Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is a country located on the south coast of West Africa. Its political capital is Yamoussoukro, while its economic hub and largest city is the port city of Abidjan. The country’s area is about 322,463 square kilometers, and it is bordered by Liberia and Guinea in the west, Mali and Burkina Faso in the north, Ghana in the east, and the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean) in the south.
The history of Côte d’Ivoire dates back to prehistoric times with the country’s first inhabitants believed to have arrived between 10,000 and 12,000 BC. The country was later colonized by the French in the 19th century and gained its independence on August 7, 1960. Since then, Côte d’Ivoire has experienced periods of political instability and civil war, particularly in the early 2000s and 2010s.
As of 2021, the population of Côte d’Ivoire is estimated to be around 26 million people. The country is known for its cultural diversity, with over 60 ethnic groups. The official language is French, but many local languages are also spoken, including Baoulé, Dioula, Dan, Anyin, and Cebaara Senufo.
Côte d’Ivoire’s economy is largely market-based and relies heavily on agriculture. The country is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of coffee, cocoa beans, and palm oil. It also has a growing manufacturing sector, particularly in food processing, and a significant oil and gas industry. Despite these resources, a significant portion of the population lives in poverty, particularly in rural areas.
The culture of Côte d’Ivoire is diverse and varies from one ethnic group to another. The country is known for its music, particularly Coupé-Décalé and Zouglou, and its dance, such as the traditional Zaouli dance. Ivorian cuisine is also diverse and includes popular dishes like attiéké, foutou, alloco, and poisson braisé.
Education in Côte d’Ivoire is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The country has a literacy rate of around 43% for adults. Despite efforts to improve the education system, it still faces many challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, a lack of resources, and a high dropout rate.
