Named after a U.S. president, the city of Monrovia is capital of the western African country of Liberia. The name has to do with Liberia's unique history as a home for freed American slaves. Once a thriving port, the city was hit hard by civil disorder in the last decades of the 20th century.
Places of interest
Monrovia is a city of contrasts. Houses in the style of the pre-Civil War American South may be found near office buildings and African huts. Some of the city's more notable structures include the Capitol, the Executive Mansion, City Hall, and the Temple of Justice. However, many of the city's public buildings were severely damaged or destroyed during a civil war that began in 1989.
As the nation's education center, Monrovia is home to several universities, including the University of Liberia and the William V. S. Tubman College of Technology.
Economy
Monrovia has a large port on the Atlantic Ocean that handles such products as rubber, timber, and iron ore. The port has been important to the economy in another way, as well. Many merchant ships around the world have carried the name of Monrovia as their home port. Shipowners pay a fee to register their ships there. In return they benefit from lower taxes and fees than they would have to pay if they registered elsewhere.
Over the years, the city has welcomed various businesses, including those involved in rubber, oil, paint, tuna, medicines, and cement. The city's economy, however, suffered greatly during the civil war.
History
Monrovia was named after James Monroe, who was president of the United States in 1822. In that year a group of freed U.S. slaves, sponsored by a U.S. society, started a new settlement on the continent of their ancestors. As more settlers arrived from the United States and from the Caribbean area, the area they controlled grew larger. In 1847 Monrovia became the capital of the new country of Liberia.
The Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) emerged from a meeting in Monrovia in 1961. Unfortunately, Monrovia soon experienced a great deal of violence and bloodshed. In 1980, soldiers seized power from the families of the former American slaves. In 1989, full-scale civil war broke out in the country. Much of the fighting took place in and around Monrovia.
The situation improved after a peace treaty was signed in 1996, but fighting continued into the 21st century. In the periods of fighting, many people moved into Monrovia from other regions, and many other people left the country. Because of this, population figures are not exact. Population (1999 estimate), 479,000.
