Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast
Conventional long name	Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
Capital	Yamoussoukro
Largest city	Abidjan
Official languages	French
Government type	Unitary presidential republic
Leader title1	President
Leader name1	Alassane Ouattara
Leader title2	Vice President
Leader name2	Tiémoko Meyliet Koné
Leader title3	Prime Minister
Leader name3	Robert Beugré Mambé
Area km2	322,463
Population estimate	28,160,542
Population estimate year	2021

Ivory Coast, officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, is a country located on the southern coast of West Africa. It is bordered by Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana, with its southern boundary formed by the Gulf of Guinea. The nation's political capital is Yamoussoukro, while its economic hub and largest city is the bustling port of Abidjan.

History

Pre-colonial history was marked by the rise of powerful states like the Gyaaman kingdom, the Kong Empire, and the Baoulé state. French colonial rule began in the late 19th century, with the territory becoming part of French West Africa. It gained independence in 1960 under its first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, whose political party, the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast, dominated for decades. Following his death, the country experienced political instability, culminating in the First Ivorian Civil War and a period of de facto partition. A disputed 2010 presidential election triggered the Second Ivorian Civil War, leading to the arrest of former President Laurent Gbagbo and the installation of Alassane Ouattara. The nation has since pursued reconciliation and stability, though tensions periodically resurface.

Geography

The country features a varied landscape, from the coastal lagoons near Abidjan to the forested interior and savannahs in the north. It shares Lake Volta with Ghana and is drained by several major rivers, including the Bandama, Sassandra, and Comoé. The Taï National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects one of the last remaining primary tropical rainforests in West Africa. The climate is generally tropical, with a warm equatorial climate along the coast and a drier tropical savanna climate in the northern regions.

Government and politics

Ivory Coast is a unitary presidential republic where executive power is vested in the President of Ivory Coast, currently Alassane Ouattara. The National Assembly is the legislative body, with members elected from constituencies across the country. The judiciary is independent, with the Supreme Court at its apex. Major political parties include the ruling Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace, the Ivorian Popular Front, and the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast – African Democratic Rally. The country maintains membership in international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States.

Economy

The Ivorian economy is one of the largest in West Africa and is heavily dependent on agriculture, with the country being the world's largest producer of cocoa. Other significant exports include coffee, palm oil, and rubber. Abidjan serves as a major financial and commercial center, housing the African Development Bank and a deep-water port. The industrial sector includes food processing, textiles, and chemical production, while the discovery of offshore petroleum and natural gas reserves has added to the nation's resource wealth. Key infrastructure projects include the Abidjan Metro and expansions at the Port of Abidjan.

Demographics

The population is diverse, comprising over 60 ethnic groups, with the major ones being the Akan (including the Baoulé), Kru, Voltaic, and Mandé. While French is the official language, indigenous languages such as Dyula, Baoulé, and Bété are widely spoken. A significant portion of the population adheres to Islam, followed by Christianity and various indigenous beliefs. The country has also attracted large numbers of migrant workers from neighboring nations like Burkina Faso and Mali.

Culture

Ivorian culture is a vibrant blend of its many ethnic traditions. The country is renowned for its music, particularly coupe-décalé and zouglou, and has produced internationally acclaimed artists like Alpha Blondy. Traditional masks from groups like the Dan and Guro are celebrated in global art circles. In sports, the national football team, known as Les Éléphants, won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992 and 2015, with stars like Didier Drogba achieving global fame. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is one of the largest churches in the world. Cuisine is centered on staples like fufu and attieke, often served with flavorful sauces and grilled fish or meat.

Category:Ivory Coast Category:French-speaking countries and territories Category:West Africa