Liberia where. Meaning of the word liberia. Press, radio broadcasting, television and Internet

14.10.2023

Liberia, which means “Land of the Free,” was founded as an independent state by freeborn and freed African Americans.

Liberia is the poorest country in West Africa and the third poorest in the world. Additionally, Liberia has an unemployment rate of 85% of the population. This level of unemployment is one of the highest in the world.

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Native tribes 1200-1800

Shortly after the conquest of the region by the Mane tribe (former warriors of the Empire of Mali), there was a migration of the Vai people to the Grand Cape Mount region. The Vai were part of the Mali Empire, but were forced to migrate to the coastal areas when the empire collapsed in the 14th century. The Kru peoples resisted the influx of Vai into their territory. The Mane and Kru alliance stopped their advance, but the Vai remained in the Grand Cape Mount area (where the city of Robertsport is currently located).

On July 26, 1847, American settlers declared the independence of the Republic of Liberia. The settlers perceived the continent from which their ancestors were taken into slavery as a “promised land,” but did not seek to join the African community. Arriving in Africa, they called themselves Americans and, both by the indigenous inhabitants and by the British colonial authorities of neighboring Sierra Leone, were considered precisely Americans. The symbols of their state (flag, motto and seal), as well as the chosen form of government, reflected the American past of the Americo-Liberians.

The religion, customs, and sociocultural standards of the Americo-Liberians were based on the traditions of the antebellum American South. Mutual distrust and hostility between the “Americans” from the coast and the “natives” from the hinterland gave rise to the (quite successful) attempts throughout the history of the country by the Americo-Liberian minority to dominate the local blacks, whom they considered barbarians and inferior people.

The founding of Liberia was sponsored by private American groups, mainly the American Colonization Society, but the country received unofficial support from the US government. The government of Liberia was modeled after the American government, and was democratic in structure, but not always in substance. After 1877, the True Whig Party monopolized power in the country, and all important positions were held by members of this party.

Three problems facing the Liberian authorities - territorial conflicts with neighboring colonial powers Britain and France, hostilities between settlers and local residents, and the threat of financial insolvency - called into question the country's sovereignty. Liberia retained its independence during the colonial partition of Africa, but lost a significant part of its previously captured territory in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which was annexed by Britain and France. In 1911, Liberia's borders with the British and French colonies were officially established along the Mano and Cavalli rivers. Economic development in the late 19th century was hampered by a lack of markets for Liberian goods and debt obligations on a series of loans, the payment of which drained the economy.

At the beginning of the First World War, Liberia declared its neutrality, hoping to maintain trade relations with Germany, which by 1914 accounted for more than half of Liberia's foreign trade turnover. However, the blockade of maritime trade routes established by the Entente countries deprived Liberia of this most important trading partner. The import of industrial goods stopped almost completely, and serious difficulties with food arose.

Significant events of the mid-20th century

In 1926, American corporations provided Liberia with a large loan of $5 million.

In the 1930s, Liberia was accused of complicity in the slave trade, as such, allowing labor to be recruited from Liberia for plantations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon was considered; recruited workers were subjected to cruel treatment and were practically treated like slaves. The then President Charles King was forced to resign, and Great Britain even raised the issue of establishing trusteeship over Liberia. The League of Nations Commission confirmed the main points of the charges.

Presidency of Helen Johnson Sirleaf

Her victory in the elections was officially announced on November 23, 2005. She is the first female president of an African country. Former Liberian finance minister Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won the country's presidential election. According to results announced by the election commission on November 23, she received 59.4 percent of the vote in the second round of the presidential election.

Liberia

Republic of Liberia, a state in Western Europe. Africa. 111.4 thousand km2. Population approx. 2.8 million people (1993); kpelle, bakwe, kru, etc., ca. 2% of Americo-Liberians are descendants of blacks who migrated from the United States. Urban population approx. 46% (1990). The official language is English. Believers are Christians, Muslims and adherents of local traditional beliefs. Administrative division: 13 counties. The capital is Monrovia. Lowland plain, in the north - Leon-Liberian elevation. (up to 1381 m in height, Kolahun). The climate is equatorial. Average monthly temperatures are not lower than 24°C. Precipitation ranges from 1500-2000 mm per year in inland areas to 5000 mm near the Atlantic coast. Full-flowing short rivers (Mano, Lofa, St. Paul, etc.). Tropical forests with valuable tree species. Sapo National Park, forest reserves. Since 1821, settlements of liberated blacks began to appear on the territory of Liberia - immigrants from the United States, who united in 1839 and founded the state of Liberia. (1847). Americo-Liberians occupied a dominant position in the state administrative apparatus and economy of Liberia until 1980, when a coup d'état took place in the country and representatives of other ethnic political groups came to power. Liberia's transition to civilian rule was completed in 1986. In 1989, the National Patriotic Front began an armed struggle against government forces. With the help of the Inter-African Peacekeeping Force, a transitional government was created in Liberia in 1990, but the struggle between the warring factions continued. In 1993, an agreement was signed between them on a ceasefire, the creation of a three-party transitional government and the holding of free elections. Liberia is an agricultural country with a developing mining industry. Share in GDP (1989,%): industry 17, incl. mining 10. The main commercial crops are Hevea, coffee, cocoa. Animal husbandry. Wood preparations. Fishing. Mining of iron ore, diamonds, gold. Sawmills, oil refining, food processing, cement and other enterprises. Electricity production 450 million kW. h (1991). The length of roads is 8.1 thousand km, railways (ore transport) 490 km (1987). Main ports: Monrovia, Buchanan, Marshall. Due to low taxes, ships from other countries sail under the flag of Liberia, so the maritime merchant fleet of Liberia formally ranks 1st in the world in terms of tonnage (97 million tons deadweight in 1991). Exports: iron ore, rubber, timber, diamonds, gold, coffee, cocoa. Main foreign trade partners: USA, EEC countries, Japan, etc. Currency unit - Liberian dollar.

Liberia

(Liberia), Republic of Liberia, state in West Africa. Borders on the north-west. from Sierra Leone, to the north and northeast. with the Republic of Guinea, in the east with the Ivory Coast. On the 3rd and south it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Area 111.4 thousand km2. Population 1.57 million (1972 estimate). The capital is Monrovia. Administratively, it is divided into 9 counties and 5 territories. Political system. L. is a republic. The current constitution was adopted in 1847 (as amended in 1955). The head of state and government is the president, elected by the population for 8 years (in case of re-election, ≈ 4 years). The president has broad powers: he directs foreign and domestic policy, appoints ministers, and is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The body of legislative power in Latvia is the parliament—a legislative assembly consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives (62 deputies elected for 4 years) and the Senate. The Senate is elected with 18 members (2 from each county), each senator is elected for a 6-year term. The right to vote is granted to all citizens over 18 years of age who own real estate (and in some tribal areas pay a hut tax). The government of Latvia, the cabinet of ministers, exercises advisory functions under the president. The counties are headed by prefects (managers) appointed by the president. The territories are headed by commissioners. Traditional tribal leaders play a major role in local governance. The judicial system of Latvia includes the Supreme Court (composed of 5 judges), which also exercises the functions of constitutional supervision, district and municipal courts, magistrates' courts, and special courts. Nature. The coast is mostly flat, with a sand bank stretching along it, separating the lagoons. The coastal lowland plain (several tens of kilometers wide) is very poorly dissected and swampy in places; in most of its part the Precambrian crystalline basement emerges on the surface. Inland, the plain rises, becomes hilly (400≈600 m) and passes in a series of steps into the undulating Leon-Liberian Upland with individual island mountains (Nimba Mountain, 1752 m). Deposits of iron, diamonds, gold. The climate is hot and humid. Average monthly temperatures do not fall below 28°C; On the coast, the heat is moderated by sea breezes. Precipitation ranges from 1500≈2000 mm per year in inland areas to 5000 mm on the Atlantic coast. The relatively dry season is from November to April, the wet season is from May to October. The river network is dense. Numerous short but deep rivers flowing into the Atlantic Ocean originate on the Leon-Liberian Upland. The most significant rivers - Mano, Lofa, Saint Paul (Diani), Saint John, Cess, Cavalli - have rapids in the upper and middle reaches. Only the lower section of the river is accessible for navigation. Saint Paul (50 km). About 1/3 of the territory is covered with dense evergreen equatorial forests on red-yellow lateritic (ferrallitic) soils. The forests contain red, rosewood, rubber (Hevea) and other valuable tree species. The coffee tree, wine palm and oil palm are common. On the north-east In the country, along with evergreens, forests with falling leaves and woodlands grow. Near the border with the Republic of Guinea, a tall grass savannah with umbrella acacia and baobab appears. Mangrove vegetation is developed on the coast. In the savannah there are buffaloes, antelopes, leopards, and wild boars. There are many monkeys and snakes in the forests. The fauna of birds and insects (termites and tsetse flies) is abundant. Endemic fauna and flora are protected in the reserve on the town of Nimba. Population. The most significant group of the population (about 47%) consists of closely related peoples who speak the languages of the Mande family (Kpelle, Loma, Mano, Malinke, etc., living in the north of the country, as well as the Vai on the coast, to the north-west of Monrovia). In the southern part of Latvia and on the coast live the peoples of the Guinean group (Kru, Grebo, Crane, Guere, etc.; about 43% of the total population). In the northwestern part of the country live peoples who speak languages of the Atlantic or Western Bantoid group (Gola, Kisi; about 9% of the population). A special, privileged position in Latvia is occupied by the descendants of liberated American blacks, the founders of the republic (about 1% of the population; they live mainly in coastal cities and speak English). The official language is English, although it is used by a minority of the population. The vast majority of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs, the rest are Muslims and Christians (mainly Protestants). The official calendar is Gregorian (see Calendar). Population growth for the period 1963≈70 averaged 1.7% per year and 2.9% for 197

The economically active population is about 450 thousand people (1971). In 1972, of all those employed in agriculture there were (%) 51, in the mining industry 24.5, in manufacturing 4.9, in construction 2.8, in energy 2.0, in trade 6.5, in transport about 6 , in the service sector 2.3. Among wage workers, about 42 thousand are employed on rubber plantations. Average density 14 people per 1 km

The population is distributed unevenly: the coastal strip is the most populated (30≈35 people per 1 km2), the least populated is the areas covered with tropical forest (3≈5 people per 1 km2). Urban population 28% (1970). Significant cities: Monrovia (150 thousand people, 1972 estimate), Marshall, Buchanan, Harper, Ganta.

Historical sketch. The early history of the peoples of Latvia has not been sufficiently studied. From the 2nd half of the 15th century. Europeans (Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French) began to appear on the coast of modern Latvia. They met a population here that lived on a subsistence basis. In 1821, a group of blacks from the United States, with the assistance of the American Colonization Society, which sought to remove freed slaves from the country, bought Fr. Providence, as well as the section of the mainland located opposite it. A settlement called Monrovia (in honor of US President J. Monroe) was founded here, and the entire colony began to be called Liberia (from the Latin liber ≈ free). In 1834–36 new settlements arose: Maryland, Bassa Cove, Greenville. Initially they were independent of each other. On April 1, 1839, the Commonwealth of Liberian Settlements was created, uniting all the settlements on a federal basis, with the exception of Maryland (the latter joined the Republic of Liberia in 1857). The Republic of Liberia was proclaimed on July 26, 1847. Recognized by Great Britain in 1848, France in 1852, and the United States in 1862. Immigrants who called themselves Americo-Liberians took a dominant position in the state administrative apparatus and the economy. A small part of them had their own plantations, where export crops were grown and hired labor was used. The majority of Americo-Liberians have become a hereditary caste of officials, officers, lawyers, etc. In 1869 they formed the True Whig Party, which has been in power since 1878. A bureaucratic and comprador bourgeoisie began to take shape. Great Britain and France, whose possessions surrounded Latvia, began in the second half of the 19th century. tried to annex it. Only in 1911, having lost almost 44% of its original territory, was Latvia able to use the contradictions between the colonial powers to achieve final recognition of its borders by Great Britain and France. Hostilities between settlers and indigenous people, as well as aggression from European powers, put the republic in an extremely difficult financial situation. She was forced to resort to external loans (English loans in 1870 and 1906, international loan in 1912). The terms of these loans, in addition to high interest rates, provided for the establishment of foreign control over customs duties and tax revenues of the country, which actually meant the introduction of a “capitulation regime.” At the beginning of 1918, Latvia formally entered World War I (1914–18) on the side of the Entente. After the war, widespread penetration of American capital into Latvia began. In 1926, with the active support of the US State Department, the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company trust received from the Liberian government a large concession for the cultivation of rubber. The deal was concluded on enslaving conditions for L. During World War II (1939–45) (Latin officially joined the anti-fascist coalition in January 1944), the United States used the territories of Latvia to transfer its troops and military equipment to the Middle and Far East. The United States built military bases in Latvia and received the right to use the port in Monrovia and the airfield in Robertsfield.

On January 3, 1944, W. S. Tubman (one of the leaders of the True Whig Party), having assumed the presidency (he remained in this post until his death in July 1971), proclaimed a “policy of unification” aimed at eliminating inequality between the indigenous population and the descendants of American settlers, declaring that there was one people living in the country - the Liberians. At the same time, the president announced the government’s intention to pursue an “open door” policy, providing for the widespread attraction of foreign capital. In 1945, in implementation of the principles of the “policy of unification,” voting rights were granted to indigenous male residents, limited to property. qualifications; indigenous people gained access to government service, and individual tribal representatives assumed prominent positions. However, interethnic contradictions have not been completely overcome. Since the early 40s. The influx of foreign, primarily American, capital into Latvia increased (in 1970, 45 foreign companies with a capital of $1 billion operated in the country). In the post-war period, the formation of a national bourgeoisie accelerated, taking place mainly in the service sector. An important layer of the national bourgeoisie is the local owners of rubber plantations (the so-called national producers). This relatively small group has a significant influence on determining the political course of Latvia (in the early 70s there were about 5,200 so-called national producers). After World War II, the process of formation of the working class accelerated. The number of people working for hire amounted to the beginning of the 70s. about 120 thousand (estimate). Most of them are migrant workers. The bulk of workers are concentrated on rubber plantations and in the mining industry. Trade union organizations arose in 1960.

L. maintains close relations with the United States. In 1959, it concluded a military agreement with the United States on consultations in “the event of aggression or threat of aggression against Latvia.” L. is an active member of the Organization of African Unity, contributed to the resolution of the Nigerian crisis (1966–70), and condemned racism in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia. In July 1971, W. Tolbert took over as president of Latvia. In December 1972, an exchange of embassies took place between Latvia and the USSR.

M. Yu. Frenkel.

Political parties and trade unions. True Whig Party, founded in 1869. The only party in the country, in power since 1878. Expresses the interests of the national bourgeoisie and tribal leaders. There are two trade union associations in Latvia: the Congress of Industrial Trade Unions, founded in 1960, and the Labor Congress of Latvia, founded in 1960. Trade unions are controlled by the government.

Economic-geographical sketch. Latvia is an economically underdeveloped country whose economy is dominated by foreign capital. The capitalist way of life is combined with natural and semi-natural ways. The leading sectors of the economy are the production of natural rubber (1st place in Africa and 6th in the capitalist world) and the extraction of iron ore (1st place in Africa and 8th place in the capitalist world), the export of which ranks highest in Latvia. 4th place in the capitalist world (after Canada, Sweden, Australia).

Until the mid-40s. 20th century The country's commercial economy was based on the cultivation of rubber, the plantations of which belonged to an American company. Beginning in 1951, the rich iron ore deposits discovered during World War II (1939–45) began to be developed with the participation of foreign capital. The influx of American and other foreign capital into Latvia intensified, especially in the mining of iron ore, in connection with the proclamation (1944) by the government of Latvia of the “open door” policy—a set of measures aimed at increasing the import of foreign capital (low taxes on profits, provision of long-term concessions, lack of control over foreign currency exchange, etc.)

The gross domestic product of Latvia in 1969 was calculated (at current prices) at 395 million dollars, of which the main sectors of the economy accounted for (in %): agriculture 18.8, mining 30.9, manufacturing 5.8 , construction 5.3, trade 13.1, transport 7,

Gross national product per capita in 1971 was $284. Agriculture. Agriculture of the indigenous population is characterized by communal land ownership and land use. The farming system is slash-and-burn. Cultivated lands (including permanent crops) account for about 35% of the territory, and pastures for 2%. The main crops cultivated on peasant farms are cassava, sweet potato, and rice. Due to the specialization of agriculture in growing export crops and the backward agricultural technology of peasant farms, Latvia lacks its own food supply. The best lands are concentrated with foreign companies. Ch. export crop ≈ Hevea. The total area of plantations held on a concession basis by 6 foreign companies (4 owned by the USA, 1 by the Federal Republic of Germany, 1 by the Netherlands and the Federal Republic of Germany) is 53 thousand hectares (1971); they provide over 70% of the rubber harvest. The largest plantations owned by the American company Firestone Plantations Limited (36 thousand hectares) are located east of Monrovia (in the Farmington River valley) and near the city of Harper (in the Cavalli River valley). Liberian farmers (4.2 thousand) own about 72 thousand hectares of land occupied by Hevea, and the collection of Hevea juice on their farms accounts for up to 30% of the total harvest in the country; only about 250 farmers own plantations each of 100 hectares or more; the majority of farmers have plantations of no more than 50 hectares. The collection of oil palm fruits (mainly on the coast) is important; oil and kernels are bought by the Anglo-Dutch concern Unilever (exports 13-14 thousand tons per year); collection of cocoa fruits (in the southeast) export of St. 2 thousand tons), coffee (plantations in the north-west, in the valleys of the Lofa and Mano rivers; coffee exports are about 5 thousand tons per year). These plantations are owned by Liberians and foreign companies. Wild coffee is being collected. In the river valley Sino - banana plantations (owned by a German company). Sugarcane and coconut palms are also cultivated. Table

≈ Harvesting of main agricultural crops, thousand tons

Oil palm:

37041 Average for the year. 2 Export. 3 1971/7

Livestock raising, due to the limited pastures and the abundance of tsetse flies, is practically possible only in the savannah in the northeast, where low-productive breeds of cattle are bred (30 thousand head in 1970/71); In some forest areas and on the coast, sheep (156 thousand heads in 1970/71), goats (140 thousand heads) and pigs (83 thousand heads) are bred.

Fish catch 23 thousand tons (1971). Forestry (red and rosewood trees) is carried out mainly by foreign companies on an area of about 4 million hectares; the largest concession belongs to the Van Play company. The state owns 1.7 million hectares of forest area. Wood harvesting 1.6 million m3 (1970).

Industry. The mining industry has developed greatly. Iron ore is mined: in the Bomi Hills area (there is also a processing plant) by the American Lybirian Mining Company; in the Nimba area there is a mixed company, Lybirian-American-Swedish Mineral (LAMCO), with the participation of the government of Latvia (50%), the American concern Bethlehem Steel (25%) and a group of Swedish companies (25%); in the river valley Mano is the National Iron Company company, in which the government of Latvia owns 50% of the shares and the American company Republic Steel also owns 50%; in the Bong region there is a mixed company (Delimco), where the share of the government of Latvia is 50% and a consortium of companies from Germany (Thyssen and Krupp) and Italy (Finisider) 50%. The development of iron ore began in the areas of Tokadeh (by the LAMCO company) and Volochisi (by the Labirian Iron and Steel Corporation), in which 50% of the shares belong to the government of Latvia and 50% to the US company. Ore is transported to ports via specially built railways. Diamonds are mined mainly in the river basin. Loffa, gold in small quantities ≈ in the valleys of the river. Loffa, Sino, in the Zorzor region, etc.

Table 2. ≈ Mining.

Iron ore 1, thousand tons

Diamonds, thousand carats 2

Gold, kg

The manufacturing industry is represented by small factories: oil refineries, cement factories, sawmills, palm oil processing, soft drink factories, clothing factories, footwear factories, etc. There are 4 enterprises for the production of iron ore pellets (Buchanan, Bong).

Electricity production in 1970 amounted to 502 million kWh (including 242 million kWh generated at hydroelectric power stations), of which 277 million kWh were generated at public power plants (their installed capacity was 82.5 thousand kW). Crafts are developed: spinning and weaving, making mats, baskets, and leather.

Transport. The main mode of transport is automobile. The length of highways is 4 thousand km, of which 2 thousand km are suitable in all seasons. There are railways Monrovia ≈ Bomi Hills ≈ Fono (160 km), Monrovia ≈ Bong (93 km), Buchanan ≈ Yekepa (Nimba) (267 km).

Latvia occupies a special place in global maritime shipping. Thanks to the lowest registration fees and taxes in capitalist countries, ships fly the flag of Latvia (owned mainly by shipowners in the USA, Great Britain and Greece), the total tonnage of which in 1971 was 38 million tons. Latvia actually does not have its own ships. Major ports: Monrovia, Buchanan, Marshall, Harper.

Airfields of international importance: Robertsfield (60 km from Monrovia) and Spriggs Pin (in Monrovia).

International trade. Exports from $28 million in 1950 increased (according to updated data) to $213.7 million in 1971 (with imports of $162.4 million). Important exports (1971, in %): iron ore (71.7), rubber (14.5), diamonds (2.5), coffee and cocoa (2.4), timber and lumber (3.6). They import finished industrial goods and food products. Main foreign trade partners for export (1971, in%): USA (22.2), Germany (18), Netherlands (15), Italy (12), Japan (II), Great Britain (3.4); by import (1970, in%): USA (32), Germany (9.6), Great Britain (8.9), Japan (8), the Netherlands (8), Italy (2.1). The monetary unit is the Liberian dollar.

M. Yu. Frenkel.

Armed forces Lithuania consists of ground forces (about 5 thousand people in 1972) and navy (about 250 people). The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the President, and under him is the Joint Security Commission, which includes the Minister of Defense, who is in charge of the troops. The army is recruited by recruiting volunteers and trained with the help of American instructors.

Medical-geographical characteristics. In 1971, per 1000 inhabitants the birth rate was 50.0 and the death rate was 21; infant mortality rate is 159 per 1000 live births. The average life expectancy is 36.1 years for men and 38.6 for women. Infectious pathology predominates. The main health problems are malaria, tuberculosis, skin and venereal diseases. Intestinal infections, meningitis, and leprosy are widespread. In coastal tropical forests there are foci of yellow fever, filariasis, and yaws. Trypanosomiasis, filariasis, genitourinary schistosomiasis, and helminthiasis are common in the northern part of the country and the Leon-Liberian Upland. Local smallpox epidemics are periodically recorded in various areas.

In 1971, there were 34 hospitals in Latvia with 2,400 beds, of which 14 public hospitals had ≈ 1,200 beds (2 beds per 1,000 inhabitants); out-of-hospital care was provided by 32 hospital outpatient departments, 1 polyclinic, 200 dispensaries, 2 mobile medical teams and private practitioners. A significant part of the population uses the services of healers. In 1971, there were 107 doctors (1 doctor per 12 thousand inhabitants), 13 dentists, and about 700 paramedical personnel. Doctors are trained by the department of the University of Liberia and the National Institute of Medicine. Tubman. There are schools for training nurses, midwives and health inspectors. Health care costs amounted to (1971) 6.4 million dollars.

T. A. Kobakhidze, Z. I. Martynova.

Veterinary business. Among animal diseases, scabies of sheep and goats, contagious pleuropneumonia and nematodes of cattle are common. Anthrax has been recorded in elephants, cattle, and pigs; rabies in dogs; leukemia, Newcastle disease and diphtheria pox in birds. The veterinary network is not organized. There are 3 veterinarians in L. (1972).

Education. According to 1971 data, about 80% of the adult population is illiterate. The education system is built on the American model. Training is conducted in English. The initial link of the education system is kindergartens for children aged 4–6 years (their number is insignificant). The 6-year primary school was declared compulsory back in 1919, but in 1971 over 60% of children of the corresponding age did not have the opportunity to study. Secondary and vocational education is paid. The 6-year secondary school consists of 2 cycles of 3 years each (junior and senior secondary school). About 30% of primary schools and about 50% of secondary schools are owned by American missionary organizations. Vocational, technical and pedagogical education is provided mainly on the basis of the 1st cycle of secondary school. In the 1970/71 academic year, 120.2 thousand students studied at the primary level of education (including pupils of preschool institutions), in secondary educational institutions - ≈ 16.7 thousand students (of which 15.5 thousand people in general education, 887 people in vocational and technical and 390 people in pedagogical).

In the higher education system, the State University of Latvia in Monrovia (founded in 1951), which consists of colleges (sciences and arts, education, agriculture and forestry, etc.) and schools (law, etc.), private Cuttington College in Suakoko and Maryland College of Education. In the 1971/72 academic year, over 1.2 thousand students studied at universities.

In Monrovia there is the State Public Library (founded in 1959; 15 thousand volumes) and the library of the State University of Latvia (40 thousand volumes).

V. P. Borisenkov.

Scientific institutions. Scientific research focuses on the needs of agriculture and mining. At the Central Experimental Station in Suakoko (founded in 1946), issues of cultivating rubber, coffee, cocoa, and sugar cane are studied. At other experimental stations, research is carried out on animal husbandry, veterinary medicine (in particular, tsetse fly control) and river fisheries. The university's College of Agriculture and Forestry also deals with agricultural issues. There is an Institute of Tropical Medicine (founded in 1952, a branch of the American Tropical Medicine Foundation). The Geographical and Ferrous Metallurgical Society of Leningrad (founded in 1964) conducts mineral exploration.

Print, radio broadcasting, television. Leading newspapers: The Liberian Age, since 1946, circulation 4 thousand, organ of the True Whig Party, and The Liberian Star, since 1964, circulation 4 thousand. copy, private commercial publication. Radio and television broadcasting (founded in 1964) is controlled by a government agency, the Liberia Broadcasting Corporation.

Literature. The peoples of the Kru, Vai, Malinke and others, as well as the descendants of American blacks who speak English, have a rich folklore (fairy tales, legends, fables, proverbs, sayings, songs). In 1957, the book “Historical Legends and Folklore of the Grebo Tribe” was published. In the 30s 19th century Masolu Duvalu wrote the first history of this people in the Vai language. Modern literature develops primarily in English. Literary forces are grouped around a society of writers. The most famous writers are the poet Bayti Moore (author of the collection of poems Stardust, 1962), professor of the University of Liberia R. T. Dempster (compiler of an anthology of literature of Liberia), writer Doris Banks Henrys, and Edin Bright (author of a popular play in the country "Diary"). The best poems by Moore (“New Africa”) and Jean Holme (“The Legend of the Golden Throne”) are directed against colonialism, which suppresses the national culture and art of Africans, and are imbued with love for Africa. The Liberian Dramatic and Cultural Society strives to revive the best folk traditions, develop theater and drama.

S. P. Kartuzov.

Folk art. In the central regions of Latvia, round, or less often rectangular, frame huts, coated with clay and covered with a thatched roof with a large overhang, are common. The walls are often decorated with painted polychrome ornaments and wooden carvings. The development of coastal cities (Monrovia, etc.) is dominated by 2-3-story frame wooden houses on a concrete base, and stone houses with verandas. Since the mid-1940s. Large public buildings were built in the forms of modern European architecture.

Among artistic crafts, the most common is the art of making wooden figurines and masks of various types, which serve as part of a ritual costume for religious rites (usually black). In some, one can see the desire to convey the ethnic characteristics of the people, others are conventional, and others are grotesque. The narrow, stylized faces of large Mende masks are carved together with a thick neck composed of wide, flat rings, reminiscent of Benin bronze heads. The masks of the secret union “Poro” (where initiation ceremonies into members of the tribe take place) are fantastically bizarre, with extremely conventional facial features conveyed by sharp, schematic lines. Wood carving, ceramics, weaving, and metal crafts are developed.

Music. The musical art of the peoples of Latvia is limited to folklore. Song genres are grouped into wedding, labor, lullabies, funeral, etc., the texts are improvised. The pentatonic scale of songs corresponds to the scales of musical instruments. Instrumental music is characterized by polyrhythm, which is based on the use of drums. Guitars, harps and other stringed instruments are common. In orchestras there are flutes, trumpets, and whistles. Among the instruments is the sansa (African piano). In 1963, the Liberian Dramatic and Cultural Society was created, the purpose of which is to preserve, support and develop the cultural heritage of the peoples of Liberia. A group of singers and musicians was organized under it. Future artists and musicians study at the community school (in the village of Kenema). In 1966, the National Troupe of Latvia was created, representing the country at the 1st Festival of African Art in Dakar. One of the best productions of the National Troupe is the musical folk drama “Love Came to a Girl from the Forest.”

Lit.: Khodosh I. A., Liberia (Historical essay), M., 1961; Egorov V., Liberia after the Second World War, M., 1963; Frenkel M. Yu., USA and Liberia, M., 1964; Huberich S. N., The political and legislative history of Liberia, v. 1≈2, N.Y., 1947; Richardson N. R., Liberia's past and present, L., 1959; Y ancy E. J., The republic of Liberia, L., ; Marinelli L. A., The new Liberia, N. Y. ≈ L., 1964; McLaughlin R. U., Foreign investment and development in Liberia, N. Y., ; Greel J. L., Folk tales of Liberia, Minneapolis, 1960; Olderogge D. A., Art of the peoples of West Africa in the museums of the USSR, L. ≈ M., 1958; Donner E., Kunst und Handwerk in Nord-Ost Liberia, “Baessler Archiv”, B., 1940, Bd 23, N. 2≈3, S. 45≈110.

Wikipedia

Liberia

Liberia, officially - Republic of Liberia- a small state in West Africa. It borders Sierra Leone in the west, Guinea in the north, and Côte d'Ivoire in the east. Form of government - republic; capital - Monrovia.

Liberia, which means “Land of the Free,” was founded as an independent state by freeborn and manumitted African Americans.

At the end of the 20th century - at the turn of the 20th - 21st centuries, the country experienced a coup d'etat on April 12, 1980, the period of the military dictatorship of Sergeant Samuel Doe in 1980 - 1989 and the two civil wars that followed this period: the first Liberian civil war of 1989 - 1996 and the second Liberian civil war of 1999 - 2003, which brought hundreds and thousands of victims, and also had a catastrophic impact on the country's economy.

Liberia is the poorest country in West Africa and the third poorest in the world. Additionally, Liberia has an unemployment rate of 85% of the population. This unemployment rate is one of the highest in the world.

Liberia (canton)

Liberia- a canton in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica.

Examples of the use of the word liberia in literature.

Eight hundred leagues across the lands Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ashanti, Dahomey, Grand Bassam!

Soon ominous rumors spread that Oste had been captured by the Patagonians, whose troops, having crossed the Beagle Channel, had landed on the northern side of the Dumas Peninsula and were now moving to Liberia.

Now between Liberia and various trading posts established in other areas of the island - in particular, in the vicinity of the Ruse Peninsula and on the northern shore of the Beagle Channel - coasting ships ply every now and then, arriving, as a rule, from the Falkland Islands.

He tied all three with his rope and, climbing onto a shaky ladder, ordered that they follow him Liberia, and Anicius brought up the rear.

But in Liberia there are the richest rubber plantations in the world, and in its depths there are rich deposits of iron ore, and diamonds are sometimes found in river flows.

But what really interested and fascinated me was not Monrovia or Liberia, and Africa, which I saw there.

In the second half of July 1960, I arrived in Monrovia, the capital Liberia, where he was supposed to replace Hanan Yavor.

After a working day, all four - Doric, brothers Mur and Serdey - wandered nearby Liberia, along the southern spurs of the mountains stretching from the central ridge of the Hardy Peninsula to the western tip of the island.

A few days before President Tubman left for a visit to Israel, the Secretary of Agriculture visited me Liberia.

President Tubman, who received me on the occasion of my departure, expressed sincere regret that I was leaving my service in Liberia.

By order of the President Liberia Tubman's credentials presentation was to take place the day before Independence Day so that I could participate in the festivities as an ambassador.

Immediately after the declaration of independence Liberia was almost deserted, but gradually its population began to grow again.

In the bend of the river, as if on a map, is located Liberia, and then there was a swampy plain separating the city from the river.

The doctor Samuel Arvidson and the pharmacist, who came from Valparaiso, were convinced that Liberia- a real goldmine.

Despite all the measures taken, Liberia found herself buried under a white shroud.

Liberia is located on the continent of Africa and the occupied territory of Liberia is 111,370. The population of Liberia is 3,665,000 people. The capital of Liberia is located in the city of Monrovia. Liberia's form of government is a Republic. English is spoken in Liberia. Who does Liberia border with: Sierra Leone, Guinea.
The main attractions of Liberia are the numerous tropical forests in which valuable species of beautiful trees grow. The length of the country's coastline is 580 kilometers, of which more than 50% is represented by magnificent sandy beaches. Modern infrastructure in Liberia is completely absent and therefore most of the beaches are in a very neglected state.
The best areas of Liberia are Bernard Beach, Kenema Beach, Caesars Beach, Kendahe Beach. They are distinguished by their cleanliness and the fact that a small fee is charged upon entry. The diving season here lasts for six months (December-May). During this period, the sea is most transparent and the climate is dry.
The capital of the country is the city of Monrovia, which stretches along the entire ocean coast. The city has nightclubs, restaurants and bars. About 80 kilometers from the capital there is a lake called Piso, which is a favorite place not only for local residents, but also for tourists. This is where people gather for water sports, fishing and just relaxing.
While vacationing in Liberia, you should definitely visit the Firestone rubber plantation. A four and a half hour drive from the capital are the Kpa-Tawe waterfalls, which are distinguished by their picturesqueness.
Local cuisine is distinguished, first of all, by the fact that there will always be an abundance of different dishes on the table. The most popular among them are dumba and foo fu, each of these dishes are made from cassava and topped with palm oil and palawa sauce. In local restaurants you may be offered to try a dish with the very original name “Country Chop”. This treat is made from meat and fish fried over a fire with the addition of herbs.
Fish boiled in coconut cream is very tasty. White bread has a unique taste, as well as baked goods prepared by local residents. A jug filled with ginger beer is considered an obligatory attribute of every feast.
After dining in a Liberian restaurant, you will need to leave a tip, but you should know that there is no generally accepted norm in this country. Tourists most often focus on 5% of the total amount of their bill. However, each specific case requires preliminary clarification of the terms of service, as well as additional conditions.
While in Liberia, be careful about the quality of the products you are going to consume, as well as the water that is used in this country. All water should be considered potentially contaminated and should therefore be boiled. Regarding products, it is worth saying that they must also be subjected to very careful processing by you.
If you are going to make any purchases (and you can’t do without it!), then be as careful as possible, remember that despite everything, the level of crime (both theft and robbery) is still quite high.
So, Liberia is a country where you can make an unforgettable acquaintance with both the way of life and the culture of those who live in the jungle. This acquaintance is unusual in that you will learn about the traditional way of life, which remains unchanged for a long time.

Liberia is home to 16 tribes that differ from each other in languages, rituals and history. In order to learn first-hand about this country, the people who inhabit it, their mentality, preferences and morals, you should go to West Africa.
Undoubtedly, Liberia will be remembered for its unique dishes and fresh fruits. In addition, you can take a piece of this country home to your homeland by buying figurines made of mahogany or ebony, several authentic masks, jewelry, as well as traditional Liberian dresses or shirts.

On the world map Map

November 7-12, 2010

Liberia is an amazing country. It was founded by freed black slaves, who, in order not to hang around idle, were put on ships and sent back to Africa from the United States. Having founded a new state, the former slaves themselves began to trade in blacks and take them into slavery, completely adopting the manners and habits of their recent owners. The flag of Liberia is similar to the US flag, but it has one large star instead of many small ones.

Liberia is an amazing country. It was founded by emancipated black slaves who were put on ships and sent back to Africa from the United States so that they wouldn’t be hanging around without use. After founding a new state, the former slaves in turn commenced their own African slave trade, completely adopting their recent owners’ manners and habits. Liberia’s flag even looks similar to the American flag, only it has one big star instead of many small ones.

Russia was the first to recognize Liberia in 1850.

The first country to formally recognize Liberia as a state in 1850 was Russia.

My seatmate on the Brussels-Monrovia plane turned out to be Winston Tubman, a candidate for the presidency of Liberia in the last election (he came fourth). His namesake uncle once set the record for the presidency of Liberia, so every city has a street or institution named after Tubman.

Western aid organizations have completely corrupted Africa and continue to encourage the worst possible model of behavior. All these organizations put up their billboards at the entrance to each village and settlement they support (compare to Australia).

Unfortunately, the general public has no idea of the scale of the sad consequences, so in civilized countries it is considered good form to help someone in Africa.

Unfortunately, the broader public has no idea about the widespread negative consequences of such aid, so it’s considered good form in developed countries to be helping someone in Africa.

In Liberia, blacks - like all other blacks in Africa - choose to do nothing. The work is very bad. When you have to pay for something, they say: “What am I, white gallery?”

The black population of Liberia (just like everywhere else in Africa) prefers idleness above all else. Crappy work is the standard. When something costs money, people say, “What am I, white or something?”

Liberian and North American dollars are in use. The exchange office always looks like a beehive with mesh walls and stacks of banknotes inside. Everyone carries money in bundles in their pockets, so they smell like sour laundry (they sweat and don’t dry enough, may the reader forgive me for such details about the life of banknotes).

Liberian and US dollars are the currency used here. Currency exchanges look like beehives with wire mesh walls. Inside there are piles of bills. Everyone carries packs of money in their pockets, so the bills end up smelling like rank laundry (they absorb sweat and then never properly dry out, if the reader may forgive me for such details from the life of banknotes).

For any service it is customary to give a small amount of money (analogous to baksheesh in Egypt). It is called “cold water” because the simplest product in use is cold water in a plastic bag. International organizations do not like such traditions, so important services to the population, for example, free clinics, are advertised with visual propaganda showing that a doctor does not need cold water.

It’s customary to give a small tip for any kind of service (analogous to baksheesh in Egypt). Here, it’s called “cold water” because the most basic product is cold water in small plastic bags. International organizations frown upon such traditions, so important public services (for example, free clinics) are advertised with illustrated PSAs showing that doctors don’t want cold water.

Cold water while drinking.

Cold water in the process of being drunk.

Oranges are drunk in the same way. They are sold without the peel because it is sticky and squirts. It turns out that the orange has a convenient white layer under the peel.

Oranges are drunk in a similar fashion. They’re sold peeled because the peel is sticky and sprays. As it turns out, there’s a convenient white layer underneath the peel.

When the buyer approaches, the seller cuts the cap. Everything is extremely hygienic, not like the sale of freshly squeezed juices in India.

When a customer buys an orange, the seller cuts a little lid in the top. Everything is very sanitary, unlike the fresh-squeezed juice sold in India.

The orange is then squeezed directly into the customer's mouth. And your hands are clean, and your thirst is quenched.

The buyer then squeezes the orange right into his mouth. The hands stay clean, and thirst is quenched.

The buyer of a can or bottle of something must be given a paper napkin - they press the cork with it or simply place it on top of the can. Use a napkin to wipe the edge of the container before drinking.

When you buy a can or bottle of something, it always comes with a paper napkin holding down the cap or simply covering the can. The napkin is used to wipe the mouth of the container before drinking.

The phrase “I want to lie under a palm tree and do nothing” turned out to be completely non-anecdotal.

It turns out that the phrase “I want to lie under a palm tree all day and do nothing” is not the least bit anecdotal.

Anything that can be stolen will be stolen. Even “Doctors Without Borders” are forced to sit behind a barbed wire border - without supervision, everything will disappear in a second.

Everything that can be stolen will be stolen. Even Doctors Without Borders have to surround themselves with a fence and barbed wire—otherwise, everything in sight will be swiped within a second as you turn your head.

Rules and laws are rarely followed. No one cares about a sign prohibiting left turns.

Rules and laws are rarely obeyed. A sign prohibiting left turns is blatantly ignored by everyone.

Everyone believes in miracles. An advertisement for yet another preacher’s sermon shamelessly promises miracles and cures.

A public service ad on the wall of the Ministry of Health provides instructions for what to do in case of diarrhea.

The ad next to it urges men not to beat women.

Level of development: instead of special glasses, the welder uses ordinary sunglasses.

The level of development, illustrated: instead of safety goggles, the welder uses regular sunglasses.

There is garbage everywhere. If you don't throw the bottle out the window, they look at you like you're a fool.

There's trash all over the place. If you don't throw your bottle out the window, everyone looks at you like you're an idiot.

This is how they live.

This is how people live.

That's how they buy.

This is how they shop.

Hotel room with amenities. There is an insect net above the bed. It’s good to celebrate your honeymoon in this room. Honey, I’m going to take a shit here for a bit, don’t pay any attention.

A hotel room with an en-suite bathroom. The bed is covered with an insect screen. It must be great to spend your honeymoon in a room like this. Sweetheart, I’m just going to take a dump here, don’t mind me.

By the way, oh shit. Liberians don't give a shit about beaches. Instead of swimming in the sea in the middle of white sand right in the capital, residents go to the beach to shit right on the white sand. How many heads are visible in this photo? They shit so much. To the horizon. Right in the center of the capital. The shitter is not at all shy about entering into a dialogue during the process: “Yo, why did you take a picture of me?” And he continues to lay larvae, the bastard.

Speaking of which, Liberians do give a shit about their beaches—literally. Rather than taking a swim in the sea right in the city, amidst the white sands, locals go out to the beach to take a dump right on the white sand. How many squatting figures can you see in this photograph? That's how many people are taking a dump. As far as the eye can see. Right in the center of the capital. The defecator isn’t even embarrassed to shoot the shit in the process: “Yo, why did you take a picture of me?” And continues laying his chocolate egg, the bastard.

In Liberia, it is customary to wear everything on your head.

It’s customary to carry everything on your head in Liberia.

The size of the wearable practically does not matter. Men carry logs on their heads, schoolchildren put notebooks on their heads, and women traders put their goods on their heads.

The size of what is being carried is mostly irrelevant. Men carry logs on their heads, students place notebooks on their heads, women at the market stack their goods on their heads.

In rare cases, luggage is held by hand.

In rare cases, the load is supported with a hand.

Bread? On the head.

Bread? On the head it goes.

Herring? You can't carry it in your hands.

Some delicious herring? Well, you wouldn’t carry it in your hands, now, would you?

I did the styling, put a tray of tuna on top, and ran off to prepare dinner.

Get your hair styled, put a tray of tuna on top—and off you go to cook dinner.

Children are always carried in slings on their backs.

Children are always carried in a back sling.

Sometimes it seems that the convenience of carrying children on the back is facilitated by an important feature of the black woman: her butt always protrudes no less than in the above photographs:

Sometimes it seems as if African women find it particularly comfortable to carry children on their backs because of one important feature they possess: their behinds always protrude at least as much as in the photos below:

Despite the tense situation in the country, the coast of Liberia is very popular among surfers

Population of the country (about 4.5 million people) It is diverse in ethnic composition and includes more than 20 nationalities. In the north live the peoples of the Mande linguistic subgroup - Kpelle, Loma, Mano, etc., in the south - the peoples of the Guinean subgroup (kru, grebo, malinke, crane, gere). Descendants of the founders of Liberia - immigrants from the United States - now make up less than 1%. The majority of the population adheres to traditional local beliefs and traditional way of life. The main occupations are agriculture, cultivation and harvesting of rubber, valuable wood species, and fishing. There is also industry, mainly mining (iron ores). Low taxes and open-door economic policies have resulted in the largest merchant fleet in the world flying the Liberian flag. (owned, of course, by shipowners from other countries).

The largest city and capital of Liberia is Monrovia. (about 1 million inhabitants), founded in 1822. Another major city is Buchanan, a major port and center of rubber plantations.

Since 1821, settlements of freed blacks began to appear on the territory of Liberia - immigrants from the United States, who united in 1839 and founded the state of Liberia. (1847) . Americo-Liberians occupied a dominant position in the state administrative apparatus and economy of Liberia until 1980, when a coup d'état took place in the country and representatives of other ethnic political groups came to power. Liberia's transition to civilian rule was completed in 1986. In 1989, the National Patriotic Front began an armed struggle against government forces. With the help of the Inter-African Peacekeeping Force, a transitional government was created in Liberia in 1990, but the struggle between warring factions continued. In 1993, they signed an agreement on a ceasefire, the creation of a three-party transitional government and the holding of free elections.

Climate, flora and fauna

The climate of Liberia is subequatorial, hot and humid: average monthly temperatures do not fall below 23 °C, precipitation falls mainly in summer (up to 5000 mm on the coast and 1500-2000 mm in inland areas).

About a third of the country's territory is covered by dense evergreen tropical rainforests, which contain redwood, rosewood, hevea, wine palms and oil palms, among others. Closer to the border with Guinea, the forests turn into tall grass savannah with groves of umbrella acacias and baobabs. Mangrove forests grow on the coast.

The forests of Liberia are home to many different insects. (from termites to tsetse flies), snakes, monkeys. The savannah is home to buffalos, antelopes, wild boars, and leopards. Coastal waters are rich in fish.

Story

The history of Liberia as a political entity begins with the arrival of the first black American settlers - Americo-Liberians, as they called themselves - to Africa - on the coast of which they founded a colony of "free people of color" in 1822. (free men of color) under the auspices of the American Colonization Society. By agreement with the leaders of local tribes, the settlers acquired territories with an area of more than 13 thousand square meters. km - for goods with a total value of 50 US dollars.

In 1824, this colony received the name Liberia, and its constitution was adopted. By 1828, settlers had captured the entire coast of modern Liberia. (length about 500 km), and then also occupied parts of the coast of modern Sierra Leone and Kotdivoir.

On July 26, 1847, American settlers declared the independence of the Republic of Liberia. The settlers perceived the continent from which their ancestors were taken into slavery as a “promised land,” but did not seek to join the African community. Arriving in Africa, they called themselves Americans and, both by the indigenous inhabitants and by the British colonial authorities of neighboring Sierra Leone, were considered precisely Americans. Symbols of their state (flag, motto and seal), as well as the chosen form of government, reflected the American past of the Americo-Liberians.

The religion, customs and sociocultural standards of the Americo-Liberians were based on the traditions of the antebellum American South. Mutual distrust and enmity between the “Americans” from the coast and the “indigenous” from the hinterland gave rise to attempts that continued throughout the history of the country (quite successful) the Americo-Liberian minority to dominate the local blacks, whom they considered barbarians and inferior people.

The founding of Liberia was sponsored by private American groups, mainly the American Colonization Society, but the country received unofficial support from the US government. The Liberian government was modeled after the American government, and was democratic in structure, but not always in substance. After 1877, the True Whig Party monopolized power in the country, and all important positions were held by members of this party.

Three problems facing the Liberian authorities - territorial conflicts with neighboring colonial powers Britain and France, hostilities between settlers and local residents, and the threat of financial insolvency - called into question the country's sovereignty. Liberia retained its independence during the colonial division of Africa, but lost much of its previously seized territory to annexation by Britain and France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1911, Liberia's borders with the British and French colonies were officially established along the Mano and Cavalli rivers. Economic development in the late 19th century was hampered by a lack of markets for Liberian goods and debt obligations on a series of loans, the payment of which drained the economy.

In 1926, American corporations provided Liberia with a large loan of $5 million.

After the outbreak of World War II, Liberia again declared neutrality, but its territory was used to transport American troops to North Africa. In 1944, Liberia officially declared war on Germany.

After World War II, the United States provided loans to Liberia, and Liberia soon became a major exporter of rubber and iron ore. In 1971, President Tubman, who served five terms in this post, died, and was replaced by William Tolbert, who had served as vice president for 19 years. Continuing the domestic policies of his predecessor, Tolbert maintained close ties with the United States, but at the same time sought to increase Liberia's role in African affairs, opposed apartheid, and improved relations with socialist countries. His economic reforms led to some positive effects, but corruption and mismanagement offset them. In the 1970s, political opposition to Tolbert emerged, and the worsening economic situation led to increased social tension. Prices rose, and this led to numerous "rice riots", the largest of which occurred in April 1979, when Tolbert ordered the shooting of the rioting crowd, which ultimately led to riots and a general strike.

On April 12, 1980, a coup took place in Liberia. Tolbert was killed, his comrades were executed, the country was led by Sergeant Samuel Doe, a representative of the Krahn tribe, and awarded himself the rank of general. If at first the change of power was received positively by citizens, then Doe's constant efforts to strengthen his power and the ongoing economic recession led to a decline in his popularity and a series of unsuccessful military coups. In 1985, Liberia returned to civilian rule, the election won by Doe, who had previously given himself one year to meet the stated minimum presidential age of 35, and carried out extensive fraud; According to independent polls, the opposition candidate won, receiving about 80% of the vote.

In 1989, a civil war began in the country. The forces of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia, led by Charles Taylor, crossed the border from Cote d'Ivoire and captured 90% of the country's territory in a year and a half of fighting. An anarchist group led by Yedu Johnson broke away from him, fighting both against government troops and against Taylor. The Economic Community of West African Countries sent a contingent of 3 thousand people to Liberia. Johnson, under the pretext of negotiations, invited Doe to the UN mission; on the way, the dictator was kidnapped and then brutally killed - his arms were broken, his legs were amputated, he was castrated, his ear was cut off, he was forced to eat, and then he was killed.

In the early 90s, the country experienced a large-scale conflict, which involved several factions divided along ethnic lines. Neighboring states were involved in the conflict, supporting different groups for various reasons; in particular, at the first stage of the war, Taylor was supported from among the countries of the region Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire, and from states located at a considerable distance from the theater of operations, Togo and Libya. As a result, the opposing countries of these states supported Taylor’s opponents. For neighboring Sierra Leone, this resulted in the outbreak of a civil war on its territory, to which Taylor made significant efforts, de facto becoming the founding father of the Revolutionary United Front. Military operations were carried out with great cruelty, and torture was used on a massive scale. According to the most conservative estimates, the war resulted in the movement of more than half a million refugees to neighboring countries. The result of the first round was the signing of a peace agreement and the presidential election in 1997, which Taylor won. The international community chose to ignore the election fraud and massive violence against the opposition.

After the elections, Taylor's opponents organized a small-scale rebel war and made several incursions into Liberian territory from neighboring countries. In 2002, with the active help and support of Guinean President Lansana Conte, a major opposition movement, LURD, was created, which, after a year and a half military campaign, managed to overthrow Taylor and expel him from the country.

In the 2005 presidential election, the famous football player George Weah was considered the favorite, winning the first round by a slight margin, but Helen Johnson Sirleaf, a Harvard graduate and former employee of the World Bank and many other international financial institutions, won the second round.

On August 6, 2014, a state of emergency was declared in Liberia due to Ebola. As of September 16, 2,407 people were infected with the virus and 1,296 people died.

Economy

Liberia's main economic sectors are the cultivation of food crops, mainly rice and cassava, by indigenous Liberians on small farms, as well as iron ore mining and the production of natural rubber for export by foreign companies. Foreign-owned companies control almost all foreign trade, most of the wholesale trade and, together with Lebanese entrepreneurs, a significant part of the retail trade. Foreigners own the banking system and construction, railways and part of the roads. The country is forced to import almost all industrial goods, fuel and a significant part of food.

Before the start of the civil war in 1989, Liberia’s national income per capita was estimated at $500. According to UN experts, in 1995 this figure rose to $1,124.

Liberia has a wide range of agricultural production types, from rain-fed rice farming to indigenous Liberian consumer farms (3/4 of the population is engaged in this) to the production of export crops on foreign-owned plantations employing hired workers. The benefits of wage work led to the exodus of peasants from the subsistence sector to the plantations, which led to a significant reduction in rice production, the shortage of which necessitated a sharp increase in its imports. Growing rice on irrigated land has not brought the desired results. Cultivated throughout Liberia, cassava plays an important role in the diet of the southern coastal population. Cereals, fruits and vegetables are grown for domestic consumption. The fruit of the oil palm produces a thick, orange-colored oil used for cooking. Livestock farming is very poorly developed due to the abundance of tsetse flies and limited pastures.

The basis of export agriculture is rubber production. In the mid-1980s, its collection averaged 75 thousand tons per year. The production of rubber for export was established thanks to an agreement in 1926, under which the government of Liberia granted the American company Firestone a concession for a period of 99 years. Until the end of World War II, the company brought the largest income to the country. In the 1980s, Firestone and B.F. Goodrich plantations were sold to Japanese and English companies, respectively. Until now, almost all of Liberia's rubber production is concentrated there.

Oil palm, coffee tree, chocolate tree and piassava also produce export products. Timber from valuable tropical species is of great export importance.

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