LIBERIA ~ Monrovia ~

... Yippee!!😃 my first new country of 2020 coming from a really "hard to find" African country👍... Liberia is still that rare thing: an unknown destination... I only heard of this country a few days ago on the news... there were anti-government protests because many people are unhappy with the economy and the rising cost of living... demonstrators accuse the government of corruption and abuse of power😟... postcard is showing the capital Monrovia the largest city filled with history... passing through the city you can see it lined with palm trees and the remains of old 19thC town houses ... Thanks so much Rosmarie for arranging this swap for me!(✿ ♥‿♥)

The Republic of Liberia (meaning liberty) is on Africa’s west coast and shares borders with Guinea, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Atlantic Ocean. Liberia is one of only two countries, Ethiopia being the other never subjected to colonial rule and is Africa’s oldest republic.

Freed American slaves, along with the help of a private organization called the American Colonization Society, founded and colonized the country from 1821-1822. It was believed the freed slaves would have greater equality and freedom there. Liberia declared independence in 1847. Joseph Jenkins Roberts, a freed slave from Virginia, became the first president.

Liberia’s terrain ranges from the low and sandy coastal plains to rolling hills and dissected plateau further inland. It is home to a lush rainforest containing a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Monrovia was founded in 1822 and was the second permanent African American settlement in Africa after Freetown, Sierra Leone. Monrovia is named in honor of U.S. President James Monroe, a prominent supporter of the colonization of Liberia and the American Colonization Society.  At the time of its establishment, the settlers in Monrovia were mainly freed African-American slaves who later on became known as Americo-Liberians.

Stamps:

Vice Presidents of the United States
(Issued 01-02-2018)