Before you plan a tour to Liberia it is quite essential to know about the culture of Liberia. The Culture of Liberia is rich and diversified and influenced by the co-mingling of several ethnic groups that compose the demography of the country. A study of the culture of Liberia will feature some fine combination of ancient traditional customs and beliefs and modern influence of the west influenced by the Americo Liberians who were free American black slaves. The rich culture of Liberia is actually a product of the multiple ethnic groups that form the population of the country.
There are various tribes who constitute the population of Liberia. Their coherence and mixing have contributed in enriching the culture of Liberia. Among the several tribes Gola were considered to be the first who got mixed up with the Dei ethnic group, who were a group of Bassa that got settled in Liberia in waves. However the Liberians can be divided into several groups. They are:
Mel
Kwa
Mande Fu
Mande-Tan
Repatriated Group that comprised of Americo-Liberians, Congo people and the Caribbean
Bassa:
They were also called as the Kwa Speakers and comprised of groups that included Dei, Bassa, Kru and Krahn, Grebo. Their origin is traced to Mozambique in the prehistoric times. This Bassa groups have huge settlements in Liberia and forms a major part of the population.
Dei:
They were the first settlers who were later joined by the Golas. The Golas had their origin in Central Africa. The people were mostly Christians and some of the backward groups remained animists.
Emigrants from Mali:
Some of the ethnic groups like Kpelle, Gio, MAno, Mandingo and Vai wre expatriates from the empire of Mali. They settled down in Liberia seeking refuge from the civil turmoil and looking a peaceful settlement. In fact, they were the first to develop a form of writing in 1833.
Repatriates:
They were the group of blacks who settled in the Liberia as a result of slave trade and immigration in Africa. They were migrants from the United States of America, the Caribbean and the Congo.
Language of the Liberians:
The majority of the people of Liberia speaks and writes English which is the official language. They are friendly people full of warmth and hospitality and great respect for customs and traditions.
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