Monrovia

Monrovia is the capital and largest city of Liberia, as well as the country's major port. The city is located at the mouth of the Mesurado River on Bushrod Island on the Atlantic coast. Monrovia was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society to serve as a place where freed slaves returning from North America could find refuge. The capital was named in honor of the then United States president James Monroe.

During the 19th century large numbers of former slaves came to Liberia. After the assassination of President Samuel K. Doe in 1990, Monrovia became the scene of widespread looting and fighting, resulting in a civil war that left most of the city in ruins.

Many buildings in Monrovia were erected in the colonial style of the Southern United States, but large numbers of the population live in shacks and huts as well. Landmarks in Monrovia included the Capitol, the Executive Mansion, City Hall and the Temple of Justice, but fighting in 1990, after the assassination of President Doe and 2003, when Charles Taylor was ousted, has destroyed most of the city.

Most activity is concentrated on the port. There are two airports in Monrovia, James Spriggs Payne Airfield, which is within the city limits and Roberts International Airport, which lies some 43 km (27 miles) to the southeast. Minibuses and taxis connect the city with other places in Liberia. There are several hotels and restaurants in Monrovia.