The Kpelle people (also known as the Guerze, Kpwesi, Kpessi, Sprd, Mpessi, Berlu, Gbelle, Bere, Gizima, or Buni)[3] are the largest ethnic group in Liberia.

Traditionally organized under several paramount chiefs who serve as mediators for the public, preserve order and settle disputes, the Kpelle are arguably the most rural and conservative of the major ethnic groups in Liberia.

[5] The Kpelle people are also referred to as Gberese, Gbese, Gbeze, Gerse, Gerze, Kpelli, Kpese, Kpwele, Ngere, and Nguere.

[6] The Kpelle or Guerze lived in North Sudan during the sixteenth-century, before fleeing to other parts of Northwest Africa into what is now Mali.

The Kpelle also used to trade with the Muslim Vai and Mandingo who live in small numbers in the country and reside nearby.

[9] The violence ended after the Guinea military imposed a curfew, and President Conde made a televised appeal for calm.

The Kpelle territory sees the lowest temperatures dropping to 19 °C with the average temp around 36-degree C.[4] It is supplemented by cassava, vegetables, and fruits; cash crops include rice, peanuts, sugarcane, and nuts they also enjoy fufu and soup, sometimes the soup is spicy but it depends on the way they want it.

Oprah Winfrey, American show host and philanthropist, is of Kpelle descent through her matrilineal line.