Deforestation and drought in the Sahel have affected the climate, lengthening the dry season by almost a month in some areas. It contains the Freeport of Monrovia, the major national port of Liberia and a variety of businesses. Area: 111,370 square kilometers (43,000 square miles) Highest point on mainland: Mount Wutivi (1,380 meters/4,528 feet) Lowest point on land: Sea level. It is located in the Northern and Western Hemispheres. [38] As a result of the report, President Charles D. B. Professor of Geography, East Carolina College, Greenville, North Carolina. Latosols of low to medium fertility occur in rolling hill country and cover about three-fourths of the total land surface. Liberia imports 90% of its rice, a staple food, and is extremely vulnerable to food shortages. Shallow, coarse lithosols, in the hilly and rugged terrain, cover about one-eighth of the land. [68] During the winter months of November to March, dry dust-laden harmattan winds blow inland, causing many problems for residents. [204], A rich literary tradition has existed in Liberia for over a century. Both Sierra Leone and the Ivory Coast annexed territories. [90] The judicial system is a blend of common law, based on Anglo-American law, and customary law. In 1980, political tensions from the rule of William R. Tolbert resulted in a military coup during which Tolbert was killed, marking the end of Americo-Liberian rule in the country and beginning over two decades of political instability. [14], Undated Acheulean (ESA) artifacts are well documented across West Africa. [88] All existing local governmentscities, townships, and a boroughwere created by specific acts of the Liberian government, and thus the structure and duties/responsibilities of each local government varies greatly from one to the other. [34], Liberia remained neutral during World War I until August 4, 1917, upon declaring war on Germany. (2007). [164], According to the 2008 National Census, 85.6% of the population practiced Christianity, while Muslims represented a minority of 12.2%. [citation needed] Liberia struggled to attract investment to develop infrastructure and a larger, industrial economy. Sirleaf's Vision With Passion", "Notes, Presented by Professor and Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, David A. [23], The ACS, supported by prominent American politicians such as Abraham Lincoln, Henry Clay, and James Monroe, believed "repatriation" was preferable to having emancipated slaves remain in the United States. Liberia is divided into 15 counties which are subdivided into 90 and further into clans. PDF A Brief History of Liberia - International Center for Transitional Justice B Bushrod Island P Providence Island, Liberia Islands by country Islands of Africa by country Landforms of Liberia Hidden category: Commons category link is on Wikidata [186][187] A number of highly communicable diseases are widespread, including tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases and malaria. The 7 Best Small Towns In Nevada To Chill Out, 11 Coolest Small Towns in Washington for a Summer Vacation. [20][21] By 1867, the ACS (and state-related chapters) had assisted in the migration of more than 13,000 people of color from the United States and the Caribbean to Liberia. [18] Formed in 1816, the American Colonization Society (ACS) was made up mostly of Quakers and slaveholders. The Dei, Bassa, Kru, Gola, and Kissi were some of the earliest documented peoples in the area. multiparty republic with two legislative bodies (Liberian Senate [30]; House of Representatives [73]), Match the Country with Its Hemisphere Quiz, Which Country Is Larger By Population? [80], The Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria) is a constant presence here. See hiking info, trail maps, and trip reports for every peak. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [117], While official commodity exports declined during the 1990s as many investors fled the civil war, Liberia's wartime economy featured the exploitation of the region's diamond wealth. Founding of Liberia, 1847 The founding of Liberia in the early 1800s was motivated by the domestic politics of slavery and race in the United States as well as by U.S. foreign policy interests. United Methodist University, a private Christian university located in Liberia, West Africa, it is commonly known amongst locals as UMU. [158] Of those, 1,118,241 lived in Montserrado County, the most populous county in the country and home to the capital of Monrovia. Competition for office was usually contained within the party; a party nomination virtually ensured election. [1] Among the president's other duties are to sign or veto legislative bills, grant pardons, and appoint Cabinet members, judges, and other public officials. [49] By July 2003, the rebels had launched an assault on Monrovia. Stella Maris Polytechnic, a post-secondary, private institution of higher learning. [154] Among the companies to have won licenses are Repsol YPF, Chevron Corporation, and Woodside Petroleum. [citation needed] On July 16, 1892, Martha Ann Erskine Ricks met Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle and presented her a handmade quilt, Liberia's first diplomatic gift. On average, children attain 10 years of education (11 for boys and 8 for girls). [66] The inauguration marked Liberia's first fully democratic transition in 74 years. Christopolis was renamed Monrovia after President James Monroe and the colony was formally called Liberia (the free land). [79] A 2004 public opinion survey found that bushmeat ranked second behind fish amongst residents of the capital Monrovia as a preferred source of protein.