cote d'ivoire map and information page

Description

In the 15th century, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore the Ivory Coast of Africa.

During the 17th and 18th centuries the French established coastal settlements and began a long relationship that would change the culture, and for that matter, the economic future (and name) of this African nation.

Even after declaring independence in 1960, Cote d'Ivoire retained close economic (export/import) ties with France, and became one of the most prosperous African countries.

Over the centuries it suffered through very little political turmoil, but recently, a few poorly-timed military coups and subsequent internal conflicts increased its national debt, and dramatically curtailed its once profitable tourism industry.

Long famed for its coastal scenery, beautiful national parks and abundant wildlife, Cote d'Ivoire is, or was, a true slice of African culture, once visited by travelers from around the world.

Its modern difficulties are sadly endemic on much of the African continent, as it, like many other countries, suffers from internal unrest, financial instability, low literacy levels and serious health care problems.

Facts and Figures

Official Name Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire, formerly the Ivory Coast.

Population 17,654,843

Capital City Yamoussoukro (190,000)

Largest Cities Abidjan, Bouaké, Daloa, Yamoussoukro, Korhogo

Currency CFA Franc

Currency Converter here

Latitude/Longitude 5º33' N, 4º03' W

Languages French (official), and local dialects

Flag here

National Day 7 August; Independence Day

Religions Christian, Muslim, others

Land

Land Area 320,763 sq km (123.847 sq miles)

Landforms Most of Cote d'Ivoire (north to south) is a forested plateau, one that gradually slopes down to the Atlantic Ocean coastal areas. Exceptions are the edges of the Guinea Highlands (4000 - 5000 ft. peaks) on its western border with Guinea, and in the far northwest, and the elevated savanna and forest of the northeast.

Major rivers drain the plateau, including the Bandama, Komoe and Sassandra. Large lakes include Loc de Ebire and Loc de Kossou.

Highest Pt. Mt. Nimba (1,752 m) (5,748 ft)

Lowest Pt. Gulf of Guinea (0 m) (0 ft)

Land Divisions 58 departments; including 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 and Zuenoula

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Maps

Large (color) map here

Cote d'Ivoire Outline Map here

Cote d'Ivoire Map CIA version here

Cote d'Ivoire Maps at UT here

African Continent (printable) here

African Continent here

Africa Landforms Map here

African Outline Map here

Suggested Links

Cote d'Ivoire (Complete) information on the (GDP) overall economy, imports and exports, resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here

Cote d'Ivoire Travel Info and Warnings here

Climate The coastal regions of Cote d'Ivoire are warm throughout the year, with average highs near 80º. Rainfall here is heavy May through July, with up to 80 inches commonplace,

The forested central region is a bit warmer, with heavy rains March through May (70 inches on average). In the northern reaches of the country the daily high temperatures reach into the 90s, with somewhat more moderate rainfall amounts.