Overview of Côte d'Ivoire

Profile

Rich tropical rainforests and savanna spread, with world's largest basilica cathedral in capital Yamoussoukro. Largest city Abidjan serves as economic hub linking East and West Africa with vibrant music and art scene. Based on exports of agricultural products like cocoa and coffee, recent growth in oil/gas development and IT startups.

Official name: Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
Common name: Côte d'Ivoire
Numeric code: 384
Alpha-3 code: CIV
Alpha-2 code: CI
Population: 29 million (2023)
Population density: Approx. 90 people/km²
Primary languages: French
Major religions: Islam, Christianity, Traditional religions
National anthem: L'Abidjanaise (Song of Abidjan)
Calling code: +225
Internet TLD: .ci

History

Independent from France in 1960; experienced economic growth and civil wars, currently advancing reconciliation and multi-party democracy consolidation.

Post-independence, entered high-growth period called 'Ivorian Miracle' under President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, but coups and ethnic conflict escalated late 1990s. Civil wars erupted 2002 and 2010 causing temporary north-south division. Since 2011, peace progressed through UN and regional organization mediation, pursuing stabilization through infrastructure reconstruction and investment attraction.

Geography & climate

South has wetlands and lagoons, central flat savanna, western border features Guinea Highlands.

South tropical rainforest climate, north savanna climate

Area: Africa / 322463 km²
Capital: Yamoussoukro
Largest city: Abidjan
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Liberia

Natural resources

Cocoa, Coffee, Petroleum, Natural gas, Manganese, Nickel, Gold, Diamonds, Forest resources, Hydropower, Palm oil, Seafood, Cashew nuts, Phosphate rock

Politics

Government: Presidential republic (multi-party system)

Economy

Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)

GDP (nominal): 712 hundred million dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): 1,794 hundred million dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French

Time zone: West Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Baoulé, Senufo, Malinké, Guro, Kru, Ebrié

Life expectancy

61 years

Literacy rate

47%

National sports

Soccer, Rugby, Basketball, Handball, Athletics