Liberia, officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the West African coast. It is bordered by Sierra Leone to its northwest, Guinea to its north, Côte d'Ivoire to its east, and the Atlantic Ocean to its south-southwest. The capital and largest city is Monrovia. Liberia has a unique history among African nations as it was founded and colonized by freed American and Caribbean slaves through the American Colonization Society, a private organization. The country declared its independence in 1847, making it Africa's first republic. However, the indigenous African residents were not granted citizenship until much later. The economy of Liberia is traditionally reliant on its natural resources, with rubber and iron ore being the main exports. The country also has a growing palm oil industry. Despite these resources, Liberia remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with its development severely hindered by two civil wars (1989-1997 and 1999-2003) that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the destruction of its economy. Liberia's population is ethnically diverse, comprising 16 indigenous ethnic groups and various foreign minorities. English is the official language, but over 20 indigenous languages are spoken within the country. The society is a mix of traditional and modern elements, with strong influences from the Americo-Liberian settlers as well as indigenous African cultures. Culturally, Liberia is known for its music and dance, which play a significant role in social and cultural events. The country's music blends traditional African rhythms with American gospel, jazz, and hip-hop influences. Liberia's political history has been marked by instability and conflict, particularly during the late 20th century. However, since the end of the second civil war in 2003, the country has been working towards rebuilding its political system and economy, with varying degrees of success. Geographically, Liberia is characterized by its lush rainforests, mangrove swamps, and sandy beaches along the coast. The country has a tropical climate, with a wet and a dry season. Its rich biodiversity includes a variety of wildlife, although deforestation and the legacy of war have posed significant challenges to environmental conservation. Population of Liberia from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 4.82 million inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 4.94 million inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 5.06 million inhabitants. Capital (Monrovia): Population in 2020: About 1.05 million inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Monrovia: 1.05 million Gbarnga: 45,835 Kakata: 33,945 Bensonville: 33,188 Harper: 32,661 Voinjama: 26,594 Buchanan: 25,731 Zwedru: 25,678 New Yekepa: 24,695 Greenville: 16,434 Liberia is divided into 15 counties.