This Is Liberia Now (America In Africa)

In this video I take you from the north of Liberia through the country and head straight to the capital city Monrovia. Before I tell you something about Liberia. This road is one of the several networks of roads started by Africa's first female president, Ellen Johnson, she is the immediate past president of Liberia.

Liberia is a former colony of the United States in West Africa and has been the oldest democracy in Africa since 1848. Liberia's founders sought to replicate American institutions in their new homeland. They established a government modeled on the United States, adopting a copy of the US constitution in 1847. The capital city, Monrovia where we are heading, was named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. American cultural influences left a lasting imprint on Liberia in many aspects.


Liberia went through a gruesome 14 years of civil war. As the reign of Liberian president Charles Taylor crumbled and rebel forces closed in on Monrovia, the capital city, in the summer of 2003, the United Nations and countries in West Africa called on the United States to honor its historical ties to Liberia and intervene to quell the violence before it got out of control.

Eventually, a small group of U.S. Marines and Navy troops landed via U.S. Navy ships, and they helped African peacekeepers bring order to the beleaguered capital. Soon the warring factions chose a transitional government, marking a new chapter in Liberia's history.

Nestled on the shimmering shores of West Africa, Liberia is a land of captivating contrasts, where history and natural beauty merge to create a unique tapestry of experiences. Often called the "Land of the Free," is a place where the echoes of centuries-old traditions harmonize with some signs of progress.

Nature enthusiasts will find paradise in Liberia's lush landscapes. Verdant rainforests teem with exotic wildlife, while pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean beckon sun-seekers. The Sapo National Park, a biodiversity hotspot, offers the chance to encounter elusive forest elephants and vibrant birdlife.

We arrived at one of the country's major towns called Ganta and continued the journey to the capital city Monrovia.

Liberia is endowed with a diverse range of natural resources, making it a potentially wealthy nation. These resources have historically played a significant role in the country's economy, though they have also been a source of conflict.

Liberia has the largest rubber plantation in the world which the US auto industry has depended on for the production of tires for about a century. The country is home to some of the world's richest iron ore deposits. Iron ore mining has historically been a cornerstone of the Liberian economy, with significant exports to countries like China and Europe.
Liberia also has diamond resources, although they have not been as extensively exploited as iron ore. The diamond sector has faced issues related to conflict diamonds and illegal mining. Liberia also has gold deposits, and there has been growing interest in gold exploration and mining in recent years.