Where is Ivory Coast Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 19, 2024

Where is Ivory Coast located on the map? Côte d’Ivoire is an independent nation located in Western Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Ivory Coast on maps.

Ivory Coast Location in World Map

The Ivory Coast is in West Africa.

Location Information of Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)

Ivory Coast, officially known as Côte d’Ivoire, is a country located in West Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. It shares borders with Liberia and Guinea to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, and Ghana to the east. The country is known for its diverse geography, ranging from coastal plains to tropical forests and savannahs, making it one of the most ecologically varied countries in West Africa.

Latitude and Longitude

Côte d’Ivoire is situated between 4° 30′ N and 11° 30′ N latitude, and 2° 30′ W and 7° 30′ W longitude. This positioning places the country slightly north of the equator, giving it a tropical climate with a variety of ecosystems. The capital city, Yamoussoukro, lies at approximately 6° 49′ N latitude and 5° 16′ W longitude, while the commercial capital, Abidjan, is located at 5° 19′ N latitude and 4° 02′ W longitude.

Capital City and Major Cities

Ivory Coast has two main cities of importance: Yamoussoukro, the political capital, and Abidjan, the economic capital. Abidjan is the largest city and the principal business hub of the country, while Yamoussoukro holds the governmental functions and symbolic importance as the political center.

Yamoussoukro (Capital City)

Yamoussoukro, the political capital, is located in the central part of the country. It has a population of approximately 300,000 people, making it a relatively small city compared to Abidjan. However, it plays a crucial role in the government, with numerous administrative offices located here. Yamoussoukro is known for its iconic Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the world’s largest church, which was commissioned by former president Felix Houphouët-Boigny, the first president of Ivory Coast. The city is also home to the Presidential Palace and the Ivory Coast National Museum, reflecting the nation’s political history.

Abidjan (Economic Capital)

Abidjan, located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, is the country’s largest city with a population exceeding 4.7 million people. It is the economic and cultural hub of Ivory Coast, contributing significantly to its GDP. Abidjan is also a major port city, playing a vital role in the regional economy through international trade, particularly in cocoa, coffee, oil, and timber exports. The city is home to several districts, each with a unique identity, such as the Plateau, which is the central business district, and Cocody, known for its upscale residences and universities. Treichville and Marcory are key residential and commercial areas. Abidjan has a bustling nightlife, a vibrant arts scene, and a growing tourism sector.

Bouaké

Located in the central region of the country, Bouaké is the second-largest city in Ivory Coast with a population of over 1 million. Bouaké is an important commercial and cultural center, historically known for its role in the cocoa trade. The city is also famous for being a key military and political stronghold during the Ivorian Civil War (2002-2007). Today, Bouaké is a growing industrial hub, with several textile and manufacturing facilities.

San Pedro

San Pedro is located on the southwestern coast and is one of Ivory Coast’s main port cities, primarily handling exports of cocoa and coffee. The city has a population of around 300,000 people and serves as the gateway to the Tai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity. San Pedro is also famous for its beaches and eco-tourism offerings, making it a destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Daloa

Located in the west-central part of the country, Daloa is an important city known for its agricultural activities, particularly cotton, cocoa, and coffee production. The city has a population of approximately 200,000 and is a regional trading hub for agricultural goods. Daloa’s economy is linked to the export-oriented agricultural sector, and the city is a key provider of raw materials for the Ivorian economy.

Time Zone

Côte d’Ivoire operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is UTC +0:00. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), so the time remains consistent throughout the year. This time zone places Ivory Coast in the same time zone as cities like London and Accra, and it is one hour behind cities like Paris and Berlin during their daylight saving periods.

Climate

Ivory Coast has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, varying by region. The country experiences rainfall throughout the year, but the amount and timing of precipitation can differ between the coastal, inland, and northern regions.

Coastal Climate

Along the coast, including Abidjan and San Pedro, the climate is characterized by high humidity and abundant rainfall. The wet season lasts from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between June and August. The average temperature ranges between 24°C (75°F) and 31°C (88°F) throughout the year.

Central and Northern Climate

The central and northern parts of Ivory Coast experience a more pronounced dry season. The harmattan, a dry, dusty trade wind from the Sahara Desert, affects these regions from December to March, leading to cooler temperatures and reduced humidity. The rainy season in the north typically lasts from May to September, with rainfall becoming lighter as one moves further north.

Temperature

Throughout the country, temperatures generally range from 24°C (75°F) to 33°C (91°F) in the lowlands, with slightly cooler temperatures in the mountainous areas. The coastal region remains warmer due to the proximity to the ocean, while the interior experiences a larger range of temperatures.

Economic Status

Ivory Coast is one of the fastest-growing economies in West Africa, with a diverse economic base that spans agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services. The economy is largely driven by cocoa, coffee, and petroleum exports, and the country is the world’s largest producer of cocoa beans.

Key Sectors of the Economy

Agriculture: Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Ivorian economy, employing a significant portion of the population. Ivory Coast is the world’s leading producer of cocoa and coffee, with the export of these goods constituting a major source of foreign exchange. The country is also a large exporter of palm oil, rubber, cotton, shea nuts, and cashews.
Mining and Oil: The country has considerable mineral resources, including gold, bauxite, manganese, and diamonds. Additionally, Ivory Coast has developed an emerging oil and gas sector, with significant offshore reserves. The oil sector is a key contributor to the country’s export revenues.
Manufacturing: Ivory Coast has a growing manufacturing sector, particularly in food processing, palm oil, cocoa, and coffee processing. The country is also expanding in textiles, cement, and construction. Ivory Coast’s manufacturing industry is becoming an increasingly important part of its industrial base, particularly in Abidjan.
Services and Finance: The service sector, which includes banking, telecommunications, and retail, has been expanding rapidly. Ivory Coast’s financial sector is considered one of the most developed in West Africa, with Abidjan serving as a financial hub in the region.

Economic Challenges

Despite its growth, Ivory Coast faces challenges such as high levels of poverty, unemployment, and a reliance on commodity exports that makes the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets. The Ivorian Civil War (2002-2007) and the post-election crisis (2010-2011) have also left lingering effects on the country’s development, though there has been substantial recovery in recent years.

Tourist Attractions

Ivory Coast offers a variety of tourist attractions, from breathtaking beaches and rainforests to cultural landmarks and historical sites. Some of the most popular destinations include:

Beaches and Coastal Areas

Ivory Coast is home to several beautiful beaches along its Atlantic coastline. Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a charming coastal town with French colonial architecture, historical significance, and scenic beaches. Other popular beaches include Assinie and San Pedro, known for their pristine sands and waters perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

Taï National Park

Located in the southwestern region, Taï National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the last remaining pockets of lowland tropical rainforest in West Africa. The park is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including chimpanzees, forest elephants, and the Western lowland gorilla. The park is a significant attraction for ecotourism and wildlife enthusiasts.

Yamoussoukro and the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

Yamoussoukro is known for its Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, which is one of the largest churches in the world. The city also boasts other landmarks such as the Presidential Palace and the National Museum of Ivory Coast.

The San Pedro Region

The region surrounding San Pedro is a tropical paradise, offering beaches, hiking, and eco-tourism experiences. The Tai National Park also lies close to this area, providing visitors the chance to experience some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the country.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens traveling to Ivory Coast must have a valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity beyond their planned departure date. A tourist visa is required for U.S. citizens, and the visa can typically be obtained through the Embassy of Ivory Coast in Washington, D.C., or at Ivorian consulates abroad. A visa can also be obtained online for short-term stays. Travelers must provide proof of accommodation, a return flight ticket, and possibly evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

From New York City to Abidjan: The distance between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City and Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) in Abidjan is approximately 5,500 miles (8,850 kilometers). A direct flight typically takes around 10 hours.
From Los Angeles to Abidjan: The distance between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Abidjan is around 6,100 miles (9,800 kilometers). Flights typically take about 12 hours, depending on the route and number of layovers.

Ivory Coast Facts

Size	322,461 km²
Residents	25.06 million
Languages	French (official language) and 70 national languages
Capital	Yamoussoukro
Longest river	Comoé (1,160 km long)
Highest mountain	Mont Nimba (1,752 m high)
Currency	CFA Franc (Franc of the Financière d’Afrique Community)