Cote d’Ivoire Facts

Ivory Coast, State of West Africa; 322,500 km², 25.1 million residents (2019).The Ivory Coast borders in the north to Mali and Burkina Faso, in the east to Ghana and in the west to Liberia and Guinea and has a coast to the Atlantic in the south. The capital is Yamoussoukro.

Country facts

• Republic of Ivory Coast / Ivory Coast Republics
• Country abbreviation: CI
• Area: 322 500 km²
• Population (2019): 25.1 million residents
• Capital: Yamoussoukro
• Main language: French
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Alassane Ouattara (President)
• Head of Government: Amadou Gon Coulibaly
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 1 716
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 1,610
• Currency unit: 1 CFA franc = 100 centimes
• Currency code: XOF
• Country number (telephony): 225
• Internet Domain Name: ci
• Time difference compared to Sweden: −1
• National Day: August 7 (Independence Day, 1960)

Nature

• Land use: agricultural land (23%), other (77%)
• Highest mountain: Nimba (1,752 m above sea level)

Population

• Population density (2019): 78 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 2.4%; birth rate 35 ‰, death rate 10 10
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (42%), 15-64 (55%), 65- (3%)
• Life expectancy (2019): men 56 years, women 58 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 61 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 51 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.492 (place 170 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 51%
• Most populous cities (2015): Abidjan (4.7 million residents), Bouaké (542,000).

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (20%), industry (27%), service (53%)
• Exports (2017): USD 11,740 million
• Main export products: cocoa, coffee, timber
• Main exporting countries: Netherlands, USA, France
• Imports (2017): US $ 9,447 million
• Main import products: oil, machinery, food
• Main importing countries: Nigeria, France, China
• Railway network (2009): 660 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is located in West Africa and shares borders with five countries: Liberia and Guinea to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, and Ghana to the east. It also has a southern coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, providing access to vital international trade routes. The country’s strategic location makes it a critical link between the coastal regions and the interior of West Africa, influencing its economy, trade, and culture.

Côte d’Ivoire covers an area of approximately 322,463 square kilometers (124,504 square miles), making it one of the larger countries in the region. The country’s proximity to both the Sahara Desert and the equator gives it a unique combination of tropical and semi-arid climates, which, in turn, affects the country’s agriculture, biodiversity, and human settlement patterns.

Topography and Natural Features

Côte d’Ivoire’s topography is diverse, ranging from coastal plains in the south to mountainous regions in the west and a savannah in the north. The western region is home to the Guinean Highlands, which include the highest peak in the country, Mount Nimba, rising to 1,752 meters (5,748 feet). These mountains are part of a larger range that stretches into Guinea and Liberia and contribute to Côte d’Ivoire’s rich natural resources, including mineral deposits.

The central part of the country consists of a rolling plateau with fertile land suitable for agriculture. The plateau slopes gently down to the southern coastal plains, which are home to major cities like Abidjan, the country’s economic capital, and San Pedro. The coastal region is characterized by beaches, lagoons, and mangrove forests, which provide both ecological importance and economic value through fishing and tourism.

Côte d’Ivoire is also traversed by several river systems, including the Bandama, Comoé, and Sassandra rivers, which serve as important transportation routes for goods and people. These rivers and their surrounding regions are key to the country’s agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of crops like rice, cocoa, and palm oil.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

Côte d’Ivoire experiences a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons that vary depending on the region. The southern part of the country, including the coastal areas, has a humid equatorial climate with a pronounced wet season from May to October, when heavy rainfall is common. The coastal areas receive significant rainfall, providing fertile soil for the country’s rich agricultural output.

Further inland, the climate becomes more tropical savannah, with a longer dry season from November to April. The northern region of the country experiences more arid conditions and can suffer from drought during the dry months, which affects agriculture. These climatic variations have shaped the types of crops that can be grown in different regions, with cocoa and coffee thriving in the more humid southern areas and crops like millet and maize being cultivated in the northern savannah regions.

In addition to the seasonal rains, Côte d’Ivoire is occasionally affected by harmattan winds that bring dry, dusty conditions from the Sahara Desert, particularly in the northern and central regions. These winds can have a significant impact on health, visibility, and agriculture during the dry season.

People

Population and Demographics

Côte d’Ivoire has a population of approximately 26 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in West Africa. The population is diverse, with over 60 ethnic groups that have distinct languages, cultures, and traditions. The largest ethnic groups in the country include the Baoulé, Bété, Sénoufo, Malinké, and Dioula, with each group contributing to the rich cultural mosaic of the nation.

Urbanization is rapidly increasing in Côte d’Ivoire, with a significant portion of the population living in cities, particularly in Abidjan, the country’s largest city and economic center. The urban areas attract people from rural regions in search of work, education, and better living standards, contributing to the country’s dynamic, cosmopolitan environment. The population growth rate is high, and the country’s demographic trends present both opportunities and challenges in terms of social services, employment, and infrastructure development.

The country’s youth population is substantial, with a large portion of people under the age of 25. This demographic offers potential for economic growth, especially in sectors like education, technology, and services. However, the young population also places pressure on the country’s social systems, particularly in terms of education and job creation.

Languages

The official language of Côte d’Ivoire is French, a legacy of its colonial past as a French protectorate. French is widely spoken across the country and serves as the language of government, education, business, and media. It is a unifying language for the diverse ethnic groups that speak hundreds of different languages and dialects.

In addition to French, there are many indigenous languages spoken throughout Côte d’Ivoire. Some of the most widely spoken indigenous languages include Baoulé, Bété, Sénoufo, Malinké, and Dioula. These languages are important for everyday communication in rural areas and play a significant role in the cultural identity of the various ethnic groups. While the use of indigenous languages is common in daily life, French remains the dominant language in public and formal settings.

Religion

Religion plays a significant role in the daily life of many Ivorians. The majority of the population adheres to Islam or Christianity, with a smaller portion practicing traditional African religions. Islam is the most widely practiced religion, especially in the northern and western regions, where it has been historically influential due to proximity to Muslim-majority regions in West Africa.

Christianity is the second-largest religion, primarily concentrated in the southern and central parts of the country. The Christian population is predominantly Roman Catholic and Protestant, with Catholicism introduced during French colonization and Protestantism becoming more widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries. Churches play an important role in the social and cultural fabric of urban areas, where religious communities often organize social services, community events, and educational programs.

Traditional African religions are still practiced by some Ivorians, especially in rural areas, and they often involve ancestor worship, nature worship, and other indigenous spiritual beliefs. These traditional practices are often integrated with Islam and Christianity, creating a syncretic religious environment.

Economy

Overview

Côte d’Ivoire has one of the most dynamic economies in West Africa, characterized by a large agricultural sector, a growing industrial base, and increasing foreign investment. The country is the world’s largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans, a crucial cash crop that drives both the national economy and the livelihoods of millions of Ivorians. Additionally, Côte d’Ivoire is a major exporter of coffee, palm oil, rubber, and cotton, with agriculture forming the backbone of its economy.

Over the past two decades, Côte d’Ivoire has also made strides in diversifying its economy. The country has focused on improving its infrastructure, including roads, ports, and energy supply, to attract more foreign investment and stimulate economic growth. Despite these advancements, the economy remains vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices, political instability, and external shocks.

The Ivorian government has prioritized economic growth through investment in industrial sectors, such as oil, mining, and manufacturing. While these sectors are growing, Côte d’Ivoire continues to face challenges related to income inequality, poverty, and unemployment, especially in rural areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture is a vital part of the Ivorian economy, accounting for a significant portion of GDP and employing over 60% of the workforce. Cocoa is the country’s most important agricultural export, and Côte d’Ivoire is a leading global producer, contributing around 40% of the world’s cocoa supply. Coffee is another major export, and the country ranks among the top producers in Africa. Other important agricultural exports include palm oil, rubber, cotton, and cashews.

The Ivorian government has made efforts to modernize its agricultural sector, improving crop yields and investing in value-added industries, such as chocolate production. Despite these efforts, smallholder farmers still face challenges related to low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and fluctuating commodity prices, which can lead to income instability.

Côte d’Ivoire also has abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and minerals. The country has become an important oil and gas producer, particularly offshore, and it has the largest oil refining capacity in the region. Côte d’Ivoire also has substantial reserves of gold, diamonds, and bauxite, making mining a growing sector. However, environmental concerns and governance challenges, such as illegal mining activities and lack of transparency, continue to affect the sustainability of these industries.

Industry and Services

The industrial sector in Côte d’Ivoire is expanding, particularly in areas such as oil refining, food processing, and construction. The country has made significant investments in infrastructure development, including improvements in transportation (roads, ports, and airports) and energy supply. These investments are aimed at supporting industrial growth and making the country more attractive to foreign investors.

Manufacturing in Côte d’Ivoire is diverse, including products like cement, textiles, and processed food. The government has also focused on developing the country’s oil and gas sector, particularly in offshore exploration, which has become an important source of revenue. Côte d’Ivoire’s industrial sector is expected to continue growing, with new projects aimed at increasing the country’s processing capacity for agricultural products and natural resources.

The services sector, particularly banking, telecommunications, and tourism, has been growing rapidly in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in urban centers like Abidjan. The country has one of the most developed banking systems in the region, with a growing number of international banks operating within its borders. Additionally, the Ivorian government has been promoting tourism as a key area for economic diversification, capitalizing on the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, such as the beaches along the Atlantic coast and national parks.

Government

Political System

Côte d’Ivoire operates as a republic with a multi-party system, where the president is both the head of state and government. The country’s political system is characterized by the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The president is elected for a five-year term and has significant powers, including control over foreign policy, national defense, and the appointment of key government officials.

The country’s legislature is bicameral, consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly has 255 members who are directly elected by the people, while the Senate has 99 members, some of whom are appointed by the president. The legislative body is responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the actions of the executive.

Côte d’Ivoire has experienced political instability in recent decades, particularly in the aftermath of the civil war that followed the 2010 presidential election. The country has made significant strides toward peace and reconciliation, but challenges remain related to political divisions, ethnic tensions, and the legacy of conflict.

Legal System

Côte d’Ivoire’s legal system is based on civil law, influenced by the French legal system due to the country’s colonial history. The judiciary is independent and is responsible for interpreting and applying the law. The highest court in the country is the Supreme Court, which is responsible for overseeing constitutional matters and ensuring the proper functioning of the judicial system.

The legal framework in Côte d’Ivoire includes both national laws and international agreements to which the country is a signatory. Human rights protections are enshrined in the constitution, and the country is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations. However, the legal system faces challenges such as delays in legal proceedings, corruption, and limited access to justice in rural areas.

Foreign Relations

Côte d’Ivoire has strong diplomatic relations with a variety of countries, particularly within the West African region. It is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and the United Nations. Côte d’Ivoire has also been an important player in regional peacekeeping efforts, particularly in the aftermath of its civil war.

The country’s foreign policy focuses on regional integration, trade, and the promotion of stability and security in West Africa. Côte d’Ivoire has strong ties to France, its former colonial power, and maintains good relationships with countries in the European Union, as well as emerging economies like China.

Côte d’Ivoire has also sought to improve its relations with neighboring countries, particularly following the end of the civil war. The government has made efforts to strengthen trade and cooperation with Ghana, Liberia, and other regional partners, fostering a climate of economic and political collaboration.

Culture

Arts and Music

Côte d’Ivoire is known for its vibrant arts scene, with a rich heritage of music, dance, and visual arts. The country has a thriving tradition of “ballets” and “traditional dances”, which are often performed during ceremonies, festivals, and cultural events. Music is an essential part of Ivorian culture, with genres such as “zouglou”, “couper-décaler”, and “wôyô” being popular across the country. These styles combine African rhythms with Western influences, creating dynamic and energetic music that reflects the country’s modern and traditional elements.

The visual arts are also highly valued in Côte d’Ivoire, with renowned artists producing works that explore themes of identity, history, and social issues. Sculptures, paintings, and beadwork are common forms of artistic expression, and the “Abidjan Biennale” is a prominent cultural event that showcases contemporary Ivorian art.

Cuisine

Ivorian cuisine is diverse and reflective of the country’s ethnic variety. The cuisine is heavily based on staple foods such as rice, cassava, yams, plantains, and maize, often served with stews, sauces, or fried fish. One of the most popular dishes in Côte d’Ivoire is “attieke”, a side dish made from fermented cassava, which is typically served with grilled fish, meat, or vegetable sauces. “Fufu”, a dough-like dish made from boiled plantains or cassava, is also a staple food in many households.

“Kedjenou”, a slow-cooked chicken stew with vegetables, is another well-known dish. The use of spices such as chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and palm oil makes Ivorian food flavorful and distinctive. In addition to these traditional dishes, the country has a vibrant street food culture, with snacks like “gâteaux” (fried dough balls), grilled corn, and fried plantains being popular in urban areas.

Festivals and Traditions

Côte d’Ivoire’s festivals are colorful and energetic, often combining music, dance, and religion. “Fête de la Musique” and “Carnaval” are major events that celebrate Ivorian culture and artistic expression. The “N’Zassa Festival” in the western part of the country celebrates local culture, while “La Fête des Masques”, which takes place in the southeastern region, is a festival of traditional mask dances that represents local spiritual beliefs.

Traditional celebrations related to harvests, coming-of-age ceremonies, and religious events also form an essential part of the cultural landscape, allowing Ivoirians to connect with their heritage and community.

Cote dIvoire Map