Liberia’s Flag: Why It Looks So Much Like America’s Flag

The first time I saw Liberia’s flag, I had to blink twice. At first glance, I thought I was looking at the American flag. Red and white stripes, a blue square in the corner. Honestly it was almost identical. But then I noticed something different. Instead of 50 stars, there was just one.

That moment made me pause, and it got me curious. Why would another country adopt a design so close to the Stars and Stripes? The answer lies in a ton of factors ranging from history to migration. Join me let’s look into them one after the other.

A Quick Look at Liberia’s Flag

Liberia’s flag is officially known as the Lone Star. At first sight, it looks like a sibling of the American flag thanks to the following traits:

• 11 red and white stripes that boldly run across it.
• In the top left corner, there is a blue square that contains a single white star.
• The colors (red, white, and blue) sharply mirror the American palette.

It is simple yet at the same time it is very striking. For travelers like me, spotting it in Monrovia for the first time is like experiencing déjà vu. And for those who don’t know, Monrovia is one of the largest cities in Liberia. It is also the country’s official capital city.

Monrovia is a lovely city that I have visited multiple times. Since it is not very far from my home country Ghana, every trip feels familiar yet unique, and the pride Liberians have in their Lone Star flag is always clear.

The Historical Connection With the U.S.

The resemblance is not accidental. In the early 1800s, freed African Americans began returning to Africa, supported by the American Colonization Society. Their dream was to build a free homeland on the African continent.

In 1822, they finally settled along the West African coast, and by 1847, Liberia declared independence. This bold action was historic since it automatically made Liberia the first independent republic in Africa. To honor their roots and connection to America, they adopted a flag modeled after the U.S. flag.

For me, this history is fascinating. Standing in West Africa and seeing the Liberian flag feels like looking at a bridge between two worlds. A bridge that one of my professors described as carrying both the pain of displacement and the hope of independence.

What the Elements in the Liberian Flag Mean

At first, the similarities with the U.S. flag dominate your view. But once you look closer, Liberia’s flag tells its own story. Let’s look at the elements one after the other.

The Stripes

The 11 red and white stripes are not just decoration. These stripes honor the 11 men who signed Liberia’s Declaration of Independence in 1847. This is the group that laid the foundation for the new republic. Each stripe is meant to remind the world of the courage of these heroes and the difficult decisions they made to establish a free nation.

The Blue Square

The blue square you find in the top corner of the flag reflects Africa itself. It symbolizes the freedom of the African continent while at the same time serving as a tribute to Liberia’s role as the first independent republic in Africa. For many Liberians, that blue field is a source of pride because it represents a spark of hope for the entire region during a time when most of Africa was still under colonial rule.

The White Star

The single white star you find inside the blue square is perhaps the most powerful symbol of all. And why? Simply because it represents Liberia’s independence and its unique status as a lone republic on the African continent during the mid-19th century. Unlike the 50 stars of the American flag, which symbolize a union of states, Liberia’s solo star stands for one united nation, confident in its own identity.

So while the American flag’s stars multiply to represent 50 states, Liberia’s one star stands alone, shining as a symbol of independence and uniqueness.

The Lone Star of Liberia.

Liberia’s Flag vs. the American Flag

Out of all the flags I have seen on my travels, Liberia’s is the one that feels the most similar to the American flag. The red and white stripes are unmistakable, and the blue canton instantly brings the Stars and Stripes to mind.

But that single star changes everything. It plays the role of transforming the design into something new, something rooted in Liberia’s identity.

I often describe it as America’s “little brother” in flag form. They share the same family resemblance, but each has grown into its own story. The American flag represents a union of 50 states, while Liberia’s lone star represents one independent republic that carved its own path.

What Travelers Notice in Liberia

When you walk through Monrovia, Liberia’s capital, the flag is everywhere. It flies from government buildings, schools, and homes. It is printed on signs and painted on walls. Locals proudly refer to it as the Lone Star.

As a traveler, it is impossible not to feel the connection to the American flag. More than once I caught myself doing a double take, wondering if I was looking at the Stars and Stripes.

Flags as Travel Symbols

One of the reasons I love writing about flags is because they are more than just designs. In my eyes, I see them as shortcuts to a nation’s story.

For example, Liberia’s flag shows how deeply symbols can travel across borders. Freed African Americans brought with them the design of the Stars and Stripes, but they gave it a new meaning. To this day, the Lone Star represents not just a link to America but also the resilience of a people determined to shape their own future.

Quick Tips for Visiting Liberia

I’ve personally been to Liberia twice now (once even spending a full week in Monrovia while attending a bloggers’ conference) and I picked up a few things that can help fellow travelers.

1. Get ready for warm hospitality. Liberians are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Don’t be surprised if strangers strike up conversations with you in Monrovia’s streets or markets.
2. Traffic can be hectic. Monrovia is busy, and getting around takes a great deal of patience quite similar to Ghana’s Accra. I often gave myself extra time when heading to meetings or events.
3. Try local dishes. Pepper soup, jollof rice, and cassava leaf stew are staples. If you’re a foodie like me, eating in Liberia feels like a delicious adventure.
4. Stay hydrated and sun-ready. Liberia is hot and humid. Carry water, wear light clothing, and keep sunscreen handy, especially if you’re exploring during the day.
5. The Lone Star is everywhere. You’ll see Liberia’s flag flying proudly all over. As someone fascinated by flags, I loved spotting it on buildings, taxis, and even small shops.
6. Bring a flexible mindset. Power cuts and internet interruptions happen. During my week-long stay, I learned to just roll with it. It’s part of the experience (:

Liberia’s Flag Day

One of the things that really stood out to me during my time in Liberia was how much pride people have in their flag. That pride is officially celebrated every year on August 24, which is known as Flag Day.

On this day, schools, government offices, and communities come alive with celebrations. Students often march in parades, flags are displayed everywhere, and speeches highlight the importance of the Lone Star to Liberia’s history and identity.

As a traveler, I didn’t get to experience Flag Day firsthand, but just knowing it exists made me appreciate how deeply connected Liberians are to their national symbol. If you ever plan a trip to Liberia, being there in late August would be an incredible way to see the flag in action. On this day, you wouldn’t just see the flag flying, but celebrated as a living part of the country’s story.