Culture can be described as the way of life of a particular people expressed through their behavior, art and traditions. Some of the components of culture are language, values, beliefs, norms and symbols (“Cambridge Dictionary,” 2016). Awareness of a country’s geography, infrastructure, economy and social institutions can help leaders make better decisions if operating in that environment. Having a cultural understanding of Liberia, a key American ally in Africa, is particularly important for military leaders in this increasingly vital part of the world.
Liberia, literally “land of the free,” originated as a place to relocate freed African-American slaves. It started as a settlement of the American Colonization Society in 1822. This was a group of politicians and abolitionists who foresaw the end of slavery in America and wanted to establish a homeland for freed blacks in Africa. After thousands resettled, the Republic of Liberia was formed in 1847 as a constitutional republic and representative democracy. Their form of government and even their flag are remarkably similar to ours (Dalton, 1965). Liberia is on the Atlantic Ocean in the southern part of West Africa. It is about the size of Tennessee and …show more content…
The climate is equatorial with the rainy season between May and October. According to Climate-Data.org (2016), average rainfall is 15.2 inches per month and average temperature is 25.8 degrees Celsius (78.4 degrees Fahrenheit). The main food staple is rice. Cassava, fish, bananas, coconut and sweet potatoes are also important foods. Unfortunately, many endangered species are hunted for food including elephant, hippopotamus, leopard and monkeys. Deforestation is depleting the rain forests and people use the wood for heating and cooking. Liberia signed an agreement in 2014 with Norway to cease logging in exchange for 150 million dollars in
Liberia, literally “land of the free,” originated as a place to relocate freed African-American slaves. It started as a settlement of the American Colonization Society in 1822. This was a group of politicians and abolitionists who foresaw the end of slavery in America and wanted to establish a homeland for freed blacks in Africa. After thousands resettled, the Republic of Liberia was formed in 1847 as a constitutional republic and representative democracy. Their form of government and even their flag are remarkably similar to ours (Dalton, 1965). Liberia is on the Atlantic Ocean in the southern part of West Africa. It is about the size of Tennessee and …show more content…
The climate is equatorial with the rainy season between May and October. According to Climate-Data.org (2016), average rainfall is 15.2 inches per month and average temperature is 25.8 degrees Celsius (78.4 degrees Fahrenheit). The main food staple is rice. Cassava, fish, bananas, coconut and sweet potatoes are also important foods. Unfortunately, many endangered species are hunted for food including elephant, hippopotamus, leopard and monkeys. Deforestation is depleting the rain forests and people use the wood for heating and cooking. Liberia signed an agreement in 2014 with Norway to cease logging in exchange for 150 million dollars in