Yearbook 2009
Liberia. According to countryaah, an invasion of larvae caused so much damage to crops in mainly the northern part of the country that the government announced a state of emergency in the affected areas and appealed to the outside world for help. The larvae also spread to neighboring Guinea and threatened Sierra Leone. The larva invasion also received a political backlash when the Minister of Agriculture resigned following criticism for too slow efforts. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for abbreviation LR which stands for the nation of Liberia.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which since 2006 has been working to investigate abuses during the conflicts in Liberia between 1989 and 2003, presented its final report in July. There was a great stir and criticism around the world that the Commission recommended that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf be banned from public office for 30 years. The Commission justified this by having previously supported the warlord and subsequently President Charles Taylor and raised money for him. She acknowledged that she had assisted him during his preparations in the 1980s to oust military dictator Samuel Doe but denied closer contact. Her refusal to resign was widely supported in the outside world, which in Johnson Sirleaf sees Liberia’s only chance of recovery.
Eight former warlords, who, according to the Commission, should face trial for crimes against humanity, asked for forgiveness but rejected charges that, in their view, violated the peace agreement’s basic idea of reconciliation. The outlook for the Commission’s recommendations to be obeyed is small, as many of those who have been appointed are now members of Parliament, in which case decisions must be taken.
In The Hague, the Netherlands, the trial of Charles Taylor continued before the Special Court of Sierra Leone. The prosecutor’s side completed its case, and in July the defense began its work. In the United States, Taylor’s son Charles, also known as Chuckie, was sentenced to 97 years in prison for torture and summary executions in Liberia, where he was the head of a security service during his father’s term in 1997-2003.
Attractions
Sapo National Park
Animal and nature lovers should visit Sapo National Park in Sinoe County. This almost untouched reserve is home to a wide variety of plants and animals including elephant, leopard and the rare pygmy hippopotamus. The park, which is only accessible on foot (there are no roads), consists mostly of uncut rainforest, and is West Africa’s largest pristine rainforest area. The western boundary of the park is the Sinoe River.
Shopping
Overview
Handicrafts, stone objects, soapstone carvings (such as Kissi fertility symbols), metal jewellery, statuettes, Loma straw dolls and ritual masks. Shop opening hours: Mon-Sat 08.00-13.00 and 15.00-18.00.
Nightlife
Introduction
There are nightclubs and bars in Monrovia. Providence Island has a bandstand and amphitheater that performs traditional African music and dances.
Culinary
Overview
The hotels, motels and restaurants in Liberia offer international dishes. In the smaller towns in the north and east of the country, visitors should try the unusual West African dishes in the cookhouses. Drinks: Local spirits are widely available and some beers are excellent. Imported drinks are also available.
Accommodation
Hotels
In and outside the capital, accommodation is expensive and should be booked well in advance. There are air-conditioned hotels that meet international standards, as well as some cheaper hotels and motels. In middle-class hotels, comfort is usually limited to the absolute minimum.
Camping
No official campsites; Camping is permitted, but caution is advised.
Other accommodation options
The youth hostel (YMCA) is inexpensive, but usually fully booked. It is on the corner of Broad Street and McDonald Street.
Culture
Religion
Predominantly adherents of native religions (40%) as well as Christians (40%) and Muslims (20%).
Social Rules of Conduct
Visitors should respect Islamic customs and customs. Clothing may i. In general, be casual and practical, only in hotels and restaurants in the upper price range do you expect more elegant clothes. Tipping: Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, otherwise 10% is usual.
Climate
Best travel time
Hot and tropical climate all year round with hardly noticeable temperature differences. The rainy season is from May to October. The harmattan desert wind blows in the coastal region from December to March.
Country data
Phone prefix
+231
Area (sq km)
111369
Population
5,057,681
Population density (per square km)
38
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
911