Europe, or South Africa for treatment. Within Liberia, medicines are scarce, often beyond expiration dates, and generally unavailable in most areas; additionally counterfeit medications, often very well packaged, are common in pharmacies throughout the country. As there is neither an effective garbage removal service nor a functioning sewer system, sanitation throughout urban areas is very poor, which increases the potential for disease. Upper respiratory infections and diarrhea are common, as well as more serious diseases such as typhoid and malaria.

Mosquito borne illnesses such as malaria and yellow fever are a significant problem and prevention of bites and proper yellow fever immunization are important for all areas. Travelers should carry and use insect repellents containing either 20 percent DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Treating clothing and tents with permethrin and sleeping in screened or air conditioned rooms under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets will help diminish bites from mosquitoes as well as ticks, fleas, and chiggers, some of which may also carry infections. Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is highly prevalent throughout Liberia in all seasons in both cities and rural settings. Before traveling to Liberia you should discuss with your doctor the best antimalarial medication to avoid malaria which should be taken for even short visits confined to Monrovia. Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, or mefloquine (Lariam) are appropriate antimalarials for this region. Chloroquine is not recommended due to the high incidence of resistance.

For information that can help you and your doctor decide which of these drugs would be best for you, please see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Choosing a Drug to Prevent Malaria . If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in Liberia, or for up to one year after returning home, you should seek prompt medical attention. Tell the physician your travel history and what antimalarials you have been taking. Yellow fever is a virus spread by day biting mosquitoes (in contrast to the night biting malaria carrying mosquitoes). Although rare among travelers, yellow fever can be severe or fatal in 10 percent of those infected and there is no treatment available. It can be nearly 100 percent prevented through use of the yellow fever vaccine which is required for entry into Liberia for anyone over one year of age and recommended for all those over nine months of age. All routinely recommended immunizations for the United States should be up to date as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and chicken pox are much more common than in Liberia, especially among children. Typhoid and Hepatitis A are common in Liberia and immunization is recommended for all travelers.

Rabies immunization is recommended for all travelers staying for more than four weeks, who will have remote rural travel, or expect animal exposure. Even in urban areas, dogs may have rabies. Bites and scratches from dogs, bats, or other mammals should be immediately cleaned with soap and water and medical evaluation sought to determine if additional rabies immunization is warranted. Diarrheal illness is very common among travelers, even in large cities and luxury accommodations. Travelers can diminish diarrhea risk through scrupulous washing of hands and use of hand sanitizers, especially before food preparation and eating. The greatest risk of traveler’s diarrhea is from contaminated food. Choose foods and beverages carefully to lower your risk, see Food & Water Safety . Eat only food that is cooked and served hot and avoid food that has been sitting on a buffet. Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if you have washed them in clean water or peeled them. Drink only beverages from factory-sealed containers, and avoid ice because it could be made from unclean water. Tuberculosis is more than 20 times more common in Liberia than in the United States.

Those planning on extended stays or extensive contact with local populations should consider tuberculin skin testing before travel and then again six to twelve weeks after returning from Liberia. Schistosomiasis is caused by a parasitic worm that is spread by fresh water snails. The larval stage of the worm can burrow through your skin when in contact with contaminated fresh water. Avoid wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in, or drinking from bodies of fresh water such as canals, lakes, rivers, streams, or springs, especially in Bong County. The filarial infection onchocerciasis , transmitted by black flies, is highly endemic. Exposure of longer than two weeks is generally required for infection. Daytime insect precautions are recommended, especially near the shores of rivers. Lassa fever , a viral infection transmitted from exposure to rodent urine and feces is endemic in Liberia, causing fatal infection annually, mainly in rural areas. Travelers are advised to avoid rodents and their excreta and ensure that camp sites and bedding are not infested with rodents. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was first detected in Liberia in March 2014. The EVD outbreak crossed into Liberia in the remote border region with Guinea.

Travelers are considered at very low risk of infection but are advised to avoid handling or consuming bushmeat to include bats, monkeys, gorillas, and other primates that appear to be responsible for starting human outbreaks of EVD. You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the Centers for Disease Control website . For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization website , which contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information . Travel & Transportation TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Liberia is provided for general reference only, and may not be accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Driving in Liberia presents a danger to residents and visitors, as traffic laws are either nonexistent or not enforced. Traffic accidents are frequent and often result in injury or loss of life. Potholes and poor road surfaces are common, making safe driving extremely challenging. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and taxis are often overloaded with people and goods, and vehicles make frequent stops without signaling. Drivers overtake on the right lanes as well as the left lanes.

Many vehicles operate with threadbare tires, and blowouts are frequent. Public taxis are poorly maintained and usually overloaded. All drivers should approach intersections with extreme caution. Public street lights have been installed in some locations in Monrovia and there are a few traffic lights around city. However, drivers outside of Monrovia should remain vigilant as pedestrians, animals, and unrestricted speed limits are attributed to many fatal collisions. Drivers and pedestrians are cautioned that high-speed car convoys carrying government officials require all other vehicles to pull off the road until they have passed. Travelers should expect time-consuming detours around the many bridges and roads damaged by war, neglect, or the heavy annual rains occurring between May and November. Travelers can expect strict enforcement of border controls by Liberian, Ivorian, Sierra Leonean, and Guinean authorities. Corruption has been reported at many border locations and travelers may be asked for money prior to crossing the border. At times, border crossings to neighboring countries are closed.

Question: What is the official language of Liberia?
Answer: English