Ivory Coast

Cistones

Royaumes ci

Aouabou-Traité-1892

Arrivée à Kong-1892

French West Africa 1913 map

Almamy Samory Touré

Country in West Africa

Ivory Coast, officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, is a country located on the south coast of West Africa. It is bordered by Guinea and Liberia to the west, Burkina Faso and Mali to the north, Ghana to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.

History

Ivory Coast has a rich history that dates back to the pre-colonial era. The region was home to several states, including the Gyaaman, the Kong Empire, and the Baoulé. In the 19th century, the area became a French protectorate and later a colony. Ivory Coast gained independence from France on August 7, 1960, under the leadership of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who became the country's first president.

Geography

Ivory Coast is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes coastal lagoons, savannas, and forested regions. The country is divided into 14 districts, which are further subdivided into 31 regions and 108 departments. The capital city is Yamoussoukro, while the largest city and economic hub is Abidjan.

Economy

The economy of Ivory Coast is largely market-based and relies heavily on agriculture, particularly the production of cocoa and coffee. The country is the world's largest producer of cocoa beans. Other significant industries include oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing.

Demographics

Ivory Coast is home to a diverse population comprising various ethnic groups, including the Akan, Kru, Mande, and Gur. The official language is French, but many local languages are also spoken.

Culture

The culture of Ivory Coast is a blend of indigenous traditions and French colonial influences. Music and dance are integral parts of Ivorian culture, with popular genres including Zouglou and Coupé-Décalé. The country is also known for its vibrant festivals and traditional ceremonies.

Politics

Ivory Coast operates as a presidential representative democratic republic. The President is both the head of state and the head of government. The current President is Alassane Ouattara, and the Prime Minister is Patrick Achi.

Related Pages

• West Africa
• Abidjan
• Yamoussoukro
• Cocoa production in Ivory Coast
• French language
• Alassane Ouattara
• Félix Houphouët-Boigny