Ivory Coast
Capital
Yamoussoukro (official), Abidjan (economic)
Population
~27.5 million
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- French (official), indigenous languages
- Religion
- Islam (north), Christianity (south), indigenous beliefs
- Climate
- Tropical; hot and humid with rainy seasons
Culture & History
Known for: being the world's largest cocoa producer, French colonial heritage, and political stability after civil conflicts
Also famous for: Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (world's largest church), football talent (Didier Drogba), beautiful beaches
Food: Alloco (fried plantains), Attiéké (cassava couscous), Kedjenou (slow-cooked stew)
Brief History
French colony; independence 1960; political instability and civil wars in early 2000s; economic growth based on agriculture and resources