Liberia is located in West Africa. To get acquainted with the culture and customs of the people of Liberia, stay with Saed News.
Liberia, officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country in West Africa located on the northern coast of the Gulf of Guinea, with its capital at Monrovia. It borders Sierra Leone to the north, Guinea to the northeast, and Ivory Coast to the east, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Liberia was founded in 1847 by freed slaves who had returned from America to Africa and is one of the oldest republics in the African continent. Since the 1990s, the country has been known for its prolonged civil wars as well as its involvement in the Sierra Leone conflict. Liberia has an estimated population of about 5,058,000 people.
Christian denominations in Liberia include Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist Episcopal (AME), Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, United Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, and various Pentecostal churches. Some Pentecostal movements are affiliated with foreign churches, while others are independent. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and Seventh-day Adventists are also present. Christians live throughout the country. In religious context, the term kwi denotes a style of worship in certain Christian churches characterized by formal ceremonies and decorations. Kwi is a Liberian term used to indicate Westernization. Churches considered non-kwi feature more expressive spirituality, including dancing and colorful street processions. Non-kwi churches also have prophets who interpret dreams and visions and prioritize a direct experience with the Holy Spirit. Historically, Liberia’s educated elite viewed kwi churches as literate and non-kwi churches as illiterate. The Muslim population is mostly among the Mandingo and Vai ethnic groups, with the Vai primarily in the west and Mandingo spread throughout the country.
Monrovia’s culture has two clear roots: the Southern American heritage of freed Americo-Liberian slaves and the indigenous African tribes. Most Americo-Liberians belonged to the Masonic order of Liberia, which was banned in 1980 but originally played a significant political role. Immigrants brought embroidery and quilting skills, which are now deeply embedded in national culture. The music and songs of African-American slaves have blended with ancient African rhythms and harmonies and local musical traditions.
Liberia’s diverse tribal ethnic groups enrich its cultural life. Christian music is popular, with hymns sung in symbolic African styles. The region’s ancient spirituality and rituals are reflected in intricate carving styles. Modern Liberian artists have gained international recognition. Traditional dance is a valuable heritage, performed both domestically and abroad by the national cultural troupe. The gradual integration of Liberia’s tribes has fostered renewed interest in the country’s diverse tribal roots.
The official language is English, alongside 29 other local languages. About 19% of the population belong to the Kpelle tribe, 13% to the Bassa, 10% to the Grebo, 7% to the Gio, 7% to the Kru, and 6% to the Mano.
Initially, speaking English was considered very unlucky, but according to David Crystal’s book, English is a global language spoken well by more than half the population in 45 countries (excluding England), including the Philippines, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, Austria, Finland, Malaysia, Belgium, Greece, and Liberia. Although over 20 indigenous languages are spoken, English is the official language and such superstitions have diminished.
Liberians regard the presence of foreigners as a cause of air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) tracks air quality in 1,622 urban locations across 92 countries. Pakistani cities rank as the most polluted, followed by Qatar and Afghanistan. The most polluted European cities are in Turkey, Bulgaria, and Serbia. Australia has the least urban pollution, followed by Brunei and New Zealand, while Liberia ranks 10th, higher than Spain, Japan, the US, and the UK.
In urban areas, Liberians mostly wear Western casual clothing like jeans and t-shirts, whereas in rural areas traditional West African attire is more common. Men typically wear shorts or long trousers with shirts tucked in. Women traditionally wear a long, narrow skirt called a lappa and a loose top called a bubba, often paired with a headwrap. West African clothing is known for its bright and colorful fabrics. Liberia lies only 6 degrees north of the equator, resulting in a warm, humid tropical climate. Travelers should pack lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen in light colors. Clothing in Liberia is more conservative than in the US and Europe. Shorts are acceptable but should reach the knees or longer. Women usually cover their legs up to the knees. When visiting families or Muslim communities, it is best to dress modestly.
Many Liberians cultivate rice, sugarcane, and wheat (starchy roots). Rice is eaten at least twice a day, more than any other starch. Imported or pashawa rice is considered superior to local varieties. Local Liberian rice is often mixed with rocks during harvest. Palm oil or palm butter is commonly served with meals, and palm wine is made from palm nuts. Cassava and potato leaves are boiled and eaten like spinach. Sugarcane is either refined or chewed fresh from the stalk bought at markets.
Fufu (a dough-like food that accompanies most meals) can be made from rice, plantains, cassava, corn, or yams. The starch foods are dried, powdered, boiled, and molded into oval shapes about two inches long. Most Liberians use cassava to make fufu. A variation called dumboy is boiled before cooking. Instead of chewing, fufu is swallowed and is typically eaten with a spicy soup.
Local soups include beef stew with dried squid, tripe, and other smoked fish from the nearby ocean. Hot peppers are used extensively as seasoning, and gray coin-shaped peppers serve as flavoring and preservatives. Favorite dishes include palava sauce, traditionally made with plato leaves (okra), dried fish or meat, and palm oil, and tomato rice served with chicken, beef, bacon, vegetables, and rice. Palava sauce is mainly made in Maryland and Grand Kru regions.
Literacy rate: 35% (estimate from 1985).
Compulsory schooling age: (assumed) 6 to 16 years.
Number of universities: 1.
Liberian media is directed by the Liberia Communications Network (LCN), affiliated with the president. LCN operates a television network and two radio stations. The press is generally connected to this network. Radio France Internationale is also broadcast in Monrovia. Seven press networks operate in Liberia; three are government-run, others are independent. Two government TV stations and several radio stations produce and broadcast programming. Liberia has a news agency called the Liberia News Agency.
Liberia is rich in natural resources but has faced many challenges. The country has repeatedly encountered natural and human difficulties. However, travelers to Liberia will find many unique tourist attractions including pristine beaches, beautiful forests, excellent recreational spots, relatively unknown African sites, and historic places. Rainforests are usually found in remote areas, many of which are unique and possess many attractive features, though some are dangerous due to wildlife.
