Monrovia

The capital and largest city of Liberia, Monrovia, is evidence of the rich past of the country and its continuous path forward. Tucked down on Cape Mesurado, on the Atlantic coast, this energetic city is Liberia’s cultural, financial, and commercial hub. Monrovia, with 1,761,032 citizens as of the 2022 census, is the primate city of Liberia; 33.5% of the nation’s total population resides there.

Established in 1822, Monrovia is unique in history as one of only two world capitals bearing the name of a U.S. President. James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, is the city’s namesake; he was a strong advocate of the American Colonization Society and Liberia’s colonization. Rooted in the early 19th-century movement to resettle freed African American slaves in Africa, this name reflects the complicated historical links between Liberia and the United States.

The strategic location of Monrovia on the Cape Mesurado peninsula, between the great Atlantic Ocean and the Mesurado River defines its topography. The city has been blessed with a sizable natural harbor by this orientation, which has been absolutely vital in its growth as a major port city in West Africa. Connected to the mainland by the “New Bridge,” Bushrod Island, a natural part of the larger Monrovia area, has its northern limit the Saint Paul River.

The way the city is laid out is a tapestry of several neighborhoods, each with unique character and importance:

• Downtown: The historic heart of Monrovia, centered around Broad Street, lies at the tip of the peninsula. This area is home to key administrative and commercial buildings.

• Waterside: Adjacent to downtown, this bustling market district faces the city’s natural harbor, serving as a hub of commercial activity.

• West Point: A densely populated, low-income community northwest of Waterside, known for its vibrant culture and resilient residents.

• Mamba Point: Traditionally the diplomatic quarter, hosting embassies of major countries and the European Union delegation.

• Capitol Hill: The seat of national government, featuring important institutions like the Temple of Justice and the Executive Mansion.

• Sinkor: Once a suburban area, now the bustling midtown section of Monrovia. It’s a mix of diplomatic missions, hotels, businesses, and residential neighborhoods, including informal communities.

• Congo Town: An independent township at the southeastern base of the peninsula.

• Paynesville: A large suburb to the east of Congo Town.

• Bushrod Island: Home to neighborhoods like Clara Town, Logan Town, and New Kru Town.

The impact of Monrovia goes much beyond its boundaries of city. Comprising Montserrado and Margibi counties, the larger metropolitan area has seen notable urbanization and boasts 2,225,911 people as of the 2022 census. Among many suburbs developed by this urban sprawl are Chocolate City, Gardnersville, Barnesville, and New Georgia.

Monrovia, Liberia’s main metropolitan center, depends mostly on its port and function as the seat of government. Linking the capital with other coastal cities like Greenville and Harper, the busiest port in the country, the Freeport of Monrovia is vital for the national economy. Fascinatingly, between ten and fifteen percent of the world’s merchant shipping is registered under Liberia’s flag of convenience arrangements, Monrovia is listed as the home port for a sizable fraction of this total.

The transportation system of Monrovia combines several means:

• Air: The city is served by two airports. Spriggs Payne Airport, located less than four miles from the city center, handles domestic flights. For international travel, Roberts International Airport lies 37 miles away in Harbel.

• Road: A network of roads connects Monrovia to the rest of the country. Within the city, private taxis and minibuses are the primary modes of public transportation, supplemented by larger buses operated by the Monrovia Transit Authority.

• Sea: The port facilities play a crucial role in both domestic and international trade.

Monrovia has been under major reconstruction following Liberia’s civil strife. Rebuilding and enhancing the city’s infrastructure has been a deliberate endeavor starting in 2005. Many of the city’s roads have been rebuilt thanks in great part to the World Bank and Liberian government. Building or renovating both public and private infrastructure indicates a phase of capital rebirth and expansion.