 MISCELLANEOUS |
| TRAVEL/VISA REQUIREMENT |
Travelers are advised to seek visas from Liberian missions (embassies, consulates) before coming to the country. Seldom does immigration authorities grant entry permits without visas at ports of entry. Nationals from the sub-regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are exempted from the visa requirement, but must show proof of their nationality. Evidence of vaccination against yellow fever prior to travel to Liberia is required by health authorities at ports of entry.
 Travel Tip |
The price of a taxi ride from the airport to the capital of Monrovia, approximately 45min drive, is maximum 35USD, or less according to your negotiation skills. You can also reduce the cost by sharing the cab with other travelers.
| SPORTS |
Soccer has from time immemorial remained the country's leading sport. The soccer euphoria was heightened when compatriot George Weah "captured the world" by winning all three of the world's leading soccer accolade - the FIFA World Best Footballer, European Best Footballer and Africa Best Footballer - in one year, 1995.
Revered as a national hero, Weah is the nation's Sports Ambassador. Every Liberian child dreams of becoming a George Weah, while parents no longer resent their kids playing soccer. Liberia has never gone to the World Cup finals, but made its debut and single appearance in the African Cup of Nations in 1996.
The most recent victory of the national soccer team, "Lone Star", over the "Black Stars" of Ghana (January 28, 2001), and over the Sierra Leonean team (February 25, 2001) in the continuation of the World Cup qualifying round matches has placed Liberia as a serious contender to Nigeria for representing the African continent in next year's world cup finals to be staged in Japan and South Korea.
| MEDIA |
Liberians can boast one of the freest media in Africa. Today there are very nearly a dozen newspapers on the newsstands published daily, bi-weekly and weekly. One of the papers is government-owned, while the rest are private-owned, including one by the President, Charles Taylor, published by the Liberia Communications Network (LCN) that represents the country's largest media conglomerate. An eight-page newspaper sells for 20 Liberian dollar (US$0.50) and offers attractive advertisement rates.
 | | Radio |
At least six entities broadcast on the Frequency Modulation (FM) band on the Liberian airwaves, including the Ducor Broadcasting Corporation (DC 101); the Catholic-run Radio Veritas (97.8); KISS FM (89.9) owned by the LCN; Liberia Broadcasting System (99.9) owned by the state, the religious ELWA (94.5) and Radio France International relayed on FM 105. The Voice of America (VOA) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) are relayed (mainly news and sports) on about four of the FM stations. There are at least eight community radio stations in the rural areas serving their respective locales.
| Short Wave |
Radio Liberia International, a component of the LCN and the religious ELWA are the only two SW stations in the country. A third short wave station is said to be under construction by the Catholic Radio Veritas.
| Television |
Only two private television stations owned by the LCN (Channel 7) and the Ducor Broadcasting Corporation (Channel 11) beam programs to Monrovia only. The state-owned ELTV that covered nearly the entire country is yet to be re-commissioned having been destroyed during the civil conflict that ended three years ago.
| WHERE TO STAY? |
While Monrovia may not boast of five-star hotels, nonetheless there are hospitable and exquisite hotels that provide that "home-away-from-home" touch to their guests. The Mamba Point Hotel, perched on a slight rise overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Monrovia's diplomatic enclave, does not run short of top-class service and a menu replete with international cuisines. King's Lodge (once the home of millionaire soccer star George Weah) on the southern beach side cannot escape the eye of a keen guest. The list goes on with the likes of Palm Hotel, Boulevard Hotel, Hotel Africa, Holiday Inn, El Meson and African Palace, all designed to meet the specific financial needs of the visitor to the country.
| WHAT TO SEE? |
Tourist sites sprawl across the country, although some have declined owing to neglect during the seven-year conflict. But the Sapo National Park in the southeast, the country's only national park, provides all the trappings of a picturesque natural tropical rain forest with its unique fauna and flora species. The Kpatawe Waterfalls in Bong County, Central Liberia or Lake Piso in western Grand Cape Mount County exude nature's complexities, beauty and serenity. Monrovia's beaches, though not fully developed, are clean and perfect scenes for sunbathing, swimming and outdoor relaxation. The Kendeja Cultural Center in Monrovia or the Besao Cultural Village in western Bomi County offer the visitor more than a glimpse of the cultural and traditional heritage of the Liberian people.
| PUBLIC HOLIDAYS |
NEW YEAR DAY
ARMED FORCES DAY
DECORATION DAY
J.J. ROBERTS BIRTHDAY (1st President)
NATIONAL UNIFICATION DAY
INDEPENDENCE DAY
NATIONAL FLAG DAY
THANKSGIVING DAY
Late PRESIDENT TUBMAN'S BIRTHDAY
CHRISTMAS DAY | January 1st.
February 11th
Second Wednesday in March
March 15th
May 14th
July 26th
August 24th
1st. Thursday in November
November 29th
December 25th |
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