Changes

{{otheruses4|the country in Africa|the city|Liberia, Costa Rica}}{{Infobox Country|name conventional_long_name =''Republic of Liberia''|map common_name = Liberia rel 2004.jpg|flag image_flag =Flag of Liberia.pngsvg|image_coat = Coat of arms =Arms of Liberia.png|capital image_map =MonroviaLocationLiberia.svg|capital-raw national_motto ="The love of liberty brought us here"|government national_anthem =Republic''[[All Hail, Liberia, Hail!]]''|government-raw official_languages =[[English language|English]]|language demonym =EnglishLiberian|king capital =[[Monrovia]]|queen latd=6 |latm=19 |latNS=N |longd=10 |longm=48 |longEW=W|monarch-raw largest_city =Monrovia|president government_type =[[Republic]]| leader_title1 = [[President of Liberia|President]]| leader_title2 = [[Vice-President of Liberia|Vice-President]]| leader_name1 = [[Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf]]|president-raw leader_name2 =[[Joseph Boakai]]|chancellor leader_title3 =[[Supreme Court of Liberia|Chief Justice]]|chancellor-raw leader_name3 =[[Johnnie Lewis]]|pm area_rank =103rd|pm-raw area_magnitude =1 E11|area area_km2 = 111,369| area_sq_mi =43,000 sq mi<!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]] -->| percent_water = 13.514|pop population_estimate =3,489,072 |pop-basis population_estimate_year =2008[[Liberian Census]] |gdp population_estimate_rank = 132nd| population_census = <!-- census data n/a, more searching needs to be done -->| population_census_year =| population_density_km2 = 29| population_density_sq_mi = 75 <!-- Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]] -->| population_density_rank = 174th| GDP_PPP_year = 2007| GDP_PPP =$1.6 342 billion <ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=44&pr.y=8&sy=2004&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=668&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a= |title=Liberia|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref>|gdpGDP_PPP_per_capita = $357<ref name=imf2/>|GDP_nominal = $735 million<ref name=imf2/>|GDP_nominal_year = 2007|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $195<ref name=imf2/>| sovereignty_type = [[History of Liberia|Formation]]| sovereignty_note = by [[African-year American]]s| established_event1 =2005[[American Colonization Society|ACS]] colonies{{spaces|gdp3}}consolidation| established_event2 = [[Independence]] (from the [[United States]])| established_date1 = 1821-pc 1842| established_date2 =$500 26 July 1847| HDI_year = 1993| HDI = 0.311| HDI_rank = n/a| HDI_category = <font color="red">low</font>|FSI = 92.9 {{decrease}} 6.1|FSI_year = 2007|FSI_rank = 27th|FSI_category = <font color="#FF0000">Alert</font> |currency =[[Liberian dollar ]]¹|idd currency_code =LRD|tld country_code =lr| time_zone = [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]]| utc_offset = <!-- this entry intentionally left blank -->| time_zone_DST = ''not observed''| utc_offset_DST = <!-- this entry intentionally left blank -->| cctld = [[.lr]]| calling_code = 231| footnotes = ¹ [[United States dollar]] also in common usage.

The '''Liberia''' {{Audio-IPA|en-us-Liberia.ogg|[laɪˈbɪəriə]}}, officially the '''Republic of Liberia''' , is a small nation in Western country on the west coast of [[Africa]], bordering bordered by [[Sierra Leone]], [[Guinea]], and [[Côte d'Ivoire]]. Liberia was founded in 1842 by , and the [[United StatesAtlantic Ocean]] government. As of 2008, as the nation is estimated to be home to 3,489,072 people and cover {{convert|111369|km2|sqmi}}. Liberia has a homeland for freed hot equatorial climate with most rainfall arriving in summer with harsh [[African-Americanharmattan]] slaves. Liberia gained full independence from winds in the United States on July 26, 1847dry season. Its capital city, Monrovia, Liberia's populated [[Pepper Coast]] is the only foreign city named for a U.S. president, composed of mostly [[James Monroemangrove]]forests while the sparse inland is forested, later opening to a plateau of drier grasslands.

==Geography==*Area: 111Founded as a colony in 1822 by freed slaves from the [[United States]],369 sqthe area was already inhabited by various indigenous ethnic groups who had occupied the region for centuries. km. (43In 1847,000 sq. mi.). Slightly larger than Ohio.*Cities: Capital--Monrovia (popthe colony of freed slaves declared independence and founded the Republic of Liberia. 1In 1980,010the government was overturned in a military coup,970). Principal towns--Ganta (pop. 41and from 1989 to 2005 Liberia was in a state of flux,000)witnessing two [[civil war]]s, Buchanan the [[First Liberian Civil War]] (pop. 34,0001989–1996), Gbarnga and the [[Second Liberian Civil War]] (pop. 34,0001999–2003), Kakata (pop. 33,000), Voinjama (pop. 26,000). *Terrain: Three areas--Mangrove swamps that displaced hundreds of thousands of people and beaches along devastated the coast, wooded hills and semideciduous shrub lands along the immediate interior, and dense tropical forests and plateaus in the interior. Liberia has 40% of West Africacountry's rain forest[[Economy of Liberia|economy]].

==PeopleEtymology ==There are 16 ethnic groups that make up Liberia's indigenous population. The Kpelle name Liberia denotes "liberty" as [[Black Americans]] moved to Liberia in central 1822, and western Liberia is founded the largest country in 1847 with the support of the [[American Colonization Society]] creating a new ethnic group. called the [[Americo-Liberians who are descendants of freed slaves that arrived in ]].<ref>[[Defense Language Institute]] Foreign Language Center, [http://www.lingnet.org/areaStudies/perspectives/liberia/liberia.pdf Liberia early in 1821 make up an estimated 5% Perspective: An Orientation Guide (2006) ], page 1</ref> However, this introduction of a new ethnic mix resulted in ethnic tensions with the populationsixteen other main ethnicities.<ref>Financial Times World Desk Reference (2004) Dorling Kindersley Publishing. p 368 </ref>

There also are sizable numbers of Lebanese, Indians, and other West African nationals who make up a significant part == History =={{main|History of Liberia's business community. The Liberian constitution restricts citizenship only to people of Negro descent; also, land ownership is restricted by law to citizens. }}

=== Indigenous peoples of West Africa ===Anthropological research shows the region of Liberia was traditionally noted for its academic institutions and its large ironinhabited at least as far back as the 12th century, perhaps earlier. [[Mende]]-mining and rubber industries. Political upheavals beginning in speaking people expanded westward, forcing many smaller ethnic groups southward towards the 1980s and a 14-year civil war Atlantic ocean. The Deys, [[Bassa (1989-2003Liberia) largely destroyed Liberia's economy and brought a steep decline in living standards. *Population |Bassa]], [[Kru]], [[Gola (2005ethnic group): 3|Gola]] and [[Kissi]] were some of the earliest recorded arrivals.3 million<ref>Runn-Marcos, K.*Annual growth rate (2005): 1T.3%Kolleholon, B.*Ethnic groups: Kpelle 20%Ngovo, Bassa 16%p. 5 </ref> This influx was compounded during the ancient decline of the Western Sudanic [[Mali Empire]] in 1375 and later in 1591 with the [[Songhai Empire]]. Additionally, Gio 8%inland regions underwent [[desertification]], Kru 7%, 49% spread over 12 other ethnic groupsand inhabitants were pressured to move to the wetter [[Pepper Coast]].*Religions: Christian 40%These new inhabitants brought skills such as cotton spinning, Muslim 20%cloth weaving, animist 40%.*Languages: English is iron smelting, rice and [[sorghum]] cultivation, and social and political institutions from the official languageMali and Songhay Empires. There are 16 indigenous languages.*Education: Literacy (2003)<ref>Runn--20%Marcos, K.*Health: Life expectancy (2005)--42T.5 yearsKolleholon, B.*Work force: Agriculture--70%; industry--15%; services--2%. Unemployment is 80% in the formal sectorNgovo, p. 6 </ref>

==Government and Political Conditions==Liberia has Shortly after the Manes conquered the region there was a bicameral legislature consisting migration of 64 representatives and 30 senators. Historically, the executive branch heavily influenced [[Vai (ethnic group)|Vai]] people into the legislature and judicial system, the latter being largely dysfunctional for nowregion of Grand Cape Mount. The 2005 election placed a spectrum Vai were part of political personalities the [[Mali Empire]] who were forced to migrate when the empire collapsed in the legislature, most for six-year termsfourteenth century. Senior senators were elected for nine-year terms. Party structures remain weak, and politics continues The Vai chose to be personality-drivenmigrate to the coastal region.

The judiciary is divided ethnic [[Kru]] opposed the migration of the Vai into four levels, including justices their region. An alliance of the peace, courts of record (magistrate courts), courts of first instance (circuit and specialty courts), Manes and Kru were able to stop the Supreme Court. Traditional courts and lay courts exist in rural areas further migration of the country. Trial by ordeal, though officially outlawed, is practiced Vai but the Vai remained in various parts the Grand Cape Mount region (where the city of Liberia. Locally, political power emanates from traditional chiefs (town, clan, or paramount chiefs[[Robertsport]] is now located), mayors, and district commissioners. Mayors are elected in principal cities in Liberia. Superintendents appointed by the president govern the counties. There are 15 counties in Liberia.

===Principal Government Officials===*President[[Littoral zone|Littoral]] coast people built canoes and traded with other West Africans from [[Cap--Ellen Johnson Sirleaf*Vice President--Joseph Nyumah Boakai*Speaker of Vert]] to the House of Representatives--J[[Gold Coast (region)|Gold Coast]]. Alex Tyler*Chief Justice of Later European traders would barter various commodities and goods with local people, sometimes hoisting their canoes aboard. When the Supreme CourtKru began trading with Europeans, they initially traded in non--Johnnie Nslave commodities but later became active participants in the [[African slave trade]]. Lewis*Minister of Foreign Affairs--George W. Wallace*Minister of Finance--Antoinette Sayeh*Minister of Justice--Frances Johnson Morris*Minister of Defense--Brownie Samukai

===Foreign Relations===Liberia has maintained traditionally cordial relations with the WestKru laborers left their territory to work on [[plantations]] and in construction as paid laborers. Liberia currently also maintains diplomatic relations with Libya, Cuba, Some even worked building the [[Suez Canal|Suez]] and China[[Panama Canal]]s.

Liberia is a founding member of Another tribal group in the United Nations and its specialized agencies and is a member of area was the African Union [[Grebo (AUethnic group)|Glebo]]. The Glebo were driven, the Economic Community as a result of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Development Bank (ADB)Manes invasion, to migrate to the Mano River Union (MRU), and the Non-Aligned Movementcoast of what later became Liberia.

===Relations with the United StatesEarly European contacts ===Congress appropriated $100,000 in 1819 for the establishment of Liberia (Between 1461 and resettlement of freemen and freed slaves from North America) by the American Colonization Societylate seventeenth century, led by prominent Americans such as Francis Scott Key, George Washington's nephew Bushrod, Henry Clay, Daniel WebsterPortuguese, Dutch and Presidents Monroe, Adams, British traders had contacts and Jackson. The first group of settlers arrived trading posts in Liberia from the United States in the 1820s. The United StatesPortuguese had named the area ''Costa da Pimenta'', which officially recognized Liberia in 1862later translated as [[Grain Coast]], shared particularly close relations with Liberia during because of the Cold Warabundance of grains of [[melegueta pepper]].

The outbreak of civil war in Liberia and === Settlers from the long dominance of Charles Taylor soured bilateral relationsUnited States === In 1822, the [[American Colonization Society]] established Liberia as a place to send black people who were formerly enslaved. However<ref name="eowg"/> Other African Americans, who were never enslaved, chose to emigrate to Liberia now counts the United States as its strongest supporter in its democratization well.<ref> Merriam Webster, p.684</ref> African-Americans gradually migrated to the colony and reconstruction effortsbecame known as [[Americo-Liberian]]s, from whom many present day Liberians trace their ancestry. Since On July 26, 1847, the end Americo-Liberian settlers declared the independence of the Republic of Liberia's civil war in 2003. The settlers regarded Africa as a "Promised Land, the United States has contributed over $750 million " but they did not integrate into an African society. Once in bilateral assistance Africa, they referred to themselves as "Americans" and more than $750 million were recognized as such by local Africans and by British colonial authorities in assessed contributions to neighboring [[Sierra Leone]]. The symbols of their state — its flag, motto, and seal — and the UN Mission in Liberia form of government that they chose reflected their American background and [[diaspora]] experience. [[Lincoln University, PA|Lincoln University]] (UNMILfounded as Ashmun Institute for educating young blacks in Pennsylvania in 1854). In played an important role in supplying Americo-Liberians leadership for the current fiscal yearnew [[nation]]. The first graduating class of Lincoln University, the UJames R.SAmos, his brother Thomas H. will commit another $162 million bilaterally and $179 million through UNMIL. In February 2008Amos, President Bush visited and Armistead Miller sailed for Liberia, where he held his fourth one-on-one meeting with President Sirleaf since Sirleafthe [[brig]] 's inauguration in January 2006'Mary C. Peace Corps volunteers will return to Liberia Stevens'' in 2008 for the first time since 1990April, 1859 after graduation.

The U[[Image:Liberiawomen1910.Sjpg|thumb|right|Indigenous Liberian women in 1910. Agency for International Development (USAID) implements the U.S. Government's development assistance program in Liberia]]The religious practices, social customs and cultural standards of the secondAmerico-largest USAID development program Liberians had their roots in Africathe [[antebellum]] [[American South]]. USAID's post-conflict rebuilding strategy focuses on reintegration and is increasingly moving towards a longer-term development focusThese ideals strongly influenced the attitudes of the settlers toward the indigenous African people. Rehabilitation efforts include national and community infrastructure projectsThe new nation, such as expanding access to electricity, building roads, refurbishing government buildings, training Liberians in vocational skills, promoting business developmentthey perceived it, was coextensive with the [[settler]] community and improving livelihoods while protecting Liberia's forestswith those Africans who were [[cultural assimilation|assimilated]] into it. USAID also funds basic education programs, improving education for children, focusing on girls, Mutual mistrust and training teachers. In hostility between the health area, USAID programs include primary health care clinics, HIV/AIDS prevention, "Americans" along the coast and the "Natives" of the interior was a large malaria programrecurrent theme in the country's history, along with (usually successful) attempts by the Americo-Liberian minority to dominate what they identified as savage native peoples. USAID supports rule of law programsThey named the land "Liberia, establishing legal aid clinics and victim abuse centers" which in the Romance languages, training judges and lawyersin Latin in particular, community peace building and reconciliation effortsmeans "Land of the Free, and anti-corruption projects " as an homage to promote transparency and accountability in public sector entitiestheir freedom from slavery. USAID is also providing support to strengthen the legislature and other political processes[[Image:Joseph Jenkins Roberts. USAID is strengthening civil society's role in delivering services and advocating good governance. Total USAID funding in FY 2008 is $105 millionjpg|thumb|right|[[Joseph Jenkins Roberts]], First President of Liberia. ]]

==Economy==The Liberian economy relied heavily on Historically, Liberia has enjoyed the mining support and unofficial cooperation of iron ore and on the export [[United States]] government.<ref>Flint, John E. ''The Cambridge history of natural rubber prior Africa: from c.1790 to the civil warc. Liberia was a major exporter 1870'' Cambridge University Press (1976) pg 184-199</ref> Liberia’s government, modeled after that of iron ore on the world marketUnited States, was democratic in structure, if not always in substance. In After 1877 the 1970s and 1980s[[True Whig Party]] monopolized political power in the country, iron mining accounted and competition for more than half of Liberia's export earningsoffice was usually contained within the party, whose nomination virtually ensured election. Following Two problems confronting successive administrations were pressure from neighboring colonial powers, [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and [[France]], and the coup d'etat threat of 1980financial insolvency, the country's economic growth rate slowed down because both of a decline in which challenged the demand for iron ore on the world market and political upheavals in Liberiacountry’s sovereignty. Liberia's foreign debt amounts retained its independence during the [[Scramble for Africa]], but lost its claim to about $3.7 billion. Efforts are currently underway to relieve Liberia of its bilateral extensive territories that were annexed by Britain and multilateral debtsFrance. Some bilateral creditors, including Economic development was hindered by the United States, have pledged debt relief, decline of markets for Liberian goods in the late nineteenth century and discussions by indebtedness on a series of Liberia's arrears are underway at loans, payments on which drained the international financial institutions economy.[[Image:Roosevelt and Barclay.gif|thumb|left|President [[Edwin Barclay]] (World Bank, International Monetary Fund, African Development Bankright)and President [[Franklin D.Roosevelt]] during World War II, 1943]]

The 1989=== Significant mid-2003 civil war had a devastating effect on the country's economy. Most major businesses were destroyed or heavily damaged, and most foreign investors and businesses left the country. Iron ore production stopped completely, and the United Nations banned timber and diamond exports from Liberia. UN sanctions on Liberian timber were removed in 2006; however, activity in the timber sector has not yet resumed on a large scale. Diamond sanctions were terminated by the UN Security Council on April 27, 2007 in Resolution 1753. Liberian diamond exports will be certified through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.twentieth century events ===

Currently, Two events were of particular importance in releasing Liberia's few earnings come primarily from rubber exports and revenues from its maritime registry programself-imposed isolation. With The first was the second-largest maritime registry grant in 1926 of a large concession to the world-American-there are more than 2,350 vessels registered under its flag, owned [[Firestone Tire and some 35% Rubber Company|Firestone]] Plantation Company; that move became a first step in the (limited) modernization of the oil imported to [[Economy of Liberia|Liberian economy]]. The second occurred during [[World War II]], when the United States is transported on Liberian-flagged ships--began providing technical and economic assistance that enabled Liberia earns over $15 million annually from the flag registryto make economic progress and introduce social change. There is increasing interest in Both the possibility [[Freeport of commercially exploitable offshore crude oil deposits along Liberia's Atlantic CoastMonrovia]] and [[Roberts International Airport]] were built by U.S. personnel during World War II.

With In a newlate night raid on April 12, democratically elected government in place since January 20061980, Liberia seeks to reconstruct its shattered economya successful [[military coup]] was staged by a group of noncommissioned army officers led by Master Sergeant [[Samuel Kanyon Doe]]. The Governance and Economic Management Program (GEMAP), which started under soldiers were a mixture of the various ethnic groups that claimed marginalization at the hands of the 2003minority Americo-2006 transitional governmentLiberian settlers. They killed [[William R. Tolbert, is designed to help Jr.]], who had been president for nine years, in his mansion. Constituting themselves the Liberian Government raise People’s Redemption Council, Doe and spend revenues in his associates seized control of the government and brought an efficientend to Africa’s first republic. Significantly, transparent wayDoe was the first Liberian head of state who was not a member of the Americo-Liberian elite.

Foreign direct investment is returning to LiberiaIn the early 1980s, attracted to the stable security situation [[United States]] provided by Liberia more than $500 million for pushing the large UN peacekeeping force and the demonstrated commitment to reform on the part [[Soviet Union]] out of the Sirleaf administration. Investors are now seeking opportunities in mining, rubber, agro-forestry, light industrycountry, and other sectors. Large-scale activity in for providing the US exclusive rights to use Liberia's logging industry is expected to resume in 2007, ports and significant diamond sector activity could follow land (including allowing the lifting of UN sanctions. Arcelor Mittal Steel has negotiated an agreement [[CIA]] to invest over $1 billion in the mining sectoruse Liberian territory to spy on [[Libya]]).{{Fact|date=August 2008}}

Liberia is a member of ECOWAS. With Guinea and Sierra LeoneDoe favored [[authoritarian]] policies, it formed the Mano River Union (MRU) for development banning newspapers and the promotion of regional economic integrationoutlawing various opposition parties. The MRU became all but defunct because of the Liberian civil warHis tactic was to brand popular opposition parties as "socialist", which spilled over into neighboring Sierra Leone and Guinea. There has been some revival of MRU cooperation discussions in recent years, particularly since therefore illegal according to the January 2006 inauguration of Liberian President Sirleaf.*GDP (IMF 2005 est.): $548.4 million.*Real GDP growth rate (2005): 5.3%.*Per capita GDP (2005): $119.4.*Average annual inflation (2005): 6.9%.*Natural resources: Iron oreconstitution, rubber, timber, diamonds, gold and tinwhile allowing less popular minor parties to remain as a token opposition. The Government of Liberia believes there may be sizable deposits of crude oil along its Atlantic Coast.*Agriculture: Products--coffeeUnfortunately for Doe, cocoa, sugarcane, rice, cassava, palm oil, bananas, plantains, citrus, pineapple, sweet potatoes, corn, and vegetables.*Industry: Types--agriculture, iron ore, rubber, forestry, diamonds, gold, beverages, construction.*Trade (2005): Exports--$112 million (popular support would then tend to realign behind one of which rubber $99 million). Major markets--Germanythese smaller parties, Poland, U.S., Greece. Imports--$272 million (petroleum $89 million; rice $30 million; donor and foreign direct investment-related $141 million)causing them to be labeled "socialist" in their turn.

==History==Portuguese explorers established contacts [[Image:HD-SC-98-07558.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Samuel Doe]] with [[Caspar Weinberger]] on a 1982 visit to the United States]]In October 1985, Liberia as early as 1461 and named held the area Grain Coast because first post-coup elections, ostensibly to legitimize Doe's regime. Virtually all international observers agreed that the Liberia Action Party (LAP) led by Jackson Doe (no relation) had won the election by a clear margin. After a week of counting the abundance votes, however, Samuel Doe fired the count officials and replaced them with his own Special Election Committee (SECOM), which announced that Samuel Doe's ruling National Democratic Party of grains Liberia had won with 50.9% of Malegueta Pepperthe vote. In 1663 the British installed trading posts response, on November 12 a counter-coup was launched by [[Thomas Quiwonkpa]], whose soldiers briefly occupied the Executive Mansion and the Grain Coastnational radio station, but with widespread support throughout the Dutch destroyed these posts a year country. Three days later, Quiwonkpa's coup was overthrown. There were no further reports of European settlements along the Grain Coast until the arrival of freed slaves in the early 1800sFollowing this failed coup, government repression intensified, as Doe's troops killed more than 2000 civilians and imprisoned more than 100 opposing politicians, including Jackson Doe, [[Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf]] and BBC journalist Isaac Bantu.

Liberia=== 1989 and 2003 civil wars === In late 1989, which means "land of a [[First Liberian Civil War|civil war]] began. The harsh dictatorial atmosphere that gripped the free," country was founded by free African-Americans and freed slaves from the United States due in 1820large part to Sergeant Samuel Doe's rule. An initial group of 86 immigrants, who came to be called Americo-LiberiansLiberian named [[Charles Taylor (Liberia)|Charles Taylor]] with the backing of neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire entered [[Nimba County]] with around 100 men.<ref>''The Mask of Anarchy'', established a settlement in Christopolis by Stephen Ellis, 2001, p.75 (now MonroviaThere is also an NYU Press Updated Edition 2006, named after UISBN 0814722385)</ref> These fighters gained high levels of support with the local population who were disillusioned with their present government.SA large section of the country came under the invaders' control as a result. President James MonroeBy this time a new player had also emerged. Yormie Prince Johnson (former ally of Taylor) on February 6, 1820had formed his own army and had gained tremendous support from the Gio and Mano ethnic groups.

Thousands In August 1990, the [[Economic Community of freed American slaves and free West African-Americans arrived during States Monitoring Group|Economic Community Monitoring Group]] under the following years, leading [[Economic Community of West African States]] organized its own military task force to intervene in the formation of more settlements crisis. The troops were largely from Nigeria, Guinea and culminating in Ghana. On his way out after a declaration of independence meeting, Doe, who was traveling only with his personal staff, was ambushed and captured by members of the Republic of Liberia on July 26, 1847[[Gio Tribe]] who were loyal to Prince Yormie Johnson. The drive soldiers took him to resettle freed slaves in Africa was promoted by the American Colonization Society (ACS), an organization headquarters of white clergymen, abolitionists, and slave owners founded Johnson in 1816 by Robert Finleyneighboring Caldwell, a Presbyterian minister. Between 1821 tortured and 1867 the ACS resettled some 10,000 African-Americans and several thousand Africans from interdicted slave ships; it governed the Commonwealth of Liberia until independence in 1847killed him.

In By this time Taylor was a prominent warlord and leader of the [[National Patriotic Front of Liberia's early years, ]]. After some prompting from Taylor that the Americo-Liberian settlers periodically encountered stiff anglophone Nigerians and sometimes violent opposition from indigenous AfricansGhanaians were opposed to him, who Senegalese troops were excluded brought in with some financial support from citizenship in the new Republic until 1904United States. At the same time<ref>Adekeye Adebajo, British and French colonial expansionists encroached upon 'Liberia's Civil War: Nigeria, taking over much of its territory. PoliticallyECOMOG, the country was a one-party state ruled by the True Whig Party (TWP). Joseph Jenkins Roberts, who was born and raised Regional Security in AmericaWest Africa, was Liberia's first PresidentLynne Rienner/International Peace Academy, 2002, p. The style of government and constitution 107</ref> Their service was fashioned on that of the United Stateshowever shortlived, and the Americo-Liberian elite monopolized political power and restricted the voting rights of the indigenous population. The True Whig Party dominated all sectors of Liberia from independence after a major confrontation with Taylor forces in 1847 until April 12[[Vahun]], 1980[[Lofa County]] on 28 May 1992, when indigenous Liberian Master Sergeant Samuel K. Doe (from the Krahn ethnic group) seized power in six were killed when a coup d'etatcrowd of NPFL supporters surrounded their vehicle and demanded they surrender their jeep and weapons. Doe<ref>Adekeye Adebajo, 'Liberia's forces executed President William R. Tolbert Civil War: Nigeria, ECOMOG, and several officials of his governmentRegional Security in West Africa, mostly of Americo-Liberian descent. One hundred and thirty-three years of Americo-Liberian political domination ended with the formation of the People's Redemption Council (PRC)Lynne Rienner/International Peace Academy, 2002, p. 108</ref>

Over time, the Doe government began promoting members of By September 1990 Doe's Krahn ethnic groupforces controlled only a small area just outside the capital of Monrovia. After his death, who soon dominated political and military life as a condition for the end of the conflict, interim president [[Amos Sawyer]] resigned in 1994, handing power to the Council of State. Taylor was [[Liberiaelections, 1997|elected]] as President in 1997, after leading a bloody insurgency backed by Libyan President [[Muammar al-Gaddafi]]. This raised ethnic tension Taylor's brutal regime targeted several leading opposition and caused frequent hostilities between political activists. In 1998, the politically government sought to assassinate child rights activist [[Kimmie Weeks]] for a report he had published on its involvement in the training of child soldiers, which forced him into exile. Taylor's autocratic and militarily dominant Krahns and other ethnic groups dysfunctional government led to a [[Second Liberian Civil War|new rebellion]] in 1999. More than 200,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the countrycivil wars.

After the October 1985 elections, characterized by widespread fraud, Doe solidified his control. The period after the elections saw increased human rights abuses, corruptionconflict intensified in mid-2003, and ethnic tensionsthe fighting moved into [[Monrovia]]. The standard A hastily assembled force of living further deteriorated. On November 121000 [[Military of Nigeria|Nigerian troops]], 1985the [[ECOWAS]] Mission In Liberia (ECOMIL) was airlifted into Liberia on August 15, former Army Commanding Gen2003 to prevent the rebels from over running the capital city and committing revenge inspired [[war crime]]s. Thomas Quiwonkpa almost succeeded in toppling Meanwhile the government of Samuel DoeU. The Armed Forces of Liberia repelled Quiwonkpa's attack and executed him in MonroviaS. Doe's Krahn[[Joint Task Force Liberia]] commanded from [[USS Iwo Jima (LHD-dominated forces carried out reprisals against Mano and Gio civilians suspected 7)]] was offshore, though only 100 of supporting Quiwonkpathe 2,000 U.S. Marines landed to liaise with the ECOMIL force.

Despite Doe's poor human rights record As the power of the government shrank and questionable democratic credentials, he retained close relations with Washington. A staunch U.S. allyincreasing international and American pressure for him to resign, Doe met twice with President Ronald Reagan Taylor accepted an asylum offer from [[Nigeria]], but vowed: "God willing, I will be back." Some of the ECOMIL troops were subsequently withdrawn and enjoyed considerable U.S. financial supportat least two [[battalion]]s incorporated into the 15,000 strong [[United Nations Mission in Liberia]] (UNMIL) [[peace keeping force]].

On December 24, 1989, a small band of rebels led by Doe's former procurement chief, Charles Taylor, invaded Liberia from the Ivory Coast. Taylor === Transitional government and his National Patriotic Front rebels rapidly gained the support of many Liberians and reached the outskirts of Monrovia within six months. elections ===

From 1989 to 1996 one After the exile of Africa's bloodiest civil wars ensuedTaylor, claiming [[Gyude Bryant]] was appointed Chairman of the lives transitional government in late 2003. Because of more than 200failures of the Transitional Government in curbing corruption, Liberia signed onto [[GEMAP]],000 Liberians and displacing a million others into refugee camps in neighboring countriesnovel anti-corruption program. The Economic Community primary task of West African States (ECOWAS) intervened in 1990 the transitional government was to prepare for fair and succeeded peaceful democratic elections. With [[UNMIL]] troops safeguarding the peace, Liberia successfully conducted presidential elections in preventing Charles Taylor from capturing Monroviathe fall of 2005. Prince Johnson--formerly a Twenty three candidates stood for the October 11, 2005 general election, with the early favorite [[George Weah]], internationally famous footballer, [[UNICEF]] Goodwill Ambassador and member of Taylor's National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL)-the Kru ethnic group expected to dominate the popular vote. No candidate took the required majority in the general election, so that a run-formed off between the breaktop two vote getters, Weah and [[Ellen Johnson-away Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL)Sirleaf]], was necessary. The November 8, 2005 presidential runoff election was won decisively by Ellen Johnson's forces captured and killed Doe on September 9-Sirleaf, 1990a [[Harvard]]-trained economist. Taking refuge in Sierra Leone Both the general election and runoff were marked by peace and other neighboring countriesorder, former AFL soldiers founded the new insurgent United Liberation Movement with thousands of Liberia for Democracy (ULIMO), fighting back Taylor’s NPFLLiberians waiting patiently in the Liberian heat to cast their ballots.

An Interim Government of National Unity (IGNU) was formed in Gambia under the auspices of ECOWAS in October 1990, headed by Dr. Amos C. Sawyer. Taylor (along with other Liberian factions) refused to work with the interim government and continued fighting. After more than a dozen peace accords and declining military power, Taylor finally agreed to the formation of a five=== Ellen Johnson-man transitional government. A hasty disarmament and demobilization of warring factions was followed by special elections on July 19, 1997. Charles Taylor and his National Patriotic Party emerged victorious. Taylor won the election by a large majority, primarily because Liberians feared a return to war had Taylor lost. Sirleaf presidency ===

On June 4Daughter of the first indigenous Liberian to be elected to the national legislature, 2003 in AccraJahmale Carney Johnson, Ghana, ECOWAS facilitated peace talks among [[Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf]] was born in rural Liberia. As the Government first elected female head of Liberia, civil societystate in Africa, Johnson-Sirleaf’s election focused much international attention on Liberia.A former [[Citibank]] and [[World Bank]] employee, Johnson-Sirleaf’s career also includes heading the LURD and MODEL rebel groups[[UNDP|U. On N. Development Programme]] for Africa [http://www.undp.org/africa/].Johnson-Sirleaf was jailed twice during the same dayDoe administration before escaping and going into exile. As president, Johnson-Sirleaf's main focus is to enlist the Chief Prosecutor help of the Special Court for Sierra Leone issued a press statement announcing the opening of a sealed March 7international community in rebuilding Liberia’s economy and infrastructure. On November 12, 2007, 2003 indictment of Liberian President Charles Taylor for "bearing the greatest responsibility" for atrocities [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]] agreed to begin providing debt relief to Liberia to assist in Sierra Leone since November 1996. In July 2003 eradicating the Government country's external debt of $3.5 billion .<ref>IMF Survey: [http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/survey/so/2007/CAR1113A.htm "IMF to Deliver Debt Relief to Liberia"], LURDan IMF online publication, and MODEL signed a cease-fire that all sides failed retrieved November 20, 2007</ref>She has extended an invitation to respect; bitter fighting reached downtown Monrovia the Nigerian business community to participate in July and August 2003business opportunities in Liberia, creating a massive humanitarian disasterin response to Nigeria’s help in securing Liberia’s peace. Exiled Liberians are also investing in the country and participating in Liberia's rebuilding efforts.

On August 11March 29, 2003, under intense U.S. and international pressure, President 2006 Charles Taylor resigned office and departed into exile in was extradited from Nigeria. This move paved to [[Sierra Leone]], where he had been indicted by the way for the deployment by ECOWAS of what became Special Court (a 3,600-strong peacekeeping mission in Liberia (ECOMILwar crimes tribunal). On August 18, leaders from Taylor's trial by that court is being held in the Liberian GovernmentHague, the rebels, political parties, and civil society signed a comprehensive peace agreement that laid the framework for constructing a 2-year National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL), headed by businessman Gyude Bryantsecurity. The UN took over security in Liberia in October 2003He is charged with crimes against humanity, subsuming ECOMIL into violations of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), a force that grew to its present size Geneva Conventions and "other serious violations of over 12international humanitarian law".<ref>Special Court for Sierra Leone,000 troops and 1,148 police officershttp://www.sc-sl.org/Documents/SCSL-03-01-PT-263. pdf</ref>

The October 11, 2005 presidential and legislative elections In addition to focusing her early efforts to restore basic services like water and electricity to the subsequent November 8capital of Monrovia, 2005 presidential runJohnson-off were the most free, fair, Sirleaf has established a [[Truth and peaceful elections in Reconciliation Commission (Liberia)|Truth and Reconciliation Commission]] to address crimes committed during the later stages of Liberia's historylong civil war. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf defeated international soccer star George Weah 59<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.4% to 40irinnews.6% to become org/report.aspx?reportid=58220|accessdate=2008-05-16|work=IRIN Africa's first democratically elected female president. |title=LIBERIA: War-battered nation launches truth commission}}</ref> She was inaugurated in January 2006 and formed a government of technocrats drawn from among is also working to re-establish Liberia's ethnic groups food independence. Johnson-Sirleaf also requested that Nigeria extradite accused war criminal and including members of profiteer [[Charles G. Taylor|Charles Taylor]].Addressing graduating students at the Liberian diaspora who had returned 2008 commencement ceremony at [[Dartmouth College]], Johnson-Sirleaf stated that Liberia is on "a new path" and pledged to "build the country to rebuild government institutions. The president's partyof justice, the Unity Party, does not control the legislaturehuman rights and participatory democracy, strong systems of governance in which 12 of rights are respected and institutions serve the 30 registered political parties public good and natural resources are representedused for the benefit of all. [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~news/releases/2008/06/08a. html]"

The political === Human rights situation has remained stable since the 2005 elections. The Government of Liberia has made positive strides aimed at political stability and economic recovery. President Sirleaf has taken a public stance against corruption and has dismissed several government officials. The President is supported by highly experienced and technically competent senior officials, and the public has more confidence in her administration than in any of its recent predecessors. President Sirleaf enjoys good relations with international organizations and donor governments, with whom she is working closely on Liberia's development. The national legislature has enacted several key reforms. ===

In order [[Amnesty International]] summarizes in its Annual Report 2006: "Sporadic outbreaks of violence continued to maintain stability through threaten prospects of peace. Former rebel fighters who should have been disarmed and demobilized protested violently when they did not receive benefits. Slow progress in reforming the post-conflict periodpolice, Liberia's security sector reform efforts have led to judiciary and the disarmament criminal justice system resulted in systematic violations of more than 100due process and vigilante violence against criminal suspects. Laws establishing an Independent National Commission on Human Rights and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission were adopted. Over 200,000 ex-combatantsinternally displaced people and refugees returned to their homes, although disputes over land and property appropriated during the wholesale U.Swar raised ethnic tensions.-led reconstruction of UN sanctions on the Armed Forces of Liberia, trade in diamonds and a UN-led effort timber were renewed. Those responsible for human rights abuses during the armed conflict continued to overhaul the Liberian National Policeenjoy impunity. The mandate of UNMIL has been extended UN Security Council gave peacekeeping forces in Liberia powers to September 2008 arrest former President Taylor and a gradual drawdown will commence in 2008transfer him to the Special Court for [[Sierra Leone]] if he should return from [[Nigeria]], where he continued to last several yearsreceive asylum. During this period the Government of Liberia and its development partners will focus made a commitment to abolish [[capital punishment]]. A new law on creating jobsrape, attracting investmentwhich initially proposed imposition of the death penalty for gang rape, and providing education and other essential services was amended to Liberia's communities. The Government provide a maximum penalty of life imprisonment."<ref>[[Amnesty International]], {{note|Amnesty}} [http://web.amnesty.org/report2006/lbr-summary-eng Report 2006]</ref> Former 22nd president [[Charles Taylor (Liberia won substantial donor support for its new Poverty Reduction Strategy at )|Charles Taylor]] was later captured trying to escape across the June 2008 Liberia Poverty Reduction Forum border of Cameroon and has been sent to the [[International Criminal Court]] in Berlin, Germany[[The Hague]] for trial.

{| style="width: 100%; background:transparent; border: 2px solid #000099;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"!colspan=2 style="width: 100%; text-align: center; background-color: #000088; color: white; "|Liberia'''Copyright Details'''|-!style="background-color: #000088; color:white;"|License:|style=" background-color: none;"| <small>This work is s watershed tends to move in a southwestern pattern towards the sea as new rains move down the forested plateau off the inland mountain range of [[Public DomainGuinée Forestière]] , in [[Guinea]]. [[Cape Mount]] near the United States because it is a work of border with [[Sierra Leone]] receives the United States Federal Government under most precipitation in the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the Unation.S. Code</small>|-!styleref name=" background-color: #000088; color:white;eowg"|Source:|style/> The country's main northwestern boundary is traversed by the Mano River while its southeast limits are bounded by the [[Cavalla River]].<ref name="background-color: none;border-top: 2px solid blackeowg"| <small/>File available from the {{{1Liberia's three largest rivers are [[Saint Paul River|St. Paul]] exiting near [[United States Federal GovernmentMonrovia]] , the river St. John at [http://www[Buchanan, Liberia|Buchanan]] and the Cestos River, all of which flow into the Atlantic.stateThe Cavalla is the longest river in the nation at {{convert|515|km|mi}}.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/6618.htm]<ref name="eowg"/small>}}}. |}

Liberia's highest point is [[Mount Wuteve]] at {{convert|1380|m|ft}} above sea level in the northwestern Liberia range of the [[West Africa Mountains]] and the [[Guinea Highlands]].<ref name="eowg"/> However, [[Mount Nimba]] near [[Yekepa]], is taller at 1,752 meters (5,748 ft) above sea level but is not wholly within Liberia as Nimba shares a border with [[Guinea]] and [[Côte d'Ivoire]] (Ivory Coast) and is their tallest mountain as well.<ref> Financial Time's World Desk Reference (2004) Dorling Kindersley Publishing. p 368</ref> == Counties and districts =={{main|Counties of Liberia|Districts of Liberia|Clans of Liberia}}Liberia is divided into 15 [[Counties of Liberia|counties]], which are subdivided into [[districts]], and further subdivided into ''clans''. The counties are: <table><td><ol><li> [[Bomi County|Bomi]]<li> [[Bong County|Bong]]<li> [[Gbarpolu County|Gbarpolu]]<li> [[Grand Bassa County|Grand Bassa]]<li> [[Grand Cape Mount County|Grand Cape Mount]]</td><td><ol start=6><li> [[Grand Gedeh County|Grand Gedeh]]<li> [[Grand Kru County|Grand Kru]]<li> [[Lofa County|Lofa]]<li> [[Margibi County|Margibi]]<li> [[Maryland County, Liberia|Maryland]]</td><td><ol start=11><li> [[Montserrado County|Montserrado]]<li> [[Nimba County|Nimba]]<li> [[River Cess County|River Cess]]<li> [[River Gee County|River Gee]]<li> [[Sinoe County|Sinoe]]</ol></td></table> == Economy =={{main|Economy of Liberia}}Historically, the Liberian economy depended heavily on [[iron ore]] and [[rubber]] exports, [[foreign direct investment]], as well as the export of its other natural resources, such as timber.<ref name="eowg"/> Agricultural products include livestock (goats, pigs, cattle) and rice, the staple food.<ref name="eowg"/> Fish are raised on inland farms and caught along the coast.<ref name="eowg"/> Other foods are imported to support the population.<ref name="eowg"/> Electricity is provided by dams and oil-fired plants.<ref name="eowg"/> Foreign trade was primarily conducted for the benefit of the Americo-Liberian elite, with trade between foreigners and indigenous Liberians severely restricted throughout most of its history by the 1864 Ports of Entry Act. Little foreign direct investment benefited the 95% majority population, who were often subjected to forced labor on foreign concessions. Liberian law often did not protect indigenous Liberians from the extraction of rents and arbitrary taxation, with the majority surviving on subsistence farming and low wage work on foreign concessions. While official export figures for commodities declined during the 1990’s civil war as many investors fled, Liberia’s wartime economy featured the exploitation of the region’s diamond wealth, with the country acting as a major trader in Liberian, Sierra Leonian and Angolan [[conflict diamonds]], exporting over $300 million in diamonds annually. This led to a [[United Nations]] ban on Liberian diamond exports, which was lifted on April 27, 2007. Other commodity exports continued during the war, in part due to illicit agreements struck between Liberia’s warlords and foreign concessionaires. Looting and war profiteering destroyed nearly the entire infrastructure of the country, such that the Monrovian capital was without running water and electricity (except for fuel-powered generators) by the time the first elected post-war government began to institute development and reforms in 2006. Although some official exporting and legitimate business activity resumed once the hostilities ended (for instance, Liberia signed a new deal with steel giant [[Mittal Steel Company|Mittal]] for the export of iron ore in summer 2005), as of mid-2006 Liberia was dependent on foreign aid, and carried a debt overhang of $3.5 billion. Liberia currently{{when}} has an approximate 85% unemployment rate, the second highest in the world, behind only [[Nauru]].{{Fact|date=October 2008}} [[Image:Liberiancurrency.jpg|thumb|250px|Nineteenth-century Liberian two-dollar bill.]]The Liberia dollar currently trades against the US dollar at a ratio of 57:1. Liberia used the US dollar as its currency from 1943 until it reversed dollarization in 1982. Its external debt ($3.5 billion) is huge in comparison to its GDP (approx $2.5 billion/year); it annually imports approximately $4.839 billion in goods while it exports only about $910 million. Inflation is falling, but still significant (dropping from 15% in 2003 to 4.9% in the 3rd quarter of 2005); interest rates are high, with the average lending rate listed by the Central Bank of Liberia at 17.6% for 3rd quarter 2005 (although the average time deposit rate was only .4%, and CD rate only 4.4%, barely keeping pace with inflation). It continues to suffer with poor economic performance due to a fragile security situation, the devastation wrought by its long war, its lack of infrastructure, and necessary human capital to help the country recover from the scourges of conflict and corruption.{{Fact|date=October 2008}} Liberia has one of the world's largest national registries of ships, due to its status as a "[[flag of convenience]]". == Demographics =={{main|Demographics of Liberia}}The population of over 3 million comprises 16 indigenous ethnic groups and various foreign minorities. Indigenous peoples comprise about 95% of the population, the largest of which are the [[Kpelle people|Kpelle]] in central and western Liberia. Americo-Liberians, who are descendants of African-American [[settler]]s makeup 2.5% of the population and Congo people (descendants of repatriated [[Kongo people|Congo]] and Afro-[[Caribbean]] slaves who arrived in 1825) make up an estimated 2.5% of the population.<ref>http://www.theperspective.org/rewriting_history.html</ref><ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/li.html</ref> There also is a sizable number of [[Lebanon|Lebanese]], [[India]]ns, and other West African nationals who make up a significant part of Liberia's business community. A few whites (estimated at 18,000 in 1999; probably fewer now) reside in the country.<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/li.html</ref> As of 2006, Liberia has the highest [[List of countries by population growth rate|population growth rate]] in the world (4.50%). Similar to its neighbors, it has a large youth population, with half of the population being under the age of 18. == Culture =={{main|Culture of Liberia}}Liberia was traditionally noted for its hospitality, academic institutions, cultural skills, and arts/craft works—Liberia has a long, rich history in textile arts and quilting. The free and former US slaves who emigrated to Liberia brought with them their sewing and quilting skills. The [http://www.disc.wisc.edu/Liberia/ 1843 Liberian census] indicated a variety of occupations, including hatter, milliner, seamstress and tailor. Liberia hosted National Fairs in 1857 and 1858 in which prizes were awarded for various needle arts. One of the most well-known Liberian quilters was [http://www.npg.org.uk/live/search/portrait.asp?LinkID=mp63618&rNo=0&role=sit Martha Ann Ricks], who presented a quilt featuring the famed Liberian coffee tree to Queen Victoria in 1892. In modern times, Liberian presidents would present quilts as official government gifts. The [http://www.jfklibrary.org/ John F. Kennedy Library and Museum] collection includes a cotton quilt by Mrs. Jemima Parker which has portraits of both Liberian president William Tubman and JFK. Zariah Wright-Titus founded the Arthington (Liberia) Women's Self-Help Quilting Club (1987). In the early 1990s, Kathleen Bishop documented examples of [http://hartcottagequilts.com/Liberia.htm appliquéd Liberian quilts.] When current Liberian President [[Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf]] moved into the Executive Mansion, she reportedly had a Liberian-made quilt installed in her presidential office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200603240593.html?page=2|accessdate=2008-05-16|title=Liberia: It's the Little Things - A Reflection on Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's Journey to the Presidency|work=allAfrica.com}}</ref> The tallest man-made structure of Africa, the mast of former [[Omega Navigation System#Paynesville_Omega_Transmitter|Paynesville Omega transmitter]] is situated in Liberia. == Education =={{Main|Education in Liberia}}The [[University of Liberia]] is located in [[Monrovia]]. Opened in 1862, it is one of [[Africa|Africa's]] oldest institutes of higher learning. Civil war severely damaged the university in the 1990s, but the university has begun to rebuild following the restoration of peace. [[Cuttington University]] was established by the [[Episcopal Church of the USA]] (ECUSA) in 1889; its campus is currently located in Suakoko, [[Bong County]] (120 miles north of [[Monrovia]]). According to statistics published by [[UNESCO]] for 2004 65% of [[Primary education|primary-school age]] and 24% of [[Secondary education|secondary-school age]] children were enrolled in school.<ref>[http://www.uis.unesco.org/profiles/EN/EDU/countryProfile_en.aspx?code=4300 UNESCO Schooling data]</ref> This is a significant increase on previous years, the statistics also show substantial numbers of older children going back to earlier school years. == See also ==*[[List of Liberian people]] ==References=={{reflist|2}} ==Bibliography==*Gilbert, Erik & Reynolds, Jonathon T (2004) ''Africa in World History, From Prehistory to the Present''. Pearson Education Canada Ltd pg 357 ISBN-13 9780130929075*Merriam Webster Inc. (1997) ''Merriam Webster's Geographical Dictionary: 3rd Edition''. Merriam Webster Inc. Springfield, Mass. ISBN 0877795460*Runn-Marcos, K. T. Kolleholon, B. Ngovo (2005)[http://www.cal.org/co/liberians/liberian_050406_1.pdf ''Liberians: An Introduction to their History and Culture'']. Center for Applied Linguistics, Washington, DC == Further reading == * ''Great Tales of Liberia'' by Wilton Sankawulo. Dr. Sankawulo is the compiler of these tales from Liberia and about Liberian culture. Published by Editura Universitatii "Lucian Blaga";; din Sibiu, Romania, 2004. - ISBN 973-651-838-8* ''Sundown at Dawn: A Liberian Odyssey'' by Wilton Sankawulo. Recommended by the Cultural Resource Center, Center for Applied Linguistics for its content concerning Liberian culture. ISBN 0-9763565-0-3*http://www.analystliberia.com/featurearticle_aug20_07.html*http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/africa/07/23/twih.liberia/index.html* ''Mississippi in Africa: The Saga of the Slaves of Prospect Hill Plantation and Their Legacy in Liberia Today'', by Alan Huffman (Gotham Books, 2004)* ''To Liberia: Destiny's Timing'', by Victoria Lang (Publish America, Baltimore, 2004, ISBN 1-4137-1829-9). A fast-paced gripping novel of the journey of a young Black couple fleeing America to settle in the African motherland of Liberia.* '' Liberia: The Heart of Darkness'' by Gabriel I. H. Williams, Publisher: Trafford Publishing (July 6, 2006) ISBN-10: 1553692942* ''Liberia: Portrait of a Failed State'' by John-Peter Pham, ISBN-10: 1594290121*[[Godfrey Mwakikagile]], ''Military Coups in West Africa Since The Sixties'', Chapter Eight: Liberia: 'The Love of Liberty Brought Us Here,' pp. 85 - 110, Nova Science Publishers, Inc., Huntington, New York, 2001; Godfrey Mwakikagile, ''The Modern African State: Quest for Transformation'', Chapter One: The Collapse of A Modern African State: Death and Rebirth of Liberia, pp. 1 - 18, Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2001. == External links ==* [http://allafrica.com/liberia/ allAfrica.com - ''Liberia''] news headlines* {{wikitravel}}* [http://www.liberianobserver.com/ Liberian Observer] newspaper* [http://www.CuttingtonChronicle.com Cuttington Chronicle - ''Student Newspaper of Cuttington University in Suakoko, Liberia'']* [http://www.Cuttington.org Cuttington University - ''Liberia's oldest university'']* [http://www.c-span.org/search/basic.asp?ResultStart=1&ResultCount=10&BasicQueryText=sirleaf&image1.x=21&image1.y=14 Johnson-Sirleaf presidential speeches from CSPAN]* {{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/li.html|accessdate=2008-05-16|title=Liberia|work=CIA - The World Factbook}}* {{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/6618.htm|accessdate=2008-05-16|title=Liberia |month=April|year=2008|publisher=US State Department|author=Bureau of African Affairs}}*[http://library.lawschool.cornell.edu/WhatWeHave/SpecialCollections/LiberianLaw/index.cfm Liberian Law] - Cornell Law Library - contains digitized documents dealing with the creation of the nation of Liberia and the laws enacted at its foundation, as well as extensive links for further research {{Template group| list ={{Liberia topics}}{{Countries of Africa}}{{South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone}}{{Member states of the African Union}}{{Niger-Congo-speaking}}}} <!-- Categories -->[[Category:Liberia| ]]<!--Please do not move this article from its correct and standard position at the head of its own category.-->[[Category:African Union member states]][[Category:Economic Community of West African States]][[Category:English-speaking countries and territories]][[Category:Least Developed Countries]][[Category:States and territories established in 1847]] <!-- Other languages -->[[af:Liberië]][[als:Liberia]][[am:ላይቤሪያ]][[ar:ليبيريا]][[an:Liberia]][[frp:Libèria]][[ast:Liberia]][[az:Liberiya]][[bn:লাইবেরিয়া]][[zh-min-nan:Liberia]][[be-x-old:Лібэрыя]][[bar:Liberia]][[bo:ལི་པེ་ལའི་ཡ]][[bs:Liberija]][[br:Liberia]][[bg:Либерия]][[ca:Libèria]][[cv:Либери]][[ceb:Liberia]][[cs:Libérie]][[cy:Liberia]][[da:Liberia]][[de:Liberia]][[dv:ލައިބީރިއާ]][[et:Libeeria]][[el:Λιβερία]][[es:Liberia]][[eo:Liberio]][[eu:Liberia]][[ee:Liberia]][[fa:لیبریا]][[ff:Labiriyaa]][[fo:Liberia]][[fr:Libéria]][[fy:Libearia]][[ga:An Libéir]][[gv:Yn Laibeer]][[gd:Libèiria]][[gl:Liberia]][[ko:라이베리아]][[hy:Լիբերիա]][[hi:लाइबेरिया]][[hr:Liberija]][[io:Liberia]][[ilo:Liberia]][[bpy:লাইবেরিয়া]][[id:Liberia]][[ie:Liberia]][[is:Líbería]][[it:Liberia]][[he:ליבריה]][[jv:Liberia]][[pam:Liberia]][[kn:ಲೈಬೀರಿಯ]][[ka:ლიბერია]][[kk:Либерия]][[kw:Liberi]][[sw:Liberia]][[kg:Liberia]][[ht:Liberya]][[ku:Lîberya]][[la:Liberia]][[lv:Libērija]][[lb:Liberia]][[lt:Liberija]][[lij:Libeïa]][[li:Liberia]][[ln:Liberia]][[hu:Libéria]][[mk:Либерија]][[ml:ലൈബീരിയ]][[mr:लायबेरिया]][[ms:Liberia]][[nah:Liberia]][[nl:Liberia]][[ja:リベリア]][[no:Liberia]][[nn:Liberia]][[nrm:Libérie]][[nov:Liberia]][[oc:Libèria]][[uz:Liberiya]][[ps:لايبېريا]][[pms:Liberia]][[nds:Liberia]][[pl:Liberia]][[pt:Libéria]][[crh:Liberiya]][[ro:Liberia]][[rm:Liberia]][[qu:Libirya]][[ru:Либерия]][[se:Liberia]][[sa:लायबीरिया]][[sq:Liberia]][[scn:Libberia]][[simple:Liberia]][[sk:Libéria]][[sl:Liberija]][[sr:Либерија]][[sh:Liberija]][[fi:Liberia]][[sv:Liberia]][[tl:Liberia]][[ta:லைபீரியா]][[th:ประเทศไลบีเรีย]][[vi:Liberia]][[tg:Либерия]][[tr:Liberya]][[uk:Ліберія]][[ur:لائبیریا]][[vec:Liberia]][[vo:Liberän]][[wo:Libeeria]][[yo:Liberia]][[zh-yue:利比利亞]][[diq:Liberya]][[bat-smg:Liberėjė]][[zh:利比里亚]]