Liberia

Founded by freed American slaves, and the surf is genuinely good

Liberia was founded in 1822 as a settlement for freed African Americans and declared independence in 1847, making it the oldest republic in Africa and the only country on the continent never formally colonised by a European power. The American influence is visible in the flag, the place names and the political structure.

Two civil wars between 1989 and 2003 devastated the country, followed by the Ebola epidemic. Recovery has been slow but real, and Liberia has been at peace for over twenty years. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, elected in 2005, was the first female head of state in Africa and won a Nobel Peace Prize.

For visitors, Robertsport has a right-hand point break that surfers rate as among the best in West Africa, with almost nobody in the water. Sapo National Park is the second largest area of primary rainforest in West Africa, holding pygmy hippos and forest elephants, though access is difficult. Monrovia has beaches, a lively street food culture and the ruins of pre-war hotels that have become landmarks in their own right.

Annual events and festivals

• Independence Day (26 Jul) — marks 1847, the oldest independence day in Africa.
• Thanksgiving (first Thu Nov) — a uniquely Liberian holiday reflecting American founding influence.
• Decoration Day (Mar) — families clean and decorate the graves of relatives.
• Armed Forces Day (11 Feb) — a national commemoration.
• Poro and Sande society ceremonies (varies) — traditional initiation societies in the interior.
• Liberian Independence Regatta (Jul) — canoe racing as part of independence celebrations.
• Christmas and Easter (Dec, Mar-Apr) — widely celebrated in a majority Christian country.
• Eid al-Fitr (varies) — a public holiday for the Muslim minority.
• Liberia Surf Competition, Robertsport (varies) — a growing event on the point break.
• National Unification Day (14 May) — marking the joining of settler and indigenous populations.