History
Did you know that… Liberia and Haiti were the first black republics in the world… In the early 1940s, Liberia formally declared war on Japan and Germany… While Liberia was one of the most prosperous black republics In the early 1950s, South Korea was one of the poorest nations in the world…
World famous Liberians
Did you know that… The leader of South Africa, Nelson Mandela -one of the world icons- admires George Weah, who was born in Liberia. Mandela once said: “George Weah is the pride of Africa.” Who is Weah? George Weah, whose original name is Manneh Oppong Weah, was one of the most outstanding soccer players in the world in the 1990s. This former athlete was discovered by Fernando Shitoli, a Brazilian soccer expert, and in 1995 he was selected as the best player from Africa, Europe and the world. Under his leadership, AC Milan (Italy) and Paris Saint Germain (France) won national championships in the 1990s. During his sports career, he also played for Cameroon, England and the United Arab Emirates. From 1997 to 2004, George became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
In September 1969, Angie Elizabeth Brooks became president of the twenty-fourth session of the United Nations General Assembly. She said: “The United Nations can and must remain the best means of international cooperation that has been available to humanity since the beginning of its history, and we have to care for it, care for it and cultivate it, or else we will one day perish.” . and neither the moon nor the knowledge of space will save us.”
National symbol
Did you know that… The pygmy hippopotamus has become a national symbol of Liberia…
Tourism
Did you know that… The Sapo National Park has been chosen as one of the 261 natural wonders of the world. The spectacular scenery of the Park has made it one of the most popular attractions in the country. This sanctuary contains one of the richest ecosystems on the African continent and has long been famous for its pygmy hippopotamus. Animals in the park also include elephants, Liberian mongooses, African golden cats, leopards, African civets, zebras, gray parrots, chimpanzees, African fish eagles, and monkeys. This park – an area the size of Los Angeles, California – is one of the largest and most intact natural areas in West Africa.
power of women
Did you know that… Lady Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf – the “Mother of Democracy in Liberia” – is the country’s second female president? This nation – one of the poorest in the world – has more women leaders, presidents or prime ministers, than Norway, Sweden and South Korea. The President of Liberia is a well-known advocate for women’s rights in Africa. She has ambitious projects for women and children. The Liberian leader once said: “Sensitivity to human needs. Perhaps that comes from being a mother and interacting with other women, many of whom carry the greatest burden in times of war and peace…”
Ruth Perry had the opportunity to become the first female president of Liberia in 1996.
Democracy
Did you know…? Like Canada, Spain and Ireland, Liberia is a democratic country. This small country held its first multi-party elections in 2005.
United States and Liberia
Did you know that… Many of the people of Liberia are of American origin… Washington supports democracy in Liberia? In 2008, US President George Bush arrived in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, for an official visit. This visit gave the Liberian government an air of respectability. Liberia has always maintained close diplomatic ties with Washington. Several US leaders have visited Monrovia. In 1943 Franklin Delano Roosevelt went to Liberia. At the invitation of US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President William Tubman (1944-1971) visited the United States in 1954…Edwin Barclay, President of Liberia, was the first black president to spend a night in the White House.. .
Geography
Did you know… Liberia (43,000 square miles) is larger than Tennessee (42,146 square miles).
Entertainment
Did you know… Sebah Esther Tubman was one of the “most beautiful girls in Africa” in the late 1990s? Sebah, Miss Liberia, was third runner-up at the 49th Miss World in London in 1999. She defeated 90 delegates, including Miss USA, Natasha Allas, and Miss United Kingdom, Nicola Willoughby…
Human development
Did you know… Human development in Liberia today is considerably better than before the democratic government came to power in the mid-2000s…
anti-apartheid policy
Did you know…? In the 20th century, Liberia fought apartheid in South Africa. In July 1976, the Liberian government supported the anti-apartheid boycott in Montreal ’76. Between 1976 and 1977 Liberia protested against the presence of Miss South Africa in Miss World…
Economy
Did you know that… More than 70 percent of the country’s trade is with the United States, Belgium, Japan and South Korea… This nation is one of the largest exporters of iron ore in Africa… Interestingly, Liberia has one of the main merchant fleets of the Third World…
The capital city
Did you know that… Monrovia, the country’s capital, was named in honor of James Monroe, one of the first presidents of the United States (1817-1825).
UK and Liberia
Did you know that… Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited the country in the early 1960s…
Political leaders
Did you know that… William Tubman was one of the best presidents in Africa? During his rule, Liberia became one of the most stable countries in the Third World. His administration strongly supported that women should participate in political life… Former President William Tolbert (1971-1980) was a close friend of Billy Graham, an evangelical leader in the United States.
The United Nations and Liberia
Did you know that… This African nation signed the Charter of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945…
