Harbel

Harbel is a town located in Margibi County, Liberia. Founded in 1926, it's situated approximately 50 miles east of the capital, Monrovia. The town's name is a portmanteau derived from the names of Harvey Firestone and his wife, Idabelle.

Harbel is historically and currently significant as the location of the Firestone Liberia rubber plantation, one of the world's largest contiguous rubber plantations. The plantation's presence has profoundly shaped the town's economy, infrastructure, and social landscape.

The Firestone plantation significantly influences the local employment market, providing jobs for a large portion of the local population. However, this has also brought concerns about working conditions and the plantation's impact on the environment and local communities.

Beyond the plantation, Harbel features residential areas, schools, clinics, and markets catering to the needs of its residents and the plantation workers. The town's development is intrinsically linked to the operations of the Firestone Liberia company.