5 Things Trump Should Know About Liberia – And Why They Speak ‘Good English’
U.S. President Donald Trump recently made headlines after complimenting Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his “beautiful English” seemingly unaware that English is actually Liberia’s official language. While the remark drew awkward laughter, it also highlighted how little many people know about the deep historical ties between Liberia and the United States.
So, Mr. Trump and anyone else curious, here are five things you should know about Liberia, and why “good English” is no surprise at all.
1. Liberia Was Founded by Freed African Americans
Liberia’s roots are deeply intertwined with American history. In 1822, the American Colonization Society, with backing from white and Black Americans, established Liberia as a colony for freed African-American slaves. The idea was to provide a place where freed Blacks could live freely, beyond the reach of U.S. racism and discrimination.
Many of Liberia’s founding families were born in the U.S., and their descendants still form a prominent part of Liberian society. That American connection is central to Liberia’s national identity including its language, government, and constitution.
2. English Has Always Been Liberia’s Official Language
Because the nation was founded by English-speaking settlers, it adopted English as its official language from the start. The country’s legal system, education, and politics all function in English.
So when President Boakai speaks fluent English, he’s not showing off he’s simply speaking the language of his country, just like any other world leader does.
3. Liberia’s Flag and Constitution Resemble America’s
Take a close look at the Liberian flag and you might do a double-take. That’s because it closely resembles the U.S. flag red and white stripes with a single white star on a blue field. It’s no coincidence: Liberia modeled its national symbols after the U.S. to honor its origins.
The country’s constitution and political structure are also heavily influenced by American democracy, making Liberia one of the most pro-American nations in Africa.
4. Liberia Declared Independence in 1847 But the U.S. Took a While to Recognize It
Liberia officially became an independent nation in 1847, but the U.S. didn’t recognize its sovereignty until 1862 during the American Civil War. Still, Liberia has remained one of the United States’ most loyal allies in West Africa.
In both World Wars and the Cold War, Liberia supported U.S. interests. During the Ebola outbreak in 2014, the U.S. deployed aid and troops to help the country recover.
5. English Is Just One of 28 Languages Spoken in Liberia
While English is the official and most widely used language, Liberia is also rich in linguistic diversity. The country is home to 27 indigenous languages spoken across its various ethnic groups. However, these languages are often passed down orally and used in community settings, while English remains dominant in schools, media, and government.
This dual linguistic landscape explains why so many Liberians especially public figures speak English so well.
Rather than being a quirk, President Boakai’s polished English reflects Liberia’s deep American heritage. The next time someone is surprised to hear an African leader speak fluent English, it might be worth brushing up on a bit of history or at least checking Google first.
