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Monrovia, city (1986 est. pop. 465,000), capital of the Republic of Liberia, NW Liberia, a port on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the St. Paul River. Monrovia is Liberia's largest city and its administrative, commercial, communications, and financial center. The city's economy revolves around its harbor, which was substantially improved by U.S. forces under lend-lease during World War II. In 1948 the first port capable of handling oceangoing vessels was opened; there are now several ports, including a free port. The main exports are latex and iron ore. The city also has extensive storage and ship repair facilities. Manufactures include cement, refined petroleum, food products, bricks and tiles, furniture, and pharmaceuticals. Roads and railroads and an airport connect Monrovia with Liberia's interior. The Univ. of Liberia (1862) and Cuttington College and Divinity School (1889; Episcopal) are in the city. Monrovia was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society as a haven for freed slaves from the United States and the British West Indies and was named for James Monroe, then president of the United States. Life in Monrovia was severely disrupted in the 1990s and 2000s by civil war, which left thousands homeless and the city's economy in ruins.

MONROVIA LIBERIA ATTRACTIONS

There are several Tourist Attractions in Monrovia which you must visit as part of your Monrovia Tours. Monrovia is the fascinating capital city of Liberia. Located at the northern portion of the Liberian coast, on the promontory of Cape Mesurado at the mouth of the Mesurado River, Monrovia extends across a series of small islands and peninsulas divided by lagoons. The Tourist Attractions in Monrovia will give you an interesting insight into the land, its rich culture and heritage.

Waterside Market can be regarded as one of the major Tourist Attractions in Monrovia. It is one of the biggest markets in Monrovia and is known for its buying and selling of textile goods. It is a great choice if you want to have a look at the local handicraft products and traditional goods. Check out the African clothes that are brought from various regions and sold in the open markets of Free Port. A bustling place of activities, the market is an excellent place to have a glimpse of the local way of life as people come and mingle and interact here.

The next site for Tourist Attractions in Monrovia is surely the National Museum of Liberia. The museum was established in 1958 by an Act of the National Legislature with the objective to collect, preserve and display the cultural artifacts and other historical items representing the glorious history and fascinating culture of the country. The First Floor is the Historical Gallery which displays traditional household utensils, furniture, presidential papers, memoirs and private documents of past Liberian Chief Executives, snaps of colonial Liberian houses, original maps, flag of Liberia and other items. The Second Floor has the Ethnographical Gallery and comprises traditional artifacts, archaeological finds and other objects.

For more Tourist Attractions in Monrovia, plan a trip to the Sapo National Park. It is the first and the largest national park in Liberia covering lowland rainforest, including swampy areas, dry land and riparian forests. The park is home to several species of wild animals, insects and wild flowers. It is famous for its forest elephant, Jentink’s and Zebra Duikers and large primate populations, including the Diana monkey, red colobus, black and white Colobus and the western chimpanzee.

Providence Island : Located on the Mesurado river. Providence Island is a tiny island between downtown Monrovia and the Freeport. It lies at the mouth of the Mesurado River where early settlers to Liberia first settled between 1820 and 1822. Monrovia was named after U.S. President James Monroe, and was founded during his term by the American Colonization Society. The first town was established in 1822 on Providence Island. The settlers, or the Americo-Liberians, were engaged in a number of disputes with the indigenous population for many years.

Centennial Pavilion : The hall was built in 1947, to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the country's independence, and is situated on the inauguration spot for Liberia's presidents.

Ce Ce Beach :CeCe Beach (across the bridge towards Hotel Africa) is one of the most developed yet relaxing waterside spots in the capital. But be warned: Monrovia’s beaches are notorious for powerful rip tides.

Golden Beach : If the weather holds, Golden Beach (Tubman Blvd, Sinkor) is a great venue for an early evening beer. Kick off your shoes and head for one of the tables in the sand.