The Country of Liberia
This paper is about a small country on the west coast of Africa called Liberia.
It is a country built with the help of The American Colonization Society. It was
established to place freed blacks in the days of slavery in the United States in
the 1800s. The government was modeled after the United States. Monrovia, the
capital and principal, port is named after a president of the united states,
James Monroe. This country has historical significance for african Americans.
As Africa's oldest republic, established by former black American slaves,
Liberia played and important role as a model for African colones seeking
independence.
HISTORY
Liberia's tribal peoples migrated to the area between the 12th and 16th
centuries. The Portuguese arrived in 1461 and began a trade in ivory, pepper,
and later in slaves. In 1820, the first colonists arrived. Their successful
settlement was named Monrovia in 1824. More colonists gradually arrived and
established separate colonies. In 1847 the colonies united and Liberia became
the first independent republic in black Africa.
The new nation faced many problems. Some of them were tribal wars, low
exports, and land claimed by other countries. Liberia was able to maintain its
independence only with the help of the United States. Following World War II,
the modern port, airport, hospitals, hydroelectric station, and other projects,
all financed by the United States, were opened. There has been frequent
military conflicts and civil wars. In August 1990, forces from several African
countries entered Liberia to try and stop the bloody civil wars. The fighting
only became worse and the Prospects of a negotiated settlement were dim.
LAND AND RESOURCES
Liberia's straight sandy coast is 350 miles long. It is broken by
lagoons and mangrove swamps. It gives way to a low rolling plain about 20 miles
wide. Further inland, foothills ranging in height from 600 to 1000 feet high
are found. They become mountains in the north and east. The highest point in
the country is Mt. Wutuvi which rises to 4,531 feet. Land area of the country
is 43,000 square miles.
Liberia's rivers are short and flow parallel to one another from the
mountains to the ocean. The largest rivers are the St. Paul, St. John, and
Cavalla.
Liberia's tropical climate is hot and humid. The usual temperature
ranges from 60 degrees to 87 degrees. Annual rainfall, as much as 177 inches at
the coast, gradually decreases inland to 96 inches. The rainy season occurs
between May and October. A dusty winter wind blows during December.
There are 90 different kind of usable wood in Liberia's vast timber
resources. Mineral resources include large deposits of iron ore, diamonds, and
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