LIBERIA: Discovering a Bizarre AMERICAN Nation in West Africa (Exploring Monrovia & the Ducor Hotel)

Did you know there is a country in Africa that has never been colonized, and was actually founded by freed slaves from the United States? Welcome to LIBERIA, the bizarre "USA of Africa". Small in size but big on patriotism, this country is African republic meets American Nation, and has its own "stars and stripes" flag, a full constitution & bill of rights that's modeled exactly on the American system, and uses the names of former U.S. Presidents to name their roads, towns, and villages - they even have their own dollar!

In this video, I take you on a full tour of the small, chaotic capital city of Monrovia, exploring the heart of this little slice of America in Africa. Beginning with a discreet, 'unofficial' tour of the ruins of the 1950s-built Pan Am Ducor Hotel. Abandoned since 1989, the hotel was sold by Intercontinental Hotels to the investment arm of Gaddhafi's now-defunct Libyan government, the hotel now lies in a state of ruin, left to rot to the elements as its future lies in limbo. After, I check out some of the capital's many monuments and abandoned historic buildings (there are many!), enjoy a couple of cold Liberian beers, and enjoy a spectacular sunset on the beach from the very corner of the continent. All in all, a great introduction to the capital and a fun day of discovering this bizarre American Nation in West Africa.

Does it feel like the USA? Well, no. Not at all, actually. But it's definitely an interesting place, with an incredible amount of American pride, despite being one of the poorest and least developed countries on the continent. Note that visiting this country also comes with a steep $150 USD visa fee, which must be obtained in advance. Is it worth it? I'll let you decide! Leave me a comment below and let me know what you thought of the video, and what you think of Monrovia and the "USA of Africa"!

00:00 Intro
01:08 Morning in Monrovia
02:08 Ducor Hotel (Abandoned)
07:02 President Roberts Monument
07:27 The America of Africa
08:34 Grand Masonic Temple
09:18 Exploring Downtown Monrovia
12:31 Diana Hotel Beer & Room Tour
13:45 Afternoon Walk, Mosque, & Lebanese Diaspora
18:22 Sundowners @ Legacy Beach Bar
20:24 Lebanese Dinner @ Diana Hotel
20:59 Outro

Episode 230 | #Africa #WestAfrica #Liberia | #Monrovia | Filmed March 2024

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Tracks featured in this episode:
Future Vibes by Qeeo
Umbele by Ebo Krdum
Umbele by Ebo Krdum (Instrumental)

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