Monrovia, Liberia

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Monrovia, Liberia

Region: Montserrado

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Geographic Coordinates: 6.313300, -10.801400

Climate: Tropical climate with rainy season from May to October and dry season from November to April.

Population: 1021762

Language: English

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Monrovia is the capital city of Liberia, Located on the Atlantic coast in West Africa. It has a population of over one million people and is renowned for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Founded by freed American slaves in 1822, Monrovia was named after James Monroe, Then President of the United States. The city’s architecture is an eclectic mix of styles ranging from colonial to modernist designs. Monrovia has several landmarks that reflect its diverse heritage, Including Centennial Pavilion, City Hall and Providence Island.

The National Museum of Liberia located in Monrovia showcases artifacts that represent Liberian culture and history from pre-colonial times until now. The city’s markets are also worth exploring as they offer a wide range of goods at very affordable prices including traditional African fabrics like “lappa” or “kente”. Visitors can also sample some delicious local dishes like fried plantains or cassava leaves soup at these markets. Monrovia boasts several beaches along its coastline offering visitors beautiful views and opportunities for relaxation or water sports activities such as surfing or sailing boats on calm waters near shorelines.

The Mesurado River runs through Monrovia providing stunning views especially during sunset cruises along with mangrove forests lining both sides making it an ideal spot for bird watching too! Despite being hit hard by civil war between 1989-2003, Monrovia has bounced back and is now a hub of economic activity in Liberia. The city’s port is one of the busiest in the region and serves as a gateway for trade with other African countries, Europe, And America.

Monrovia offers visitors a unique blend of African and American cultures with its own distinct identity that makes it an exciting place to visit. Its rich history, Vibrant markets, Beautiful beaches and bustling port make it an attractive destination for tourists seeking adventure or relaxation alike. Despite its past challenges, Monrovia has emerged as a resilient city that continues to grow economically and culturally.

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1. National Museum of Liberia: This museum showcases the country’s rich history, culture, and art.
2. Providence Island: This small island is located in the Mesurado River and is considered to be the birthplace of Monrovia.
3. Centennial Pavilion: This monument was built in honor of Liberia’s centennial celebration in 1947.
4. Waterside Market: As one of the largest markets in West Africa, it offers a variety of goods including clothing, food, and electronics.
5. Liberian National Cultural Center: This center highlights traditional Liberian music, dance, art, and craftwork.
6. Masonic Temple: Constructed by President James Spriggs Payne in 1867 for use by the Masonic Order, this historic building is a must-see attraction.
7. Ducor Palace Hotel: Once considered one of West Africa’s most luxurious accommodations but has been abandoned since the civil war.
8. St Paul’s River Bridge: One of Liberia’s oldest bridges that connects Monrovia to Buchanan City on Grand Bassa County side.
9. CeCe Beach Resort & Spa – A popular beach resort located just outside Monrovia
10. Kendeja National Culture Center – A cultural centre with traditional buildings showcasing different ethnic groups from around Liberia

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Major Industries and Businesses in Monrovia, Liberia

1. Agriculture
• Produces rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and rice
• Backbone of Liberia’s economy and accounts for a significant portion of its GDP
2. Mining
• Liberia has vast mineral resources including iron ore, gold, diamonds, and bauxite which are mined in the country
3. Shipping
• Monrovia is home to one of Africa’s largest ports which handles a large volume of goods that are exported from Liberia to other countries
• Important industry in the city
4. Tourism
• Growing industry with many tourists visiting Monrovia to see its historical sites such as Providence Island and National Museum of Liberia
5. Banking & Finance
• Many banks have their headquarters in Monrovia which serves as the financial hub for the country
6. Telecommunications & Technology
• Startups have been increasing with some companies focusing on mobile app development while others focus on e-commerce platforms
7. Construction & Real Estate
• Growth in construction companies operating out of Monrovia due to an increasing population and need for housing and infrastructure development

Overall, agriculture remains the mainstay industry followed by mining while other sectors are growing at a steady pace due to favorable government policies towards foreign investment coupled with improving infrastructure facilities within the city limits itself making it more attractive for investors looking at long-term growth opportunities within West Africa region itself.

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1. Founding of Monrovia: In 1822, the American Colonization Society founded Monrovia as a settlement for freed American slaves.
2. Joseph Jenkins Roberts: He was the first president of Liberia and served from 1848 to 1856 and again from 1872 to 1876.
3. The Liberian Civil War: From 1989 to 2003, Liberia was embroiled in a brutal civil war that claimed the lives of over 250,000 people.
4. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: She was the first female president of an African nation and served as President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018.
5. Firestone Rubber Plantation: The Firestone Rubber Plantation is one of the largest rubber plantations in the world and has been operating in Liberia since the early twentieth century.
6. William V.S Tubman: He served as President of Liberia from 1944 until his retirement in 1971 and is credited with modernizing many aspects of Liberian society.
7. Ebola Outbreak: In March 2014, an outbreak of Ebola virus disease began in Guinea which quickly spread to other countries including Liberia where it claimed over four thousand lives before being contained by international aid efforts.
8. Amos Sawyer: He served as interim President during Liberia’s transition period following its civil war from November1990 until March1994

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1. National Museum of Liberia
2. Liberian National Cultural Center
3. Providence Island
4. Centennial Pavilion
5. Masonic Temple Building
6. Waterside Market
7. Sacred Heart Cathedral
8. Ducor Palace Hotel
9. Vai Town Cultural Center
10. Monrovia City Hall

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• Monrovia Black Star FC is one of the oldest football clubs in Liberia, founded in 1956. They have won several championships and produced many talented players who represented Liberia at international level.
• LISCR FC is a professional football club based in Monrovia that was founded in 1995. The team has won several local titles and has also competed in international competitions.
• Mighty Barrolle is another popular football club from Monrovia that was founded in 1964. They have won multiple national championships and also represented Liberia at the CAF Champions League.
• BYC (Barrack Young Controllers) is a relatively new football club that was established in 2006 but has quickly become one of the most successful clubs in Liberia, winning multiple national titles and competing internationally as well.

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Cultural Events

1. Liberia Independence Day (July 26)
2. International Women’s Day (March 8)
3. National Unification Day (May 14)
4. Liberia Fashion Week (August/September)
5. Monrovia City Marathon (February/March)
6. Liberian Arts and Culture Festival (December)
7. Kukatonon Children’s African Dance Troupe Festival
8. Kpelleh Cultural Festival
9. Grebo Cultural Festival
10. Mount Nimba Iron Ore Mining Company Annual Parade

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Cuisine

• Jollof Rice – a dish made with rice, tomato sauce, onions, and spices.
• Cassava Leaf Stew – a stew made with cassava leaves, palm oil, meat or fish and other vegetables.
• Pepper Soup – a spicy soup made with meat or fish, pepper and other spices.
• Fufu – a starchy dough-like food made from cassava flour or plantains that is often served with soup or stew.

Restaurants serving these dishes include:

1. The Royal Hotel & Restaurant
2. Mamba Point Restaurant
3. RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas
4. The Cape Hotel
5. The Living Room Bar & Kitchen

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Parks and Recreation

1. Providence Island National Park is a picturesque park that offers sandy beaches, picnic areas, and scenic trails for hiking and bird watching.
2. Mesurado Riverfront Park is a beautiful park that provides stunning views of the Mesurado River. It features walking paths, playgrounds, and sports fields for visitors to enjoy.
3. Waterside Market is an open-air market where visitors can purchase local handicrafts and fresh produce.
4. National Museum of Liberia showcases the rich history and culture of Liberia through various exhibits.
5. Centennial Pavilion is an outdoor venue that hosts concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
6. Monrovia City Hall Plaza is a public square where cultural events take place all year round.
7. Monrovia Beaches are perfect for swimming or relaxing on the sand with several options available to visitors.
8. Gabriel Tucker Bridge is a historic bridge spanning Mesurado River offering breathtaking views of the cityscape.
9. Ducor Palace Hotel was once an iconic luxury hotel located at 40 Ashmun Street in central Monrovia but now abandoned still serving as a landmark in Monrovia.
10. Bomi Hills were one of Liberia’s most important iron ore mining sites from 1950 to 1977 providing significant economic benefits to the country at that time.

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Its All About The Journey.

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