Pygmy Hippopotamus
Unlike its giant cousin, the pygmy hippo is a shy, forest-dwelling animal about the size of a large dog, and Liberia is one of the last places on Earth where it still lives in the wild.
Flag of Liberia
Field Report
Liberia is a small country on the western coast of Africa, tucked between Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire, with the wide Atlantic Ocean stretching out along its southern shore. It was built by people who had survived slavery and dreamed of a free home, which makes its history unlike almost any other nation on Earth. Today, more than five million Liberians live there, speaking dozens of different languages and belonging to many different ethnic groups, most of whom have not yet had the chance to clearly hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
From the Field Notebook
Pygmy Hippopotamus
Unlike its giant cousin, the pygmy hippo is a shy, forest-dwelling animal about the size of a large dog, and Liberia is one of the last places on Earth where it still lives in the wild.
Western Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees in Liberia live in family groups, use simple tools like sticks to find food, and have been known to pass these skills down from mothers to their young.
Leopard
The leopard is a powerful and secretive hunter that moves through Liberia's forests mostly at night, and it holds a place of deep respect in many Liberian traditional stories.
Fufu
Fufu is a soft, doughy ball made from pounded cassava or plantain that most Liberians eat with their hands, dipping it into rich soups or stews.
Palm Butter Soup
Made from the thick, orange-red oil of palm fruit and cooked with fish or meat and spices, palm butter soup has a deep, earthy flavor that is considered one of Liberia's most beloved dishes.
Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is cooked slowly in a seasoned tomato and pepper sauce until every grain soaks up the flavor, and it is a staple at celebrations and everyday family meals alike.
Liberia was founded in 1847 by formerly enslaved African Americans who sailed back to Africa, making it one of the oldest republics on the continent.
Liberia is one of only two countries in the world whose flag is modeled after the American flag — it has one large white star on a blue square and red and white stripes.
The country drives on the right side of the road, uses US dollars as its everyday currency, and has done so since its founding.
Liberia receives some of the heaviest rainfall in all of West Africa, with certain areas getting more than 180 inches of rain every year — that is nearly five times what most of the eastern United States gets.
Liberia has more than 16 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, and traditions, meaning a child in one village might grow up speaking a completely different language from a child just a few hours away.
Daily Life
62
Years life expectancy
59%
Can read and write
44%
Kids go to school
Missions Field Report
Liberia is home to 37 distinct people groups — 6 of them haven’t yet heard about Jesus.
About half of Liberia's people follow Ethnic Religions (42.2%). Evangelical Christians make up about 11.7% of the population.
What People Believe
Unreached People Groups
These are communities of people who haven’t had the chance to hear about Jesus yet. They need missionaries — and they need kids like you to pray for them.
Vai
209,000 people
Gola
196,000 people
Manya
106,000 people
Maninka, Eastern
79,000 people
Konyanka
58,000 people
Prayer Journal
Tick each one as you pray. God hears every word.