Liberia

In a beautiful patchwork of cultures, indigenous tribes welcomed African American settlers

Situated on the west coast of Africa, Liberia’s equatorial climate makes for hot temperatures year-round and heavy rainfall during the rainy season. Cool blue waters lap against golden beaches lined with coconut palms. Forests and minerals endow the country’s rolling hills.

Liberia became a republic in 1847 with the help of the American Colonization Society, which encouraged African Americans to resettle there among indigenous tribes.

The emigrants, particularly the women, brought with them their quilting and embroidery skills. Seven women were commissioned to stitch Liberia’s first national flag. African American emigrants also brought Christianity to Liberia.

Prior to the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak, Liberia showed encouraging signs of emerging from several decades of civil strife and generational poverty. Now the tragic human toll of Ebola has fractured families and communities, and caused significant economic setbacks.

Your participation with Missions Door supports music ministry, refugee ministry, evangelism and church planting in Liberia.

Cultural Snapshot

Liberians eat rice, a staple of their daily meals, with a variety of spicy vegetables and meats.

Faith Fact

Alongside their Christian or Muslim faith, many Liberians believe in a mysterious world of ancestral and bush spirits that influence their lives.

Country Profile

Population: 4 million, 43% ages 0–14

Major Religions: 86% Christian, 12% Muslim

Languages: 20% English (official), several ethnic languages

Literacy: 61%

Poverty: 80%