LIBERIA - AFRICA'S OLDEST REPUBLIC
Liberia a country with lush rain forests is situated on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Cote d’lvoire and the Atlantic Ocean. The country is struggling to get back on its feet after a 14 year civil war which devastated the whole nation. With Africa’s first woman President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf elected in 2006, the country is on the constant task of rebuilding its shattered land. This country is now gradually opening up to tourists giving them an exciting opportunity to explore this hidden nation and get a glimpse of fascinating society and wilderness.
Liberia mostly has equatorial climate with little variation in the temperature due to its proximity to the equator. The summer is dry from November to April and heavy rainfall from May to October. It also experiences harsh harmattan winds (dry and dusty African wind originating from Sahara) in the dry season. It is thus advisable to carry lightweight clothing of cotton and linen along with some waterproof clothes.
The Liberian history is unique in comparison to other African nations as it is one of those few countries which were not a European colony in the past. This country was founded as a colony by America as a place for the slaves freed in the United States to emigrate here and establish their own government rather than going back to their native countries. The capital of the country Monrovia hence got its name from the fifth president of US, James Monroe who was a great supporter of the colonization and freedom of the slaves. The country’s economy was devastated by a civil war in 1980 but today Liberia is recovering from the economic dislocation and is on the path of development.
ECONOMY
Liberia has abundant natural resources of iron ore, timber and rubber. Exports of iron ore and rubber formed the major part of the Liberian economy along with foreign direct investment. Foreign trade was mainly conducted for the benefit of the American- Liberian class. Agriculture is other major occupation here of the people includes rice and livestock like cattle, goats and pigs. The Liberian massive wealth of Diamonds was plundered during the war time and the country was exploited of its diamond wealth. The currency of Liberia is Liberian dollar which is tied with the US dollar because of its historical ties. It is preferable to carry the hard cash as credit/ debit cards and traveller’s cheques are usually not accepted.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Liberia is divided into different counties out of which most of the people live in Montserrado County hence being the most populous county. 95% of the population consists of indigenous people and the rest are various foreign minorities. Kpelle ethnic group living in central and western Liberia is the largest whereas few Indians, Lebanese and other West African nationals and whites also reside here. Liberia has the highest population growth rate in the world having half of the youth population. Christianity is the main religion comprising of 40% Christians, 20% Muslims and the other 40% following indigenous beliefs. English is the main official language although Bassa, Dan, Kpelleh and Mano are other common local languages.
Liberia is known for its rich history in textile arts and quilting. One of the most famous Liberian quilts featuring the popular Liberian coffee tree was presented to Queen Victoria in 1892 by a Liberian quilter named Martha Ann Ricks. The country is also traditionally acknowledged for its warm hospitality, academic institutions, cultural skills and art/crafts works. Liberia also contains the tallest man made structure of Africa which is the mast of former Paynesville Omega transmitter.
MONROVIA
Monrovia is the capital city of Liberia still emerging from the war zone period of the past. The city has its own charm if the tourists can overlook the bullet scarred building shells. This sprawling city is situated on the coast divided by inlets, lagoons and rocky headlands. It is quite an approachable place extended across a narrow peninsula between the Mesurado River and the sea having small town facilities and a friendly ambience. There are several nightclubs, lively bars and restaurants sprawled on the area around Gurley Street. The tourists can enjoy the unmistakable pep and can go around with some Liberian friends when it’s not raining. There is a bandstand and an amphitheatre at the Providence Island where traditional African music and dance performances are staged. There are also numerous sandy beaches near Monrovia for travellers who would like to take a dip in water in the hot weather. Visitors can relax on the palm-fringed stretch of sand called Silver Beach located just few minutes away from central Minrovia.
ATTRACTIONS
• Sapo National Park
This pristine rainforest located in Sinoe County is home to a great variety of flora and fauna under the lush, humid canopy of West Africa’s forest wilderness. Visitors can explore the nature and wildlife of different animal species including leopards, elephants, giant forest hog and the rare pygmy hippopotamus. The park is accessible only by foot or by river trips from Sinoe River as it consists of largest untouched jungle of Western Africa.
• Church of La Ermita La Agonia
This historic church completed in 1865 is a religious site for the local people which have now been converted into a museum as well. Tourists can know about the rich heritage of the country in this history museum.
• Kendeja National Cultural Centre
This is a popular tourist destination established in 1964 to know about the customs and traditions of Liberia. This centre located along the Atlantic Ocean Beach in Montserrado County gives an insight to the Liberian culture and presents an overall picture of tribal life though exploitation during the civil war caused damage to its cultural implication.
• Firestone Rubber Plantation
There are conducted tours to this plantation which is one of the largest in the world. Visitors can go fishing in Lake Piso and can visit the Kpa-Tawe Waterfalls located almost five hours away from the capital. At Robertsport, some of Liberia’s spectacular beaches can be discovered summing up all this to an interesting day’s expedition.
• Shopping
Shopping in the capital Monrovia is an exhilarating experience offering the tourists elegant shops and boutiques along with modern, air conditioned supermarkets competing strongly with old fashioned stores. Shoppers can stroll through central Monrovia’s side streets crowded with local tailors selling vibrantly coloured embroidered and tie-dyed cloth which they immediately stitch to African and European styles. Apart from the cultural cloth, Liberia is famous for its handicrafts like ritual masks, metal jewellery, beautiful carvings in sapwood, ebony and mahogany and porcelain and reed dolls of the Loma.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Monrovia, the capital of Liberia has an international airport catering flights from Europe and other parts of Africa. Astraeus Airlines and SN Brussels Airlines have weekly flights from Europe to Monrovia, whereas Bellview Airlines and Slok Air International have flights from Nigeria and Senegal respectively. Travellers can also enter the country through the border the borders of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Abidjan although the highways are deteriorated due to heavy rainfall and lack of maintenance. There are bush taxis and cross border bus service available to travel within and outside the country. Rental cars are also available to hire from some hotels. Travelling by water in boats is also possible between Conakry and Monrovia and enquiries can be made at the city’s port.
The communication system in Liberia is developing with time and new technologies of internet and mobile phones. There are several internet cafes and good mobile network in Monrovia and surrounding areas. The telephone line is being gradually extended throughout the country. TV and press are privatised with daily circulation of newspapers like The Analyst, Daily Observer and The News.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Liberia has a range of restaurants serving multi cuisines like American, Asian, Chinese, European, Lebanese and African at reasonable prices. Goat soup is a national favourite and can be tried with rice bread made with mashed bananas. Tourists can also try the unusual West African specialities in ‘cookhouses’ serving traditional Liberian dishes with rice which is their staple diet. Among the drinks, ginger beer and palm wine are quite popular along with the local produce of excellent beer.
There are good hotels of international standard and at very reasonable prices though they can be quite expensive as per local standards. There are expensive to a range of cheap motels and hotels available suiting needs of all kinds of visitors. It is advisable to book the accommodation well in advance to get the best deal as per the budget. Youth hostels like YMCA and guest houses are also available at good economic rates. Travellers who like to roam around can go for camping and caravanning near national parks as it is free of cost but one should be cautious of the site where to camp.
Though Liberia is not on the top list of preferred tourist destinations, it is a worth visiting country for its superbly warm and fascinatingly enigmatic society. Travelers must read Graham Greene’s Journey without Maps which gives an reminiscent description of Liberia during his overland trip across the country in 1935.
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