Cote d'Ivoire

World Book Index

Introduction

Cote d'Ivoire, a nation marked by its rich cultural heritage and economic potential, has forged strong ties with France since gaining independence in 1960. The country's strategic focus on cocoa production for export and the influx of foreign investment have positioned it as one of the most prosperous states in West Africa. Despite facing a series of political upheavals, including coups and conflicts since the 1990s, Cote d'Ivoire has made significant strides towards stability, particularly following the successful elections of 2021, which have paved the way for renewed growth and development.

Neighboring countries

Burkina Faso - Ghana - Guinea - Liberia - Mali

Geography

Area
Total: 322,463 sq km
Land: 318,003 sq km
Water: 4,460 sq km

Cote d'Ivoire is characterized by a diverse geography that includes coastal plains, savannahs, and mountainous regions. The climate varies significantly across the country, with a tropical climate along the coast and a semiarid climate in the far north. The country experiences three distinct seasons: a warm and dry season from November to March, a hot and dry season from March to May, and a hot and wet season from June to October. This climatic diversity supports a rich array of natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay, cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, and hydropower, which are vital to the nation's economy and development.

People and Society

Population
Total: 29,981,758 (2024 estimated)

Cote d'Ivoire is home to a vibrant and diverse population, with various ethnic groups contributing to its rich cultural tapestry. The major ethnic groups include Akan (38%), Voltaique or Gur (22%), Northern Mande (22%), Kru (9.1%), Southern Mande (8.6%), and others (0.3%) as of 2021. The official language is French, but the country boasts around 60 native dialects, with Dioula being the most widely spoken. The religious landscape is equally diverse, with Muslims constituting 42.9% of the population, followed by Catholics (17.2%), Evangelicals (11.8%), and other religious groups. The population growth rate stands at 2.13% (2024 estimated), reflecting a youthful demographic that presents both opportunities and challenges for the nation's development.

Government

Government type
Presidential republic

Capital
Name: Yamoussoukro (legislative capital), Abidjan (administrative and economic capital); note - the US Embassy is in Abidjan

The government of Cote d'Ivoire operates as a presidential republic, where the President serves as both the head of state and the head of government. Currently, President Alassane Dramane OUATTARA has been in office since December 4, 2010, with Prime Minister Robert BREUGRE MAMBE taking office on October 17, 2023. The country maintains diplomatic representation in the United States, with Ambassador Ibrahima TOURE serving as the chief of mission since January 13, 2022, while the US is represented by Ambassador Jessica Davis BA since March 2, 2023.

Economy

Economic overview
Cote d'Ivoire stands as one of West Africa’s most influential, stable, and rapidly developing economies. The nation has made notable progress in reducing poverty levels in urban areas, although rural poverty remains a pressing issue. The economy is bolstered by a robust construction sector and an increasingly diverse economic portfolio. While public debt is on the rise, it remains manageable, and the country benefits from a large labor force primarily engaged in agriculture.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$215.018 billion (2024 estimated)
$202.943 billion (2023 estimated)
$190.645 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$6,700 (2024 estimated)
$6,500 (2023 estimated)
$6,300 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$17.211 billion (2022 estimated)
$16.23 billion (2021 estimated)
$13.232 billion (2020 estimated)

Exports - partners
Switzerland 17%, Netherlands 9%, Mali 7%, USA 5%, Malaysia 4% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Gold, cocoa beans, rubber, refined petroleum, coconuts/brazil nuts/cashews (2023)

Imports
$19.948 billion (2022 estimated)
$16.191 billion (2021 estimated)
$12.66 billion (2020 estimated)

Imports - partners
China 16%, Nigeria 12%, France 6%, India 5%, USA 4% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Crude petroleum, ships, refined petroleum, fish, rice (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.582, ranking it 157th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 109th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 4.881. (more information)