Monrovia

Monrovia, city, Liberia

Monrovia (mənrō`vēə), city (1986 est. pop. 465,000), capital of the Republic of Liberia, NW Liberia, a port on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the St. Paul River. Monrovia is Liberia's largest city and its administrative, commercial, communications, and financial center. The city's economy revolves around its harbor, which was substantially improved by U.S. forces under lend-lease during World War II. In 1948 the first port capable of handling oceangoing vessels was opened; there are now several ports, including a free port. The main exports are latex and iron ore. The city also has extensive storage and ship repair facilities. Manufactures include cement, refined petroleum, food products, bricks and tiles, furniture, and pharmaceuticals. Roads and railroads and an airport connect Monrovia with Liberia's interior. The Univ. of Liberia (1862) and Cuttington College and Divinity School (1889; Episcopal) are in the city. Monrovia was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society as a haven for freed slaves from the United States and the British West Indies and was named for James Monroe, then president of the United States. Life in Monrovia was severely disrupted in the 1990s and 2000s by civil war, which left thousands homeless and the city's economy in ruins.

---

Monrovia, city, United States

Monrovia, city (1990 pop. 35,761), Los Angeles co., S Calif., in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mts.; inc. 1886. The city's diversified manufactures include computers and electronic equipment. Mt. Sierra College is there. Angeles National Forest, including the San Gabriel Wilderness, is nearby.

---

Monrovia

Port city (pop., 1999 est.: metro. area, 479,000), capital of Liberia, located on the Atlantic coast. It was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society as a settlement for freed U.S. slaves and named for Pres. James Monroe. Bushrod Island contains the artificial harbour and free port of Monrovia, the only such port in West Africa. It is Liberia's largest city and its administrative and commercial centre. Many of the city's buildings were damaged during the civil war that began in 1990, and its increased population includes many formerly rural people displaced by the war. It is the seat of the University of Liberia.

---

Monrovia

the capital and chief port of Liberia, on the Atlantic: founded in 1822 as a home for freed American slaves; University of Liberia (1862). Pop.: 614 000 (2005 est.)