Liberia – a Brief History
 
In 1822, the American Colonization Society began sending freed slaves to Africa, establishing the colony of Liberia.  Liberia declared independence in 1847, the first independent republic in Africa, becoming one of the few African nations that avoided European colonization.  In the 20th century, rubber production became a significant part of Liberia's economy, with the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company playing a major role.
Liberia declared war on Germany in 1917, allowing the Allied powers to use Liberian territory during World War II.
 
A successful coup d'état in 1980 led by Samuel Doe marked the beginning of many years of unrest in Liberia.  A 15-year civil war broke out in 1989. Liberia was significantly impacted by the 2014-2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak resulting in the decline in overall health care quality and access.
 
Despite the challenges of rebuilding, Liberia has, in recent years, experienced a period of increasing stability and slow, but encouraging progress. 

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