Monrovia

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Monrovia

Monrovia

Monrovia, Liberia's capital, largest city and main Atlantic port, lies on Bushrod Island and Cape Mesurado. It was founded by the American Colonization Society during the administration of US President James Monroe as a settlement for freed American slaves. The first town was established in 1822 at the mouth of the Mesurado River on Providence Island. The residents are descendants of settlers from North America, the majority of whom arrived between 1830 and 1871, as well as a significant number of immigrants from inland. The artificial harbor and free port of Monrovia on Bushrod Island is the only one of its kind in West Africa. Monrovia's cultural highlights feature the Liberian National Museum, the Masonic Temple, the Waterside Market and numerous beaches. The city is also home to the Antoinette Tubman Stadium and the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, boasting one of Africa's largest stadiums with 40 000 seats. The places of worship in the country are mainly Christian churches and temples. Among these are the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia, the United Methodist Church in Liberia, the Liberian Baptist Mission and Education Convention and the Assemblies of God.