European explorers established trading posts here for slaves and ivory in the fifteenth century. Côte d'Ivoire (formerly known as Ivory Coast) officially became a French colony in 1893. In 1904, Côte d’Ivoire gained the status of an autonomous region within the Federation of French West Africa. In 1944, Félix Houphouёt-Boigny founded the Union of African Farmers. Following violent clashes due to political tension, Côte d'Ivoire was proclaimed a republic within the French Community in 1958. The country was given full independence on 7 August 1960. The economy went into recession and civil war broke out in 2002. Today, the country is struggling to maintain economic and political peace.
Traditional hand-carved wood and masks are well-known. The French language dominates Côte d’Ivoire’s literature. Gbébé, a Baoulé rhythm, and Zouglou, a satirical dance-oriented form of music, are popular in the country.
Côte d’Ivoire is bordered by Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana and the Atlantic Ocean, in Africa. The southern and western parts are forested, with undulating countryside rising to meet the savannah plains of the north and the mountainous western border.
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| Cities: Vacations and Tourism |
| Abidjan |
Yamoussoukro |
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