City: Monrovia
Country: Liberia
Population: 970,824
City was founded in: 1822
Became a Dayton Sister City in: 1972

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Brief Description

Monrovia is the capital and largest city of the West African country of Liberia. Located on the Atlantic Coast at Cape Mesurado, the city was established as part of an effort to create a self-sufficient colony for emancipated American survivors of slavery. The city’s economy is based on its harbor, the Freeport of Monrovia, which was significantly expanded by U.S. forces during World War II. The city’s main exports are latex and iron ore. Monrovia is the financial center of Liberia, and it’s home to the University of Liberia and many private colleges. The city was severely damaged in the First (1989- 1996) and Second (1999-2005) Liberian Civil Wars, with many buildings damaged and nearly all the infrastructure destroyed. China, the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union have supported the rebuilding of Monrovia. With the election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2003, Liberia became the first African nation with a female president.

 

Things to See: Liberian National Museum, the Masonic Temple, the Waterside Market, and several beaches.

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Universities: Monrovia is the home to the University of Liberia, African Methodist Episcopal University, Stella Maris Polytechnic, and many other private colleges.

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Top Industries/ Business: Iron ore, timber and rubber.