Liberia / Libéria
Officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2008 Census, the nation is home to 3,476,608 people and covers 111,369 square kilometres (43,000 sq mi).
Liberia's capital is Monrovia. Liberia has a hot equatorial climate with most rainfall arriving in summer with harsh harmattan winds in the dry season. Liberia's populated Pepper Coast is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the sparsely populated inland is forested, later opening to a plateau of drier grasslands.
The history of Liberia is unique among African nations because of its relationship with the United States. It is one of the few countries in Africa, and the only country in West Africa, without roots in the European Scramble for Africa. It was founded and colonized by freed American slaves with the help of a private organization called the American Colonization Society in 1821-22, on the premise American slaves would have greater freedom and equality there.
Slaves freed from slave ships also were sent there instead of being repatriated to their countries of origin. These colonists formed an elite group in Liberian society, and, in 1847, they founded the Republic of Liberia, establishing a government modeled on that of the United States, naming Monrovia, their capital city, after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States and a prominent supporter of the colonization.
A military-led coup in 1980 overthrew then-president William R. Tolbert, which marked the beginning of a period of instability that eventually led to a civil war that left hundreds of thousands of people dead and devastated the country's economy. Today, Liberia is recovering from the lingering effects of the civil war and related economic dislocation.
History
Please go to
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Liberia
Geography
Liberia is situated in West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean to the country's southwest. The landscape is characterized by mostly flat to rolling coastal plains that contain mangroves and swamps, which rise to a rolling plateau and low mountains in the northeast. Tropical rainforests cover the hills, while elephant grass and semi-deciduous forests make up the dominant vegetation in the northern sections. The equatorial climate is hot year-round with heavy rainfall from May to October with a short interlude in mid-July to August. During the winter months of November to March dry dust-laden harmattan winds blow inland causing many problems for residents.
Liberia's watershed tends to move in a southwestern pattern towards the sea as new rains move down the forested plateau off the inland mountain range of Guinée Forestière, in Guinea. Cape Mount near the border with Sierra Leone receives the most precipitation in the nation. The country's main northwestern boundary is traversed by the Mano River while its southeast limits are bounded by the Cavalla River. Liberia's three largest rivers are St. Paul exiting near Monrovia, the river St. John at Buchanan and the Cestos River, all of which flow into the Atlantic. The Cavalla is the longest river in the nation at 515 kilometres (320 mi).
The highest point wholly within Liberia is Mount Wuteve at 1,440 metres (4,724 ft) above sea level in the northwestern Liberia range of the West Africa Mountains and the Guinea Highlands. However, Mount Nimba near Yekepa, is higher at 1,752 metres (5,748 ft) above sea level but is not wholly within Liberia as Nimba shares a border with Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and is their tallest mountain as well.
Other Info
Oficial Name:
Republic of Liberia
Independence:
26 July 1847
Area:
111.369km2
Inhabitants:
3.560.000
Languages:
Bandi [bza] 100,000 in Liberia (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). 50,000 have fled to Guinea (1993 Johnstone). Population total all countries: 107,000. Lofa County, northwest Liberia. Also spoken in Guinea. Alternate names: Bande, Gbandi, Gbande, Gbunde. Dialects: Tahamba, Wawana, Wulukoha, Hasala, Lukasa, Hembeh. Tahamba dialect used for literature. Lexical similarity 96% among the 6 dialects, 83% with the closest Mende dialect. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Southwestern, Mende-Loma, Mende-Bandi, Bandi
More information.
Bassa [bsq] 347,600 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). Population total all countries: 352,600. Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Montserrado counties, central Liberia. Gbii overlaps into Nimba County. Also spoken in Sierra Leone. Dialects: Gbor, Gba Sor, Mabahn, Hwen Gba Kon, Central Bassa, Rivercess Bassa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Bassa
More information.
Dan [daf] 150,800 to 200,000 in Liberia (1993 SIL). Nimba County, north central Liberia. Alternate names: Yacouba, Yakuba, Gio, Gyo, Da, Gio-Dan. Dialects: Upper Gio, Lower Gio, River Cess Gio. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Tura-Dan
More information.
Dewoin [dee] 8,100 (1991 Vanderaa). Montserrado County near the coast and Monrovia, primarily between the Lofa and St. Paul rivers. Alternate names: De, Dey, Dei, Dewoi. Dialects: No significant dialect differences. Lexical similarity 72% with Bassa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Bassa
More information.
English [eng] 69,000 in Liberia (1993). Dialects: Liberian Standard English. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English
More information.
Gbii [ggb] 5,600 (1991 Vanderaa). Nimba County, central Liberia, west of Cestos River. Alternate names: Gbi-Dowlu, Gbee. Dialects: Kplor, Dorbor. Lexical similarity 78% with Bassa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Bassa
More information.
Glaro-Twabo [glr] 4,273 in Liberia (2000 WCD). Grand Gedeh County, northeastern Liberia. Refugees in Côte d'Ivoire. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Dialects: Glaro, Twabo. Minimal intelligibility between Twabo and some Eastern Krahn dialects, but not between Glaro and Eastern Krahn. Lexical similarity 82% with some Eastern Krahn dialects. Glaro and Twabo have 87% lexical similarity. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn
More information.
Glio-Oubi [oub] 3,500 in Liberia (1991). Population total all countries: 6,000. Northeast. Six towns on each side of the border. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Glio, Oubi, Ubi. Dialects: Closest lexical similarity is 75% with Twabo of Liberia and 73% with Trepo of Côte d'Ivoire. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Glio-Oubi
More information.
Gola [gol] 99,300 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). Population total all countries: 107,300. Western Liberia, between the Mano and St. Paul rivers. Also spoken in Sierra Leone. Dialects: Deng (Todii), Kongba, Senje. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Southern, Mel, Gola
More information.
Grebo, Barclayville [gry] 23,700 (1991 Vanderaa). 387,000 all Grebo languages in Liberia (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). Grand Gedeh County. Southeast coast and inland, between Klao and Jabo Grebo. Alternate names: Wedebo Grebo. Dialects: Wedebo, Kplebo. A dialect cluster. Dialects are quite distinct. Many phonological differences with Jabo, which would make literacy difficult if they were combined. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
More information.
Grebo, Central [grv] 29,131 (2000 WCD). Eastern border, including Barrobo. Dialects: Globo, Nyenebo, Dorobo, Borobo, Trembo. Distinct from Gboloo. Dialects may be quite distinct. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
More information.
Grebo, Gboloo [gec] 56,300 (1991 Vanderaa). Eastern Province, Maryland County, eastern border, north of Jabo Grebo. Alternate names: Gboloo, Gblou Grebo. Dialects: Gederobo, Nyanoun, Tuobo, Biabo, Dediebo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
More information.
Grebo, Northern [gbo] 84,500 (1999 LBT). Southeast, Grand Gedeh, Maryland, and Kru Coast counties near the Côte d'Ivoire border, south of Krahn, north of Klao, west of Glaro. Dialects: Chedepo, E Je (Eh Je), Palipo, Gbepo (Gbeapo), Jedepo, Tienpo, Klepo, Fopo-Bua, Northeastern Grebo. Dialect cluster. Dialects are quite distinct. Subdialects of Northeastern dialect are Nitiabo, Sabo, Tuobo, Ketiepo, Webo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
More information.
Grebo, Southern [grj] 28,700 in Liberia (1999 LBT). Eastern Province, Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties, southeastern coast and inland. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Dialects: Glebo (Seaside Grebo), Jabo, Nyabo, Wrelpo. A dialect cluster. Dialects are quite distinct. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
More information.
Kisi, Southern [kss] 115,000 in Liberia (1995). Population total all countries: 200,000. Lofa County, extreme northwest corner of Liberia. Also spoken in Sierra Leone. Alternate names: Kissi, Gizi, Gisi, Kissien. Dialects: Luangkori, Tengia, Warn. Different from Northern Kissi of Guinea. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Southern, Mel, Bullom-Kissi, Kissi
More information.
Klao [klu] 184,000 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). Population total all countries: 192,000. Coastal and inland, Eastern Province. Also spoken in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, USA. Alternate names: Kru, Kroo, Klaoh, Klau. Dialects: Western Klaoh, West Central Klaoh, Central Klaoh, Eastern Klaoh. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Klao
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Kpelle, Liberia [xpe] 487,400 (1991 Vanderaa). Central. Alternate names: Kpele, Gbese, Pessa, Pessy, Kpwessi. Dialects: Dialect differences are slight. Different enough from Kpelle of Guinea to need separate literature. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Southwestern, Kpelle
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Krahn, Eastern [kqo] 47,000 (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC). Population includes 20,000 Tchien (1992 UBS). Northeast near Côte d'Ivoire border. Alternate names: Eastern Kran, Kran. Dialects: Gorbo, Kanneh, Konobo, Tchien (Chiehn). Minimal intelligibility between some dialects and Twabo. Distinct from Western Krahn, Sapo, and Central Guéré. Lexical similarity 93% between Gorbo and Kanneh, 87% between Gorbo and Konobo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Konobo
More information.
Krahn, Western [krw] 47,800 in Liberia (1991). Population total all countries: 60,000. Near the border of Côte d'Ivoire, Grand Gedeh County. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Krahn, Northern Krahn, Western Kran, Kran. Dialects: Gbo, Gbaeson (Gbaison, Gbarzon), Plo, Biai, Gbarbo, Gborbo (Gbobo), Kpeaply. Dialects in Côte d'Ivoire have French influences. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn
More information.
Krumen, Tepo [ted] 2,913 in Liberia (2000 WCD). Glawlo dialect is in southeastern Liberia. Other dialects are in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Southern Krumen, Krumen, Kroumen, Kru. Dialects: Tepo, Bapo, Plapo, Wlopo (Ropo), Dapo, Honpo, Yrepo (Kapo), Glawlo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian
More information.
Kuwaa [blh] 12,800 (1991 Vanderaa). Lofa County, south of Bandi and Loma, north of Kpelle. Alternate names: Kwaa, Kowaao, Belleh, Belle. Dialects: Only minor pronunciation differences exist between the two Kuwaa clans; Lubaisu and Gbade. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Kuwaa
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Liberian English [lir] Alternate names: Liberian Pidgin English. Dialects: Kru Pidgin English. Regional dialects. Classification: Pidgin, English based, Atlantic
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Loma [lom] 141,800 (1991 Vanderaa). Northwest Liberia Loffa County, border area. Alternate names: Looma, Loghoma, Lorma, "Buzi", "Busy", "Bouze". Dialects: Gizima, Wubomei, Ziema, Bunde, Buluyiema. Distinct enough from Toma of Guinea to need separate literature. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Southwestern, Mende-Loma, Loma
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Maninka, Konyanka [mku] North area bordering Guinea. Alternate names: Konya, Konyakakan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding
More information.
Mann [mev] 185,000 in Liberia (1995). Population total all countries: 256,022. Nimba County, north central Liberia. Also spoken in Guinea. Alternate names: Maa, Mah, Mano, Mawe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Mano
More information.
Manya [mzj] 45,400 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). Population total all countries: 70,400. Also spoken in Guinea. Alternate names: Manya Kan, Mandingo. Dialects: Lexical similarity 70% with Konyanka, 66% with Eastern Maninkakan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding
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Mende [men] 19,700 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). Alternate names: Boumpe, Hulo, Kossa, Kosso. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Southwestern, Mende-Loma, Mende-Bandi, Mende-Loko
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Sapo [krn] 31,600 (1991 Vanderaa). Eastern, Sinoe County, and Grand-Gedeh County (Putu). Adjacent to Eastern Krahn, Tchien dialect. Alternate names: Southern Krahn, Sarpo. Dialects: Nomopo (Nimpo), Waya (Wedjah), Juarzon, Sinkon (Senkon), Putu, Kabade (Karbardae). All Western Wè and Sapo dialects are related by 84% to 97% lexical similarity, including some Wè dialects in Côte d'Ivoire. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn
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Tajuasohn [tja] 9,600 (1991 Vanderaa). Sino County, north of Greenville. Alternate names: Tajuosohn, Tajuoso, Tajuason. Dialects: Five clans speaking inherently intelligible dialects. Many can understand Klao, but the reverse is not true. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Klao
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Vai [vai] 89,500 in Liberia (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC). Population total all countries: 105,000. Western. Also spoken in Sierra Leone. Alternate names: Vei, Vy, Gallinas, Gallines. Dialects: Different from Kono. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Vai-Kono
Capital city:
Monrovia
Meaning country name:
From the Latin liber, "free", so named from the establishment of the Liberian state as a homeland for freed African-American slaves.
Description Flag:
The Liberian flag bears close resemblance to the flag of the United States, showing the ex–American slave origins of the country. The Liberian flag has similar red and white stripes, as well as a blue square with a white star in the corner.
The eleven stripes symbolize the signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence, red and white symbolising courage and moral excellence. The white star represents the freedom the ex-slaves were given, above the blue square representing the African mainland.
The flag is seen on many ships around the world as Liberia offers registration under its flag. Shipping companies do this to avoid taxes and restrictions that other countries enforce.
It is estimated that 1600 ships fly the Liberian flag as a flag of convenience; this brings in much of the country's revenue.
Coat of arms:
The Coat of Arms of Liberia consists of a shield containing a picture of 19th century ship arriving in Liberia. The ship symbolizes the ships which brought the freed slaves back from the United States to Liberia. Above the shield the national motto of Liberia appears on a scroll: The love of liberty brought us here, and below the shield another scroll contains the official name of the country, Republic of Liberia.
The wheel barrow and the shovel represent the dignity of labor and hard work through which the nation will prosper. The rising sun in the background represents the birth of a nation. The palm tree, the nation's most versatile source of food represents prosperity.
The dove with a scroll represents the breath of peace
Motto:
"The love of liberty brought us here"
National Anthem: All Hail, Liberia, Hail!
All hail, Liberia, hail! (All hail!)
All hail, Liberia, hail! (All hail!)
This glorious land of liberty
Shall long be ours.
Though new her name,
Great be her fame,
And mighty be her powers,
And mighty be her powers.
In joy and gladness
With our hearts united,
We'll shout the freedom
Of a race benighted,
Long live Liberia, happy land!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!
All hail, Liberia, hail! (All hail!)
All hail, Liberia, hail! (All hail!)
In union strong success is sure.
We cannot fail!
With God above
Our rights to prove,
We will o'er all prevail,
We will o'er all prevail!
With heart and hand our country's cause defending,
We'll meet the foe with valour unpretending.
Long live Liberia, happy land!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!
Internet Page: www.nimacliberia.org
Liberia in diferent languages
eng | arg | ast | bre | cym | dan | eus | fao | fin | glg | ina | ita | jav | lat | lim | lin | lld | mlg | nld | nor | pol | roh | ron | rup | sme | sot | spa | sqi | swa | swe | wln: Liberia
dsb | hrv | hsb | lit | slv: Liberija
hun | por | slk | srd | tet: Libéria
bam | hau | kin | run: Liberiya
hat | tgl | tur | zza: Liberya
cat | frp | oci: Libèria
ces | jnf | nrm: Libérie
crh | kaa | uzb: Liberiya / Либерия
deu | ltz | nds: Liberia / Liberia
est | wol: Libeeria
ind | msa: Liberia / ليبيريا
afr: Liberië
aze: Liberiya / Либерија
bos: Liberija / Либерија
cor: Liberi
epo: Liberio
fra: Liberia; Libéria
fry: Libearia
fur: Liberie
gla: Libèiria
gle: An Libéir / An Libéir
glv: Yn Laibeer
ibo: Laibiria
isl: Líbería
kmr: Lîbêrî / Либери / لیبێری
kur: Lîberya / لیبەریا
lav: Libērija
mlt: Liberja
mol: Liberia / Либерия
que: Libirya
rmy: Liberiya / लिबेरिया
scn: Libberia
slo: Liberia / Либериа
smg: Liberėjė
smo: Laiperia
som: Laybeeriya
ton: Laipelia
tuk: Liberiýa / Либерия
vie: Li-bê-ri-a
vol: Liberän
vor: Libeeriä
zul: iLiberiya
alt | bul | kir | kjh | kom | krc | kum | rus | tyv | udm: Либерия (Liberija)
che | chv | mon | oss: Либери (Liberi)
abq: Либерия (Łiberija)
bak: Либерия / Liberiya
bel: Ліберыя / Libieryja; Лібэрыя / Liberyja
chm: Либерий (Liberij)
kaz: Либерия / Lïberïya / ليبەريا
kbd: Либерие (Liberie)
mkd: Либерија (Liberija)
srp: Либерија / Liberija
tat: Либерия / Liberiä
tgk: Либерия / لیبریه / Liberija
ukr: Ліберія (Liberija)
ara: ليبيريا (Lībīriyā / Laybīriyā); لايبيريا (Lāybīriyā); ليبريا (Lībiriyā)
fas: لیبری / Liberi; لیبریا / Liberiyâ
prs: لیبریا (Laiberiyā); لایبریا (Lāyberiyā)
pus: ليبريا (Laybiriyā); لايبيريا (Lāybīriyā)
uig: لىۋېرىيە / Liwériye / Либерия
urd: لائبیریا (Lāʾiberiyā / Lāʾibīriyā)
div: ލައިބީރިއާ (La'ibīri'ā)
heb: ליבריה (Lîberyah)
lad: ליביריה / Liberia
yid: ליבעריע (Liberye)
amh: ላይቤሪያ (Layberiya); ላይቤርያ (Layberya)
ell: Λιβερία (Livería)
hye: Լիբերիա (Liberia)
kat: ლიბერია (Liberia)
hin: लाइबेरिया (Lāiberiyā); लाइबीरिया (Lāibīriyā); लायबीरिया (Lāybīriyā)
ben: লাইবিরিয়া (Lāibiriyā); লাইবেরিয়া (Lāiberiyā)
pan: ਲਾਈਬੀਰੀਆ (Lāībīrīā)
kan: ಲೈಬೀರಿಯ (Laibīriya)
mal: ലൈബീരിയ (Laibīriya)
tam: லைபீரியா (Laipīriyā)
tel: లైబీరియా (Laibīriyā)
zho: 利比里亞/利比里亚 (Lìbǐlǐyà)
jpn: リベリア (Riberia)
kor: 라이베리아 (Laiberia)
bod: ལི་པེ་ལའི་ཡ་ (Li.pe.l'i.ya.)
mya: လုိက္ဘေးရီးယား (Laiʿbʰèyìyà)
tha: ไลบีเรีย (Laibīriya)
khm: លីបេរីយ៉ា (Līberīyā)
Liberia / Libéria
Officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2008 Census, the nation is home to 3,476,608 people and covers 111,369 square kilometres (43,000 sq mi).
Liberia's capital is Monrovia. Liberia has a hot equatorial climate with most rainfall arriving in summer with harsh harmattan winds in the dry season. Liberia's populated Pepper Coast is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the sparsely populated inland is forested, later opening to a plateau of drier grasslands.
The history of Liberia is unique among African nations because of its relationship with the United States. It is one of the few countries in Africa, and the only country in West Africa, without roots in the European Scramble for Africa. It was founded and colonized by freed American slaves with the help of a private organization called the American Colonization Society in 1821-22, on the premise American slaves would have greater freedom and equality there.
Slaves freed from slave ships also were sent there instead of being repatriated to their countries of origin. These colonists formed an elite group in Liberian society, and, in 1847, they founded the Republic of Liberia, establishing a government modeled on that of the United States, naming Monrovia, their capital city, after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States and a prominent supporter of the colonization.
A military-led coup in 1980 overthrew then-president William R. Tolbert, which marked the beginning of a period of instability that eventually led to a civil war that left hundreds of thousands of people dead and devastated the country's economy. Today, Liberia is recovering from the lingering effects of the civil war and related economic dislocation.
History
Please go to
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Liberia
Geography
Liberia is situated in West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean to the country's southwest. The landscape is characterized by mostly flat to rolling coastal plains that contain mangroves and swamps, which rise to a rolling plateau and low mountains in the northeast. Tropical rainforests cover the hills, while elephant grass and semi-deciduous forests make up the dominant vegetation in the northern sections. The equatorial climate is hot year-round with heavy rainfall from May to October with a short interlude in mid-July to August. During the winter months of November to March dry dust-laden harmattan winds blow inland causing many problems for residents.
Liberia's watershed tends to move in a southwestern pattern towards the sea as new rains move down the forested plateau off the inland mountain range of Guinée Forestière, in Guinea. Cape Mount near the border with Sierra Leone receives the most precipitation in the nation. The country's main northwestern boundary is traversed by the Mano River while its southeast limits are bounded by the Cavalla River. Liberia's three largest rivers are St. Paul exiting near Monrovia, the river St. John at Buchanan and the Cestos River, all of which flow into the Atlantic. The Cavalla is the longest river in the nation at 515 kilometres (320 mi).
The highest point wholly within Liberia is Mount Wuteve at 1,440 metres (4,724 ft) above sea level in the northwestern Liberia range of the West Africa Mountains and the Guinea Highlands. However, Mount Nimba near Yekepa, is higher at 1,752 metres (5,748 ft) above sea level but is not wholly within Liberia as Nimba shares a border with Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and is their tallest mountain as well.
Other Info
Oficial Name:
Republic of Liberia
Independence:
26 July 1847
Area:
111.369km2
Inhabitants:
3.560.000
Languages:
Bandi [bza] 100,000 in Liberia (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). 50,000 have fled to Guinea (1993 Johnstone). Population total all countries: 107,000. Lofa County, northwest Liberia. Also spoken in Guinea. Alternate names: Bande, Gbandi, Gbande, Gbunde. Dialects: Tahamba, Wawana, Wulukoha, Hasala, Lukasa, Hembeh. Tahamba dialect used for literature. Lexical similarity 96% among the 6 dialects, 83% with the closest Mende dialect. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Southwestern, Mende-Loma, Mende-Bandi, Bandi
More information.
Bassa [bsq] 347,600 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). Population total all countries: 352,600. Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Montserrado counties, central Liberia. Gbii overlaps into Nimba County. Also spoken in Sierra Leone. Dialects: Gbor, Gba Sor, Mabahn, Hwen Gba Kon, Central Bassa, Rivercess Bassa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Bassa
More information.
Dan [daf] 150,800 to 200,000 in Liberia (1993 SIL). Nimba County, north central Liberia. Alternate names: Yacouba, Yakuba, Gio, Gyo, Da, Gio-Dan. Dialects: Upper Gio, Lower Gio, River Cess Gio. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Tura-Dan
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Dewoin [dee] 8,100 (1991 Vanderaa). Montserrado County near the coast and Monrovia, primarily between the Lofa and St. Paul rivers. Alternate names: De, Dey, Dei, Dewoi. Dialects: No significant dialect differences. Lexical similarity 72% with Bassa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Bassa
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English [eng] 69,000 in Liberia (1993). Dialects: Liberian Standard English. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English
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Gbii [ggb] 5,600 (1991 Vanderaa). Nimba County, central Liberia, west of Cestos River. Alternate names: Gbi-Dowlu, Gbee. Dialects: Kplor, Dorbor. Lexical similarity 78% with Bassa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Bassa
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Glaro-Twabo [glr] 4,273 in Liberia (2000 WCD). Grand Gedeh County, northeastern Liberia. Refugees in Côte d'Ivoire. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Dialects: Glaro, Twabo. Minimal intelligibility between Twabo and some Eastern Krahn dialects, but not between Glaro and Eastern Krahn. Lexical similarity 82% with some Eastern Krahn dialects. Glaro and Twabo have 87% lexical similarity. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn
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Glio-Oubi [oub] 3,500 in Liberia (1991). Population total all countries: 6,000. Northeast. Six towns on each side of the border. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Glio, Oubi, Ubi. Dialects: Closest lexical similarity is 75% with Twabo of Liberia and 73% with Trepo of Côte d'Ivoire. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Glio-Oubi
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Gola [gol] 99,300 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). Population total all countries: 107,300. Western Liberia, between the Mano and St. Paul rivers. Also spoken in Sierra Leone. Dialects: Deng (Todii), Kongba, Senje. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Southern, Mel, Gola
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Grebo, Barclayville [gry] 23,700 (1991 Vanderaa). 387,000 all Grebo languages in Liberia (2001 Johnstone and Mandryk). Grand Gedeh County. Southeast coast and inland, between Klao and Jabo Grebo. Alternate names: Wedebo Grebo. Dialects: Wedebo, Kplebo. A dialect cluster. Dialects are quite distinct. Many phonological differences with Jabo, which would make literacy difficult if they were combined. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
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Grebo, Central [grv] 29,131 (2000 WCD). Eastern border, including Barrobo. Dialects: Globo, Nyenebo, Dorobo, Borobo, Trembo. Distinct from Gboloo. Dialects may be quite distinct. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
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Grebo, Gboloo [gec] 56,300 (1991 Vanderaa). Eastern Province, Maryland County, eastern border, north of Jabo Grebo. Alternate names: Gboloo, Gblou Grebo. Dialects: Gederobo, Nyanoun, Tuobo, Biabo, Dediebo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
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Grebo, Northern [gbo] 84,500 (1999 LBT). Southeast, Grand Gedeh, Maryland, and Kru Coast counties near the Côte d'Ivoire border, south of Krahn, north of Klao, west of Glaro. Dialects: Chedepo, E Je (Eh Je), Palipo, Gbepo (Gbeapo), Jedepo, Tienpo, Klepo, Fopo-Bua, Northeastern Grebo. Dialect cluster. Dialects are quite distinct. Subdialects of Northeastern dialect are Nitiabo, Sabo, Tuobo, Ketiepo, Webo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
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Grebo, Southern [grj] 28,700 in Liberia (1999 LBT). Eastern Province, Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties, southeastern coast and inland. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Dialects: Glebo (Seaside Grebo), Jabo, Nyabo, Wrelpo. A dialect cluster. Dialects are quite distinct. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Liberian
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Kisi, Southern [kss] 115,000 in Liberia (1995). Population total all countries: 200,000. Lofa County, extreme northwest corner of Liberia. Also spoken in Sierra Leone. Alternate names: Kissi, Gizi, Gisi, Kissien. Dialects: Luangkori, Tengia, Warn. Different from Northern Kissi of Guinea. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Southern, Mel, Bullom-Kissi, Kissi
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Klao [klu] 184,000 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). Population total all countries: 192,000. Coastal and inland, Eastern Province. Also spoken in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, USA. Alternate names: Kru, Kroo, Klaoh, Klau. Dialects: Western Klaoh, West Central Klaoh, Central Klaoh, Eastern Klaoh. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Klao
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Kpelle, Liberia [xpe] 487,400 (1991 Vanderaa). Central. Alternate names: Kpele, Gbese, Pessa, Pessy, Kpwessi. Dialects: Dialect differences are slight. Different enough from Kpelle of Guinea to need separate literature. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Southwestern, Kpelle
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Krahn, Eastern [kqo] 47,000 (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC). Population includes 20,000 Tchien (1992 UBS). Northeast near Côte d'Ivoire border. Alternate names: Eastern Kran, Kran. Dialects: Gorbo, Kanneh, Konobo, Tchien (Chiehn). Minimal intelligibility between some dialects and Twabo. Distinct from Western Krahn, Sapo, and Central Guéré. Lexical similarity 93% between Gorbo and Kanneh, 87% between Gorbo and Konobo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Konobo
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Krahn, Western [krw] 47,800 in Liberia (1991). Population total all countries: 60,000. Near the border of Côte d'Ivoire, Grand Gedeh County. Also spoken in Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Krahn, Northern Krahn, Western Kran, Kran. Dialects: Gbo, Gbaeson (Gbaison, Gbarzon), Plo, Biai, Gbarbo, Gborbo (Gbobo), Kpeaply. Dialects in Côte d'Ivoire have French influences. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn
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Krumen, Tepo [ted] 2,913 in Liberia (2000 WCD). Glawlo dialect is in southeastern Liberia. Other dialects are in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. Alternate names: Southern Krumen, Krumen, Kroumen, Kru. Dialects: Tepo, Bapo, Plapo, Wlopo (Ropo), Dapo, Honpo, Yrepo (Kapo), Glawlo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Grebo, Ivorian
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Kuwaa [blh] 12,800 (1991 Vanderaa). Lofa County, south of Bandi and Loma, north of Kpelle. Alternate names: Kwaa, Kowaao, Belleh, Belle. Dialects: Only minor pronunciation differences exist between the two Kuwaa clans; Lubaisu and Gbade. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Kuwaa
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Liberian English [lir] Alternate names: Liberian Pidgin English. Dialects: Kru Pidgin English. Regional dialects. Classification: Pidgin, English based, Atlantic
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Loma [lom] 141,800 (1991 Vanderaa). Northwest Liberia Loffa County, border area. Alternate names: Looma, Loghoma, Lorma, "Buzi", "Busy", "Bouze". Dialects: Gizima, Wubomei, Ziema, Bunde, Buluyiema. Distinct enough from Toma of Guinea to need separate literature. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Southwestern, Mende-Loma, Loma
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Maninka, Konyanka [mku] North area bordering Guinea. Alternate names: Konya, Konyakakan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding
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Mann [mev] 185,000 in Liberia (1995). Population total all countries: 256,022. Nimba County, north central Liberia. Also spoken in Guinea. Alternate names: Maa, Mah, Mano, Mawe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Southeastern, Guro-Tura, Tura-Dan-Mano, Mano
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Manya [mzj] 45,400 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). Population total all countries: 70,400. Also spoken in Guinea. Alternate names: Manya Kan, Mandingo. Dialects: Lexical similarity 70% with Konyanka, 66% with Eastern Maninkakan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Manding-Mokole, Manding, Manding-East, Southeastern Manding
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Mende [men] 19,700 in Liberia (1991 Vanderaa). Alternate names: Boumpe, Hulo, Kossa, Kosso. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Southwestern, Mende-Loma, Mende-Bandi, Mende-Loko
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Sapo [krn] 31,600 (1991 Vanderaa). Eastern, Sinoe County, and Grand-Gedeh County (Putu). Adjacent to Eastern Krahn, Tchien dialect. Alternate names: Southern Krahn, Sarpo. Dialects: Nomopo (Nimpo), Waya (Wedjah), Juarzon, Sinkon (Senkon), Putu, Kabade (Karbardae). All Western Wè and Sapo dialects are related by 84% to 97% lexical similarity, including some Wè dialects in Côte d'Ivoire. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Wee, Guere-Krahn
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Tajuasohn [tja] 9,600 (1991 Vanderaa). Sino County, north of Greenville. Alternate names: Tajuosohn, Tajuoso, Tajuason. Dialects: Five clans speaking inherently intelligible dialects. Many can understand Klao, but the reverse is not true. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kru, Western, Klao
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Vai [vai] 89,500 in Liberia (1991 L. Vanderaa CRC). Population total all countries: 105,000. Western. Also spoken in Sierra Leone. Alternate names: Vei, Vy, Gallinas, Gallines. Dialects: Different from Kono. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Central-Southwestern, Central, Manding-Jogo, Manding-Vai, Vai-Kono
Capital city:
Monrovia
Meaning country name:
From the Latin liber, "free", so named from the establishment of the Liberian state as a homeland for freed African-American slaves.
Description Flag:
The Liberian flag bears close resemblance to the flag of the United States, showing the ex–American slave origins of the country. The Liberian flag has similar red and white stripes, as well as a blue square with a white star in the corner.
The eleven stripes symbolize the signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence, red and white symbolising courage and moral excellence. The white star represents the freedom the ex-slaves were given, above the blue square representing the African mainland.
The flag is seen on many ships around the world as Liberia offers registration under its flag. Shipping companies do this to avoid taxes and restrictions that other countries enforce.
It is estimated that 1600 ships fly the Liberian flag as a flag of convenience; this brings in much of the country's revenue.
Coat of arms:
The Coat of Arms of Liberia consists of a shield containing a picture of 19th century ship arriving in Liberia. The ship symbolizes the ships which brought the freed slaves back from the United States to Liberia. Above the shield the national motto of Liberia appears on a scroll: The love of liberty brought us here, and below the shield another scroll contains the official name of the country, Republic of Liberia.
The wheel barrow and the shovel represent the dignity of labor and hard work through which the nation will prosper. The rising sun in the background represents the birth of a nation. The palm tree, the nation's most versatile source of food represents prosperity.
The dove with a scroll represents the breath of peace
Motto:
"The love of liberty brought us here"
National Anthem: All Hail, Liberia, Hail!
All hail, Liberia, hail! (All hail!)
All hail, Liberia, hail! (All hail!)
This glorious land of liberty
Shall long be ours.
Though new her name,
Great be her fame,
And mighty be her powers,
And mighty be her powers.
In joy and gladness
With our hearts united,
We'll shout the freedom
Of a race benighted,
Long live Liberia, happy land!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!
All hail, Liberia, hail! (All hail!)
All hail, Liberia, hail! (All hail!)
In union strong success is sure.
We cannot fail!
With God above
Our rights to prove,
We will o'er all prevail,
We will o'er all prevail!
With heart and hand our country's cause defending,
We'll meet the foe with valour unpretending.
Long live Liberia, happy land!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!
A home of glorious liberty,
By God's command!
Internet Page: www.nimacliberia.org
Liberia in diferent languages
eng | arg | ast | bre | cym | dan | eus | fao | fin | glg | ina | ita | jav | lat | lim | lin | lld | mlg | nld | nor | pol | roh | ron | rup | sme | sot | spa | sqi | swa | swe | wln: Liberia
dsb | hrv | hsb | lit | slv: Liberija
hun | por | slk | srd | tet: Libéria
bam | hau | kin | run: Liberiya
hat | tgl | tur | zza: Liberya
cat | frp | oci: Libèria
ces | jnf | nrm: Libérie
crh | kaa | uzb: Liberiya / Либерия
deu | ltz | nds: Liberia / Liberia
est | wol: Libeeria
ind | msa: Liberia / ليبيريا
afr: Liberië
aze: Liberiya / Либерија
bos: Liberija / Либерија
cor: Liberi
epo: Liberio
fra: Liberia; Libéria
fry: Libearia
fur: Liberie
gla: Libèiria
gle: An Libéir / An Libéir
glv: Yn Laibeer
ibo: Laibiria
isl: Líbería
kmr: Lîbêrî / Либери / لیبێری
kur: Lîberya / لیبەریا
lav: Libērija
mlt: Liberja
mol: Liberia / Либерия
que: Libirya
rmy: Liberiya / लिबेरिया
scn: Libberia
slo: Liberia / Либериа
smg: Liberėjė
smo: Laiperia
som: Laybeeriya
ton: Laipelia
tuk: Liberiýa / Либерия
vie: Li-bê-ri-a
vol: Liberän
vor: Libeeriä
zul: iLiberiya
alt | bul | kir | kjh | kom | krc | kum | rus | tyv | udm: Либерия (Liberija)
che | chv | mon | oss: Либери (Liberi)
abq: Либерия (Łiberija)
bak: Либерия / Liberiya
bel: Ліберыя / Libieryja; Лібэрыя / Liberyja
chm: Либерий (Liberij)
kaz: Либерия / Lïberïya / ليبەريا
kbd: Либерие (Liberie)
mkd: Либерија (Liberija)
srp: Либерија / Liberija
tat: Либерия / Liberiä
tgk: Либерия / لیبریه / Liberija
ukr: Ліберія (Liberija)
ara: ليبيريا (Lībīriyā / Laybīriyā); لايبيريا (Lāybīriyā); ليبريا (Lībiriyā)
fas: لیبری / Liberi; لیبریا / Liberiyâ
prs: لیبریا (Laiberiyā); لایبریا (Lāyberiyā)
pus: ليبريا (Laybiriyā); لايبيريا (Lāybīriyā)
uig: لىۋېرىيە / Liwériye / Либерия
urd: لائبیریا (Lāʾiberiyā / Lāʾibīriyā)
div: ލައިބީރިއާ (La'ibīri'ā)
heb: ליבריה (Lîberyah)
lad: ליביריה / Liberia
yid: ליבעריע (Liberye)
amh: ላይቤሪያ (Layberiya); ላይቤርያ (Layberya)
ell: Λιβερία (Livería)
hye: Լիբերիա (Liberia)
kat: ლიბერია (Liberia)
hin: लाइबेरिया (Lāiberiyā); लाइबीरिया (Lāibīriyā); लायबीरिया (Lāybīriyā)
ben: লাইবিরিয়া (Lāibiriyā); লাইবেরিয়া (Lāiberiyā)
pan: ਲਾਈਬੀਰੀਆ (Lāībīrīā)
kan: ಲೈಬೀರಿಯ (Laibīriya)
mal: ലൈബീരിയ (Laibīriya)
tam: லைபீரியா (Laipīriyā)
tel: లైబీరియా (Laibīriyā)
zho: 利比里亞/利比里亚 (Lìbǐlǐyà)
jpn: リベリア (Riberia)
kor: 라이베리아 (Laiberia)
bod: ལི་པེ་ལའི་ཡ་ (Li.pe.l'i.ya.)
mya: လုိက္ဘေးရီးယား (Laiʿbʰèyìyà)
tha: ไลบีเรีย (Laibīriya)
khm: លីបេរីយ៉ា (Līberīyā)