Liberia is a country in the West Africa, bordering Sierra Leone, Guinea and Cote d’ Ivoire. Liberia was the first African republic to proclaim its independence, and she is Africa’s first and oldest modern republic. On the Atlantic coast, the capital city of Monrovia is the home to the Liberia National Museum, with its show case of national culture and history. Around Monrovia are palm-lined beaches like Silver and CeCe. It has population of about 5 million persons, made up of 17 ethnic groups. The dominant religion in Liberia is Christianity (86.2%), followed by Islam (11.7%) and 0.7% for other religions. Liberia is a multilingual country where more than 20 tribal languages are spoken. However, English is the official language. The native languages can be grouped into four families; Mande, Kru, Mel and the divergent Language Gola.
TRENDING FASHION IN LIBERIA
ACCESSORIES IN LIBERIA
Liberia is a country blessed with abundant natural resources such as iron ore, diamonds, gold etc. the jewelries found in Liberia are made from these resources.
TRIBES IN LIBERIA AND THEIR FASHION
Generally, all tribe in Liberia no longer dress in olden ways, the western cloths such as short, skirt, hat, blouse can be worn. But on special occasions like wedding and other traditional event, the Liberia fabric or specific Ankara design can be worn and adorned with jewelries.
The Kpelle people
The Kpelle people, also known as Guerze are hardworking and very humble Mande-speaking people in central Liberia. They are the largest ethnic group in Liberia, known for their agricultural activities. Kpelle region is either focused on God, the ancestors or the forest spirits. There are societal rituals in Kpelle; poro is the secret society for young men, while sande is the secret society for young women, which serves to initiate them into manhood and womanhood.
Kru people
They are located in the eastern part of Liberia, they are famous for their skills in navigating and sailing the Atlantic. They comprise 7% of the Liberia population. Kru people puts on brown and dark red dyed fabric for special occasions. The females sew theirs into gown, skirt and blouse, while the men put on trousers, kaftan and a wrapper tied or flipped to their left shoulder.
TOURIST AND HISTORICAL PLACES IN LIBERIA
A trip to Liberia would be a great one, it has many ancient and historical places to visit, like Museums. There are lots of places for social life activities in Liberia, as well as quiet places to cool off.
Sanniquellie – small town that sits close to international tristate border with a little market in the center
Sacred Heart Cathedral – one of the most important and largest catholic church in the capital.
Sabanero Statue – most popular monument in Liberia. Visitors come here with their friends and families.
Robertsport – the king of all Liberia’s surfing spots, positioned firmly on the forefront of the country’s new tourism drive.
Providence Island – a small landmass best known as the place where liberated American slaves arrived after returning to Africa.
Marshall – it has smattering of empty beaches, backed by verdant pockets of palm forest and mangrove.
Kakata – a highway that departs the capital and delves in the western wilds of Liberia.
Harper – it gives way to the beaches of the Ivory Coast, it shares both natural and human attraction.
Gbarnga – a sprawling ramshackle town that sprout from the sweeping mud plains and forest of Liberia.
Hotel Ducor – a luxury hotel and site of key political meetings, now a decayed but stunning colonial ruin.
Liberia National Museum – it housed photo and art exhibitions as well, the ethnic and historical exhibits.
Bushrod Island – the Island influence runs in this mangrove-fringed port town on the edge of Atlantic.
Buchanan – the beaches are all undeveloped, with swaying palm trees and groups of local children playing in the shallows.
Mount Nimba – the Liberia tallest peak, 1362m above sea level and it can feasibly climb.
Sapo National Park – it is a national park, within it lurk forest elephants, pygmy hippos, chimpanzees etc.
MUSIC IN LIBERIA
The music of Liberia uses many tribal beats and often one of the native dialects or vernacular. Liberia music includes traditional Gbema music, as well as the popular genre Hipco. Liberia’s mainstream musicians are making their mark on the African music industry with a number of strong releases in 2020.
Some musicians in Liberia include:
Juli Endee
Faith Vonic
Some art work in Liberia include;
MEALS IN LIBERIA
Liberian cuisine is centered on the consumption of rice, cassava, plantain, yam, tropical fruits and vegetables, as well as fish, meat and more. There are also some Liberian traditional meals.
Palm butter soup – made by boiling and crushing palm nuts, then cooked with pepper, fish and spiced.
Spicy meat gravy – a subtle, creamy taste with the aroma of meat and African spices.
Jollof rice – rice cooked in tomatoes, onion, salt, spices and chili pepper.
Fried eggplant – diced eggplants fried with assorted meat and shrimps, along with different hot spices.
Torborgee – a spicy and bitter Liberian stew made with torborgee beans and palm oil.
Fufu – an indispensable side dish, popular equally at home as a street food and thanksgiving dinner.
Palm butter soup
Spicy meat gravy
Jollof rice
Fried eggplant
Torborgee
Fufu
Dumboy – a national dish of Liberia, prepared from fresh cassava that is peeled and boiled.
Chicken peanut soup – simmer-cooked gravy made with chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, peanut etc.
Palava – this dish is basically a stew widely consumed throughout the country.
Liberian chicken gravy – African stewed chicken with different kinds of flavor, chicken and seafood.
Liberian Potato greens – fried and curried sweet potato leaves, cooked with meat, ate with rice.
Liberian Pepper kala – dumplings deep fried in oil and served with a spicy dipping.
Dumboy
Chicken peanut soup
Palava
Liberian chicken gravy
Liberian Potato greens
Liberian Pepper kala
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN LIBERIA
The Environmental Protection Agency’s major areas of focus include the formulation of a national environmental policy, the drafting of a comprehensive framework for environmental protection and natural resources management law and reporting on the current status of the environment in Liberia. Liberia is a country, rich in natural resources, such as: iron ore, gold, diamonds and timber as well as a possible emerging oil sector. It is also home to one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world.
CLIMATE CHANGE IN LIBERIA
Liberia is vulnerable to impacts of climate variability and change, such as warmer temperatures, increases in annual rainfall and increases in frequency of heavy rainfall events. These climate change impacts present challenges to the country’s socio-economic development. Climate change have result to heavy rains, storm surges, sea level rise and increased erosion, which has put both urban and rural infrastructures at risk. Furthermore, heavily populated parts of the coast would be affected by frequent waterlogging, increased coastal erosion, and sea-level rise.
GENDER EQUALITY IN LIBERIA
In general, women in Liberia have less access to education, health care, property and justice when compared to men. But women exercise their right and are allowed to participate in politics, academic activities and economic decision of the country. Liberia is the first African country to elect a female as the President of the country.
Prominent women in Liberia include;
Frances Johnson-Morris – Liberian lawyer, who served as chairperson of National Election Commission
Amymusu Jones – Liberian jurist and first woman appointed magistrate of the Monrovia Magisterial court.
Lilian Chris-Ozoko – Lecturer and medical practitioner, College of Medicine, Monrovia, Liberia.
Olubanke King Akerele – Liberian politician and diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Frances Johnson-Morris
Amymusu Jones
Lilian Chris-Ozoko
Olubanke King Akerele
Jewel Claneh Taylor – Liberian politician and current Vice President of Liberia.
Angle Elizabeth Brooks – a Liberian satesman, diplomat and jurist. She was the African female President of United Nations General Assembly.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – a politician, Liberian 24th President and first elected female President in Africa.
Kula Fofana – lecturer, farmer, President of People’s Foundation Africa and CEO of MyNewCrib Reality.
Jewel Claneh Taylor
Angle Elizabeth Brooks
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Kula Fofana
