Things have certainly turned around for the small West African nation of Liberia. The country was founded in 1821 by a group of freed African-American slaves, but it wasn’t until the last five years that the country was able to truly embrace peace and freedom. For decades, ethnic and political tensions tore at the country, resulting in civil wars and a broken economy. However, now that the nation is following its first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, things seem to be turning around, as Africa.com writes.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the country’s burgeoning tourist industry. Home to elegant resorts, many of which are beach resorts featuring world-class luxury villas, a thriving music scene, and a culinary landscape featuring flavors from across the globe, it’s no surprise that Liberia, according to Index Mundi, generates more than $230 million from tourists every year.
If you’re drawn to Liberia, whether for its unique history or its natural landscape, 40% of which is rainforest, here are three tips for enjoying the country to its fullest.
Stay in Liberia’s Elegant Resorts
Located along the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Liberia, particularly its capital of Monrovia, has amazing access to some of the best beaches in the world. Consider, despite the hundreds of millions of dollars the country draws in every year from its tourist industry, the fact is there isn’t quite enough demand yet to lead to the over-development that is so common in other tropical getaways. It should be no wonder, then, that the elegant resorts along Liberia’s unspoiled coastline are often described as paradise resorts.
Enjoy the Unique Culinary Scene
Thanks to its location and history, Liberians have had access to a wide array of spices, vegetables, and proteins throughout their history. Subsequently, the culinary scene in the Land of the Free is both familiar yet foreign for its many visitors. If you’re looking for a delicious dish, try Palava. Served via room service menus at the country’s elegant resorts and at its best restaurants, Palava combines beef, tomatoes, ginger, and spicy red pepper to make a tender, slightly hot dish that is sure to leave you feeling satisfied, as Foods from Every Country writes.
Celebrate to the Sounds of Liberian Hip-Co
Liberia is increasingly known on the world-stage for its take on American hip-hop, known as hip-co. As Cluster Mag, a Sierra Leone-based online music magazine writes, hip-co combines the beats and rhyming style that hip-hop is so well known for, but it uses colloquial Liberian English to address cultural issues and philosophical themes that are distinctly West African. If you love music, politics, and thumping beats, be sure to check out a hip-co show along the streets of Liberia or in her best restaurants.
The people of Liberia are enjoying a period of peace and harmony unlike any they’ve had in their 200 year history. With these tips, you can enjoy their prosperity as well. If you want to make the most out of your trip to West Africa, then be sure to take advantage of its elegant resorts, amazing food, and unique music. It’ll be a journey you won’t soon forget. Get more on this here.
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