Why Liberia Speaks English—and So Much More Trump Didn’t Know

After Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his “good English,” many were quick to point out that English is Liberia’s official language and that it has deep historical ties to the US. Founded by freed African-American slaves in the 1800s, Liberia’s culture, flag, and even its capital city, Monrovia, reflect strong American influence. The capital is named after a former US president. Liberia has a Nobel Peace Prize winner in former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Timothy Weah, the son of former president George Weah, is a footballer who plays for the US men’s team. The country also hosts the world’s largest rubber plantation, owned by US company Firestone. While some Liberians shrugged off Trump’s comment, others saw it as a reminder of how little many still know about Africa’s vibrant nations.

BBC