ABOUT LIBERIA
Background Liberia, Africa's oldest republic established in 1847, was founded in 1821 through the efforts of the American Colonization Society, and was settled by freed American slaves, who joined the indigenous people of Liberia who largely make up the population. This coastal country, bounded on the north by Sierra Leone and Guinea, on the east by C么te d'Ivoire, and on the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean, thrived as a nation until the brutal 14-year civil war began in 1989. In 2006 history was made when Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected president, becoming Africa's first female ruler. Today, Liberia is on the road to recovery, and the people of Liberia are determined to restore Liberia to the once-thriving nation of export, agriculture, commerce, and tourism.
MONROVIA, LIBERIA MARCH 7&8 2009
General Facts Liberia has an area of 99,067 square kilometers (38,250 square miles) and Monrovia is the capital and largest city. Outside of city limits, Liberia, rich in natural resources like iron ore, rubber, timber, diamonds, coffee and cocoa, teems with more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna. Liberia is comprised of numerous waterways and beautiful rain forest vistas; One of West Africa's most pristine rain forests is the Sapo National Park, a natural wonder for ecotourists. The official language of Liberia is English but at least 17 tribal dialects are also spoken. These include Bandi, Bassa, Belle, Gio, Grebo, Gola, Kissi, Kpelle, Kru, Lorma, Mano, Mandingo, Mende, Sapo, and Vai.
Artwork Milly Buchanan millyb14@yahoo.com & Oudvin Cassell ochirhil@yahoo.com Photography Cachelle Ink Studios www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=34197 Writer/Editor Teri Weefur WeefurWorks www.weefurworks.com Layout Debra Bernard www.dbstylz.com
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