Monrovia is the capital of Liberia and is located in the county of Montserrado. According to the country’s last census in 2008, an estimated 1.1 million residents live in this county. This makes up about 25 per cent of the country’s residents. Monrovia is also the country’s largest port city.
The acts of war between 1990 and 2003 have caused great material damage to the city, including most of the public buildings being destroyed and the city’s economic life severely weakened. Monrovia is now in a rebuilding phase. The University of Monrovia dates from 1951. It was founded as a college in 1863 and is one of the oldest educational institutions in West Africa. Monrovia has an international airport, 45 km east of the city.
Monrovia was founded in 1822 as a city for freed slaves and is named after US President James Monroe (1817-1825). The town has also been named Christopolis (1822-1824).
