What is the capital of Liberia?

The capital of Liberia is Monrovia. Built on the Atlantic coast around Cape Mesurado, Monrovia is Liberia’s political capital, largest city, principal port, and leading centre for commerce, education, and culture.

The American Colonization Society established the settlement in 1822 for formerly enslaved and freeborn African Americans from the United States. It was initially called Christopolis, but was renamed Monrovia in honour of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States and a supporter of the colonization project. Liberia declared independence in 1847, with Monrovia as its capital.

Monrovia is sometimes confused with Buchanan, Harper, or Gbarnga, all significant Liberian cities. None is the national capital. The city’s position beside the Mesurado River and the Atlantic helped it develop a major harbour, while later civil wars and migration contributed to rapid population growth and pressure on housing, transport, and public services.