Liberian

Liberian refers to a person from Liberia, a country on the West African coast, or to things related to Liberia. Liberia is bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire, with a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The capital and largest city is Monrovia. The country declared independence on July 26, 1847, and is often described as Africa's first and oldest republic. It was founded in the early 19th century by freed American and Caribbean slaves through the American Colonization Society.

Liberians are ethnically diverse, with numerous groups such as Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru and Mano, among others. English is the official language; Liberian English and several local languages are widely spoken. Creole vernaculars are common in urban areas.

Liberia operates as a presidential republic within a multi-party system. The country faced two civil wars from 1989 to 1996 and 1999 to 2003, leading to political and social upheaval but transitioning to peace and democratic elections in the mid-2000s. Since 2018, the president and government have pursued post-war reconstruction and reforms.

The economy relies on natural resources and agriculture, with rubber, iron ore, timber and palm oil among major exports. The Liberian dollar is legal tender, but the United States dollar is also widely used for transactions and pricing. The flag features a white star and stripes reminiscent of the United States flag, symbolizing historic ties.

Liberia has a coastal climate that supports tropical forests and savannas. Christianity is the predominant religion, with a Muslim minority; education and healthcare remain ongoing development priorities.