WEST AFRICA: COTE D’IVOIRE Capital: Yamoussoukro Largest city: Abidjan Languages: French Demonym: Ivorian or Ivoirian Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF) Calling code: +225

Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of 322,462 square kilometres (124,503 sq mi), and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998[5] and was estimated to be 20,617,068 in 2009. Once boasting one of the most successful and stable economies in Africa, Côte d’Ivoire (as Ivory Coast is called in French) exemplified the prosperity implied in its name. The stunning modernity of Abidjan (known as “the Paris of West Africa”), the traditional cultural richness, and the great natural beauty of the beaches and national parks, all contribute to the country’s many charms.

Basilica of our lady of peace

Abidjan

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WEST AFRICA: COTE D’IVOIRE UNESCO World Heritage Parks, Taï National Park (one of the

last remaining primary tropical forests), Mount Nimba Strict

Nature Reserve, and Comoé National Park are all located in

Côte d’Ivoire. Go with local guides to spot African wildlife,

including lions, chimpanzees, and hippos.

A trip to the official capital city, Yamoussoukro is precious. Côte d’Ivoire’s former president Felix Houphouet-Boigny lavished many gifts on his hometown, but the most spectacular by far is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, a stunning, full-size replica of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The structure contains more stained glass than is found in all of France.

the Musée National in Abidjan can help travelers learn more about Côte d’Ivoire’s rich history through more than 20,000 objects, including masks, pottery, and, of course, some ivory. People can also visit the modern Ivorian and African art at the Musée Municipal d’Art Contemporain.

The Cathédrale St-Paul located in Abidjan, this structure, consecrated by the pope, was designed in a nontraditional style by the Italian architect Aldo Spiritom.

Witness the fruits of Côte d’Ivoire’s previously strong economy by strolling through Le Plateau, the central commercial district of Abidjan, and marvel at the modern skyscrapers. Tourists don’t have to miss La Pyramide, one of the most striking buildings in the city, and check out the many shops, offices, and restaurants.

You mustn’t leave Côte d’Ivoire without checking out one of the local nightclubs. The Treichville district of Abidjan is known for its vibrant and busy nightlife.