IVORY COAST – Country Information

Population:
Ivory Coast has a population of 27,481,086 as of 2020.

Size:
322,461 sq km / 124,503 sq mi (roughly the size of New Mexico)

Capital City:
The capital city of Abidjan is the largest city and the chief port in the nation. Yamoussoukro became the administrative capital in 1983.

Ethnic Groups:
28.9% Akan
16.1% Voltaique or Gur
14.5% Northern Mande
8.5% Kru
6.9% Southern Mande
25.1% Other

Religion:
42.9% Muslim
17.2% Catholic
11.8% Evangelical
4.9% Other Christian
23.2% Other / Nonreligious

Languages:
French

There are over 60 dialects spoken in Ivory Coast with Dioula being the most prevalent.

Geography:
Ivory Coast is a coastal west African country mostly made up of flat lands, with the exception of Mount Nimba having an elevation of 5,748 feet.

Economy:
Ivory Coast economy has experienced huge growth in recent years. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy. They are the world’s largest supplier of cocoa. 

Interesting Fact:
Ivory Coast is home to one of the last virgin rainforests left in Africa and is home to the pygmy hippopotamus.

Important Facts:
Ivory Coast has a history with ancient kingdoms rich in culture. In 1893, Ivory Coast became a colony of France but gained its independence on August 7, 1960.