Cte d'Ivoire

The Republic of Cte d'Ivoire, also known commonly as the Ivory Coast, is a country in West Africa. It borders Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana to the west, north, and east, and borders the Gulf of Guinea to its south. One of the most prosperous of the tropical African states, it has been plagued by recent political turmoil.

Rpublique de Cte d'Ivoire

coat of arms
(In Detail) (Full size)

National motto: Xxxxx

Official language French
Capital Yamoussoukro
Capital's coordinates 6 51\' N, 5 18' W
Largest City Abidjan
President Laurent Gbagbo
Area
- Total
- % water Ranked 67th
322,460 km
1.4%
Population
- Total (2003)
- Density Ranked 57th
16,962,491
53/km
Independence
- Declared
- Recognised From France
August 7, 1960
(Year)
Currency CFA franc
Time zone UTC
National anthem L'Abidjanaise (Song of Abidjan)
Internet TLD .CI
Calling Code 225

Table of contents

1 History
2 Politics
3 Dpartements
4 Geography
5 Economy
6 Demographics
7 Culture
8 Miscellaneous topics
9 References

History

Main article: History of Cte d'Ivoire

In the 19th century, Cte d'Ivoire was seized by Louis Gustave Binger, (1856-1936) as a colony for France. It became independent in 1960.

On December 25, 1999, a military coup d'tat - the first ever in Côte d'Ivoire's history - overthrew the government. An economic downturn followed. The new regime promised to return the country to democratic rule in 2000. In October 2000, Laurent Gbagbo replaced junta leader Robert Guei as president, ending ten months of military rule.

In 2002 a rebellion in the North and the West came up and the country is now divided in three parts. A reconciliation process (2003) under international auspices is on the way. Several thousand French and West African troops remain in Cte d'Ivoire to maintain peace and help implement the peace accords.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Cte d'Ivoire

The official capital since 1983 is Yamoussoukro; however, Abidjan remains the administrative center. Most countries maintain their embassies in Abidjan.

Dpartements

Main article: Dpartements of Cte d'Ivoire

Cte d'Ivoire is divided into 58 dpartements: Abengourou, Abidjan, Aboisso, Adiake, Adzope, Agboville, Agnibilekrou, Alepe, Bocanda, Bangolo, Beoumi, Biankouma, Bondoukou, Bongouanou, Bouafle, Bouake, Bouna, Boundiali, Dabakala, Dabou, Daloa, Danane, Daoukro, Dimbokro, Divo, Duekoue, Ferkessedougou, Gagnoa, Grand-Bassam, Grand-Lahou, Guiglo, Issia, Jacqueville, Katiola, Korhogo, Lakota, Man, Mankono, Mbahiakro, Odienne, Oume, Sakassou, San-Pedro, Sassandra, Seguela, Sinfra, Soubre, Tabou, Tanda, Tiebissou, Tingrela, Tiassale, Touba, Toulepleu, Toumodi, Vavoua, Yamoussoukro, Zuenoula

Geography

Main article: Geography of Cte d'Ivoire

Cte d'Ivoire is a country of western Sub-Saharan Africa. It borders 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.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Cte d'Ivoire

Maintaining close ties to France since independence in 1960, diversification of agriculture for export, and encouragement of foreign investment has made Côte d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the tropical African states.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Cte d'Ivoire

About 20% of the population consists of workers from neighboring countries.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Cte d'Ivoire

Music of Cte d'Ivoire: Alpha Blondy, Gyil, Djun-djun

**Holidays**
Date	English Name	Local Name	Remarks
August 7	Independence Day

Miscellaneous topics

The country was originally known in English as Ivory Coast, and corresponding translations in other languages: Elfenbeinkste in German, Costa de Marfil in Spanish, and so on. Because of the disorder this could produce in international forums, in October 1985 the government requested that the country be known as Cte d'Ivoire in every language.

References

Much of the material in these articles comes from the CIA World Factbook 2000 and the 2003 U.S. Department of State website.

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