Liberia

Monrovia is the capital of Liberia. Founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society as a settlement for formerly enslaved people from the United States, it was named after U.S. President James Monroe, reflecting Liberia’s unique historical ties to America. Today, Monrovia is the country’s largest city and main Atlantic port, serving as its political and economic hub. To avoid confusion with nearby capitals: Freetown is in Sierra Leone, Accra is in Ghana, and Abuja is in Nigeria. A handy mnemonic: “Monrovia—Monroe—Liberia’s American connection.” Remembering the Monroe link helps place Monrovia with Liberia, a nation whose very name means “Land of the Free.”