About LR
Location
Liberia is a country located on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Sierra Leone to the northwest, Guinea to the north, Ivory Coast to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and southwest.
Capital
The capital city of Liberia is Monrovia, which is also the largest city in the country.
Population
As of the latest estimates, Liberia has a population of approximately 5.1 million people.
Area
Liberia covers a total land area of about 111,369 square kilometers (43,000 square miles).
Official Language
English is the official language of Liberia, and it is widely spoken and understood throughout the country.
Government
Liberia is a unitary presidential republic with a multi-party system. The President of Liberia serves as both the head of state and government, and the current president is George Weah.
Independence
Liberia was founded as a colony by freed African-American and Caribbean slaves in the early 19th century and declared its independence on July 26, 1847, becoming the first independent republic in Africa.
Currency
The currency of Liberia is the Liberian Dollar (LRD).
Economy
Liberia's economy is primarily based on agriculture, mining, and forestry. The country is rich in natural resources, including iron ore, timber, diamonds, and gold. However, economic development has been hindered by factors such as civil wars, corruption, and poor infrastructure.
Culture
Liberia is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, each with its languages, traditions, and customs. Traditional music, dance, and storytelling are important aspects of Liberian culture, and various ethnic groups have their unique cultural practices and ceremonies.
Religion
Christianity is the predominant religion in Liberia, with a significant portion of the population adhering to Protestantism. There are also Muslim and traditional indigenous religious communities in the country.
Landscapes
Liberia has a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, dense rainforests, and savannas. The country is known for its biodiversity and is home to several national parks and protected areas.
Challenges
Liberia has faced numerous challenges, including civil wars, political instability, corruption, poverty, and the devastating effects of the Ebola virus outbreak in 2014-2016. Rebuilding infrastructure, promoting economic development, and strengthening governance remain key challenges for the country.
National Items of Liberia
Pepper Bird (Liberian Pewee)
The Pepper Bird, also known as the Liberian Pewee (Contopus lugubris), is the national bird of Liberia. It symbolizes the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of the country.
Palm Tree
The Palm Tree is a significant symbol in Liberia, representing the natural resources, particularly palm oil, and the agricultural heritage of the country.
Liberian Jollof Rice
Liberian Jollof Rice is a popular dish in Liberia, made with rice, tomatoes, and various spices. It symbolizes the rich culinary heritage and communal meals in Liberian culture.
Bassa Vah
The Bassa Vah is a traditional script of the Bassa people. It symbolizes the linguistic heritage and cultural identity of the Bassa ethnic group in Liberia.
Liberian Mask
Traditional Liberian masks, used in ceremonies and dances, symbolize the rich cultural heritage, artistry, and spiritual beliefs of various ethnic groups in Liberia.
Gola Forest
The Gola Forest, part of the Upper Guinea forests, symbolizes Liberia's commitment to conservation, biodiversity, and natural beauty.
Pepper Coast
The Pepper Coast, also known as the Grain Coast, refers to the coastal area of Liberia known for its historic pepper trade. It symbolizes the country's historical trade and cultural significance.
Liberian Coffee
Liberia is known for its high-quality coffee. Liberian coffee symbolizes agricultural heritage, economic significance, and global trade connections.
Iron Ore
Iron ore is a major natural resource in Liberia. It symbolizes the country's rich mineral wealth, economic potential, and industrial significance.
Poro and Sande Societies
Poro and Sande are traditional secret societies in Liberia. They symbolize cultural heritage, social structures, traditional rituals, and education.
Liberian Drums
Traditional Liberian drums, such as the Djembe and Bougarabou, symbolize the rich musical heritage, cultural expression, and social traditions of the country.
Liberian Traditional Dress
Traditional Liberian dress, including the "Lappa" for women and "Country Cloth" for men, symbolizes cultural heritage, identity, and traditional fashion.
Mount Nimba
Mount Nimba is a significant natural landmark shared by Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire. It symbolizes natural beauty, ecological diversity, and geological significance.
Liberian Rubber
Liberia is known for its rubber production. Rubber symbolizes the agricultural heritage, economic importance, and global trade connections.
Kendeja
Kendeja is a cultural village in Liberia known for its traditional arts and crafts. It symbolizes the rich cultural heritage, artistry, and traditional practices of Liberia.
Firestone Plantation
The Firestone Plantation, one of the largest rubber plantations in the world, symbolizes the historical and economic significance of rubber production in Liberia.
Providence Island
Providence Island is an important historical site in Liberia, where freed American slaves first settled. It symbolizes the country's historical heritage, foundation, and the struggle for freedom.
These lyrics celebrate Liberia as a land of liberty and unity, expressing pride in the nation's name and its potential for greatness. The anthem also acknowledges the country's history and the struggles of its people while looking forward to a future of freedom and prosperity.
The national anthem of Liberia is called "All Hail, Liberia, Hail!" Here are the lyrics in English:
All hail, Liberia, hail!
This glorious land of liberty
Shall long be ours.
Though new her name,
Great be her fame,
And mighty be her powers,
And mighty be her powers.
In joy and gladness
With our hearts united,
We'll shout the freedom
Of a race benighted,
Long live Liberia, happy land!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!
