A small country on the west coast of Africa, Liberia has been influenced in many ways by the United States. This influenced has its origins in the efforts of the American Colonisation Society to settle freed American slaves in Africa, beginning in 1822. The government was modeled in that of the United States. Monrovia, the capital and principal port, was named after United States President James Monroe. For African Americas, this country has historical significance. As Africa's oldest republic, established by former black American Slaves, Liberia played an important role as a model for African colonies seeking independence.

Liberia has a land area of 38,250 square miles (99,067 square kilometres; approximately half  the of Senegal). Except for a strip of coastal savana and mangrove swamps, the land is covered by tropical rain forest. Although warm throughout the year, Liberia has two seasons. The dry season lasts from November to April and the rainy season from may through October. Liberia has a warm climate with temperature average of about 80 0F (27 0C) and coastal areas get as much as 200 inches (500 centimetres) of rain during the rainy season.

Liberian of black American ancestry, known as the Americo-Liberians, live along the coast and make up 5 percent of the more than 2 million population. The bulk of the population belongs to several local tribes, including the Kpelle, Bassa, Grebo, Gio, Kru and Mano. It is estimated that 18% of the people practice traditional african religions, about 68% are Christians and about 14% follow Islam.

Most of Liberia's tribesmen are farmers. their chief crops are rice and cassava. Most of Liberia's tribes people usually raise enough food for their village. As a result, people in the cities have to import much of their food.

Liberia also has one of the world's richest deposits of iron ore. Iron ore is the country's leading export, and makes up half of the nation's income. United States and European firms operate the iron ore mines. Some diamonds and gold are also mined.

Liberia has five main cities; Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, Harper and Roberts sport.

Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia has a population of about 96,000. It is situated on cape Mesurado, a peninsula separated from the mainland by a broad lagoon at the mouth of the Mesurado river.

Life in the cities is somewhat like in United States. Most of the Americo-Liberians dress like Americans and live in brick, wood, or concrete block houses. they like soccer and tennis and like to go motion pictures and nightclubs. Many cities have sections in which the poor live in roughly built house of wood, concrete and corrugated iron.