Cultural experience

The culture of Liberia offers a unique and fascinating experience for history buffs as they get to know its 16 major tribes and the fascinating legacy of the freed American slaves who came to settle here. Liberia is known for its rich ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity as well as its distinct Americo-Liberian heritage.

To learn about the culture and history of Liberia's largest ethnic group, the Bassa, who are thought to have immigrated from Egypt many centuries ago, you could choose to visit one of the country's traditional villages, like Bai T. Moore Village, or go on an organized tour to one of the Bassa villages in the country's central coastal region. Liberia, the oldest republic in Africa, was established in 1847 by recently freed American slaves.

You'll learn about the country's peculiar history as you examine some of the still-standing artifacts left by the Americo-Liberian pioneers who arrived on these shores in the 19th century. It's possible that their spirit of independence helped assure its survival. Among other places, Monrovia, Harper, Greenville, and Careysburg still have antebellum-era houses that have been abandoned.

Beyond these remnants of colonial rule, however, lies a multifaceted destination that maintained its independence during the Scramble for Africa and, despite a turbulent century of history, has emerged as free-spirited, kind, and optimistic, with the energy and enthusiasm of its residents frequently highlighted as a particular draw.