Overview of Liberia.
Liberia , officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the West African coast. It is bordered by Sierra Leone to its northwest, Guinea to its north, Ivory Coast to its east, and the Atlantic Ocean to its south and southwest. It has a population of around 5 million and covers an area of 43,000 square miles (111,369 km ). English is the official language, but over 20 indigenous languages are spoken, reflecting the country's ethnic and cultural diversity. Country Name: Republic of Liberia Capital: Monrovia Independence: July 26, 1847 Government Type: Republic (Legislative, Executive & Judicial Branch) Legal System: Dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for the modern sector, and customary law based on unwritten tribal practices, for the indigenous sector.
Government Type of government:
Republic. Independence: From American Colonization Society July 26, 1847.Constitution: January 6, 1986.Political parties: 30 registered political parties Liberia has a bicameral legislature consisting of 66 representatives and 30 senators. Historically, the executive branch heavily influences the legislature and judicial system, the latter being largely dysfunctional for now. There is a Supreme Court, criminal courts, and appeals court and magistrate courts in the counties. There also are traditional courts and lay courts in the counties. Trial by ordeal is practiced in various parts of Liberia. Locally, political power emanates from traditional chiefs (town, clan, or paramount chiefs), mayors, and district commissioners. Mayors are elected in principal cities in Liberia. Superintendents appointed by the president govern the counties. There are 15 counties in Liberia.
