Welcome to the “Land of the Free”—Liberia, the oldest modern republic in Africa, located on the pepper-scented coast of West Africa. There are around 6 million people living here, and the capital is Monrovia, named after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. The official language is English, though you will hear over 20 indigenous languages and the widely spoken Liberian Kreyol.

Liberia covers about 111,369 square kilometers (43,000 square miles). The country is roughly the same size as the state of Ohio in the U.S., or about the same size as Bulgaria. The landscape is a lush tapestry of mangrove swamps, rainforests, and rolling coastal plains.

The most popular sport is Football, and the country produced one of the greatest players of all time, George Weah, who later became the nation’s president. Their national animal is the Lion, though the country is more famously home to the rare and elusive Pygmy Hippopotamus.

The flag consists of eleven horizontal red and white stripes with a blue square in the upper corner containing a single white star, where the red and white stripes represent the signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence and the blue square stands for the African continent.

The food is spicy, rich, and heavily influenced by West African and African-American traditions. You must try Dumboy, which is boiled and pounded cassava, or Jollof Rice, a spicy one-pot dish that is a staple across the region. Another favorite is Cassava Leaf Soup, a savory stew made with greens, palm oil, and various meats. Liberia is also famous for its Banana Bread and Rice Bread, which reflect the country’s unique historical ties to the United States.

Liberia is home to the Sapo National Park, which contains some of the last remaining primary rainforest in West Africa and serves as a sanctuary for forest elephants and chimpanzees. The country was founded in the early 19th century by the American Colonization Society as a home for freed African-American slaves, giving it a unique architecture and culture that blends American Southern styles with West African roots. For surfers, the town of Robertsport is considered one of the best “hidden gems” in the world, featuring incredible point breaks and pristine beaches. Liberia is also a major global hub for the Shipping Industry, as it has one of the world’s largest commercial ship registries.

From the bustling waterside markets of Monrovia to the quiet, misty canopy of the inland jungles, Liberia is a land of history and natural abundance. Thank you!