Geography of Ivory Coast

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Overview of the geography of Ivory Coast

The Geography of Ivory Coast (also known as Côte d'Ivoire) is diverse and varied, encompassing a range of landscapes from coastal lagoons to mountainous regions. Located in West Africa, Ivory Coast is bordered by Liberia and Guinea to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, Ghana to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.

Topography

Ivory Coast's topography is generally flat to undulating plains, with mountains in the northwest. The highest point is Mount Nimba, which reaches an elevation of 1,752 meters (5,748 feet) and is part of the Nimba Range that extends into Guinea and Liberia. The southern region is characterized by a coastal strip with lagoons and sandy beaches.

Climate

The climate of Ivory Coast is predominantly tropical, with a distinct wet and dry season. The coastal region experiences a humid equatorial climate, while the northern part of the country has a tropical savanna climate. The wet season typically occurs from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall in June and July. The dry season runs from November to April.

Hydrography

Ivory Coast has several major rivers, including the Bandama River, the longest river in the country, and the Comoé River. These rivers play a crucial role in the country's agriculture and hydroelectric power generation. The country also has numerous smaller rivers and streams, as well as several man-made lakes, such as Lake Kossou.

Natural Resources

Ivory Coast is rich in natural resources, including timber, petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, and gold. The country's fertile soil supports a variety of agricultural products, including cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and rubber.

Flora and Fauna

The country's diverse ecosystems support a wide range of flora and fauna. The southern region is home to tropical rainforests, while the northern region features savannas and grasslands. Ivory Coast is home to several national parks and protected areas, such as Taï National Park and Comoé National Park, which are important habitats for wildlife, including elephants, chimpanzees, and various bird species.

Environmental Issues

Ivory Coast faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The expansion of agriculture, logging, and mining activities has led to significant loss of forest cover. Efforts are being made to address these issues through reforestation programs and the establishment of protected areas.

Administrative Divisions

Ivory Coast is divided into 14 districts, which are further subdivided into regions, departments, and communes. The capital city is Yamoussoukro, while the largest city and economic hub is Abidjan.

See Also

• Ivory Coast
• Economy of Ivory Coast
• Demographics of Ivory Coast
• Politics of Ivory Coast
• Culture of Ivory Coast

Related Pages

• Liberia
• Guinea
• Mali
• Burkina Faso
• Ghana
• Gulf of Guinea
• Mount Nimba
• Bandama River
• Comoé River
• Lake Kossou
• Taï National Park
• Comoé National Park
• Yamoussoukro
• Abidjan

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