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Which landforms make up Liberia’s coastal and inland terrain?

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Liberia’s terrain is organized into four distinct physiographic regions that run parallel to the coast.1

Coastal and Inland Terrain

  • Coastal Plains: Extending up to 25 miles (40 km) inland, this low, sandy region features extensive beaches, mangrove swamps, and lagoons enclosed by sandbars. Notable rocky promontories include Cape Mount, Cape Mesurado, and Cape Palmas.1
  • Rolling Hills: Located behind the coastal plains, this region is approximately 20 miles (32 km) wide. It is characterized by elevations typically reaching 300 to 500 feet (90 to 150 meters), making it well-suited for forestry and agriculture.1
  • Dissected Plateau: Most of the country’s interior consists of this plateau, which features scattered low mountains generally ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet (180 to 305 meters) in elevation, though some peaks reach 2,000 feet (600 meters).1
  • Northern Highlands: This mountainous region along the Guinea border includes the prominent Mount Nimba.1

The country's landscape is further shaped by major rivers, such as the Mano and Cavalla, which often feature rapids and waterfalls that limit inland navigation.23