Abstract
The Liberian Republic had its origin in the efforts of several colonisation societies of Europe and America to make permanent provision for freed American slaves. In 1822 a settlement was formed on the west coast of Africa near the spot where Monrovia now stands. Many difficulties were encountered and much suffering was endured by the colonists, but their numbers gradually increased until, in 1832, there were about 2,500 settlers. The colony had no regular constitution ; it owed no allegiance to any known power, nor did it claim to be an independent State. It was not till July 26, 1847, that the State was constituted as the Free and Independent Republic of Liberia. The new State was recognised by Great Britain and France, and from these countries it received assistance for defence, the collection of customs duties and other purposes, and its independence was soon afterwards recognised by other European countries and by the United States of America. The Constitution of the Republic is on the model of that of the United States of America. The executive is vested in a President, a Vice-President, and a Council of 6 Ministers, and the legislative power in a parliament of two houses, called the Senate and the House of Representatives. The President and the House of Representatives are elected for two years, and the Senate for four years. There are 13 members of the Lower House, and 9 of the Upper House.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Statistical and other Books of Reference concerning Liberia
1. Official Publication
Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom with Foreign Countries and British Possessions. Imp. 4. London.
2. Non-Official Publications
Blyden (E. W.), Christianity, Islam, and the Negro Race. London, 1887.—A Chapter in the History of Liberia. Freetown, 1892.
Bourzeix (Père P.), La Republique de Libéria. Paris, 1887.
Buttikofer (J.), Reisebilder aus Liberia. 2 Bde. Leiden, 1890.
Delafosse (M.), Un tat Nègre : La Republique de Libéria. No. 9 of ‘Renseignements Coloniaux.’ Paris, 1900.
Die Negerrepublic Liberia, in ‘Unsere Zeit,’ Vol. III. 8. Leipzig, 1858.
Durham (F. A.), The Lone Star of Liberia. London, 1893.
Hutchinson (E.), Impressions of Western Africa. 8. London, 1858.
Johnson (H. R. W.), The Independence of Liberia. New York, 1882.
Johnston (Keith), Africa. London, 1882.
Reports of Council of the Corporation of Foreign Bondholders for 1895–1900. Appendices. London, 1896–1900.
Ritter (Karl), Begründung und gegenwärtige Zustände der Republic Liberia, in Zeit schrift für allgemeine Erdkunde,’Vol. I. 8. Leipzig, 1853.
Schwarz (Dr. B.), Einiges über das interne Leben der Eingebornen Liberias, ‘Deutsche Kolonialzeitung,’ Dec. 15, 1888. Berlin.
Stockwell (G. S.), The Republic of Liberia: its Geography, Climate, Soil, and Productions. With a history of its early settlement. 12. New York, 1868.
Wauwermans (Colonel H.), Liberia, histoire de la fondation d’un état nègre libre Brussels, 1885.
Wilson (J.) Western Africa. 8. London, 1856.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 1902 Palgrave Macmillan, a division of Macmillan Publishers Limited
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Keltie, J.S. (1902). Liberia. In: Keltie, J.S. (eds) The Statesman’s Year-Book. The Statesman’s Yearbook. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230270312_29
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230270312_29
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-54854-5
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-27031-2
eBook Packages: Palgrave Political & Intern. Studies CollectionPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)