Editing Liberia (section)

== Early history ==

Before the modern republic was founded, the region that became Liberia was inhabited by several peoples with established local political, social, and trade systems. Coastal communities took part in regional and Atlantic commerce, while inland societies maintained agricultural and clan-based structures.

In the 19th century, settlement and political development around Monrovia led to the formation of the Liberian state. Liberia declared independence on 26 July 1847. The new republic developed institutions based in Monrovia, with a presidency, legislature, courts, and a formal state administration.