Côte d'Ivoire
Subregion: Western Africa
Côte d’Ivoire (or Ivory Coast) is a country in West Africa on the southern coast. There are two Capital cities. Yamoussoukro is the political capital and Abidjan is the economic capital. The government is a Unitary presidential republic. The official language of the country is French but there are several tribal languages in use. The predominant religion is Christianity, but this is only practiced by less than half of the population. Islam is the second most practiced religion. The healthcare system in the Ivory Coast has both public and private options. There are many different public and private providers and facilities.
Safety:
Côte d'Ivoire, like many countries, has some safety concerns that travelers should be aware of. While the security situation has improved in recent years, there are still some risks to consider. Crime is a significant concern in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in urban areas. Travelers should take precautions to avoid becoming victims of theft, especially when traveling on public transportation or walking in crowded areas. It's also essential to be cautious when using ATMs, as card-skimming is a common issue. There is also a risk of terrorism in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in the northern and western regions of the country. While attacks are infrequent, travelers should remain vigilant and avoid areas with a high concentration of military or police personnel. Political tensions can also pose a risk to travelers in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly during elections or times of political unrest. Demonstrations and protests can turn violent, and travelers should avoid large gatherings or areas where protests are taking place. Terror attacks are prevalent around the northern border where Burkina Faso and Mali are.There is a risk of health issues in Côte d'Ivoire. Travelers should ensure they are up to date on all vaccinations recommended by their doctor and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Many roads in Côte d'Ivoire are in poor condition, with potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate lighting. Additionally, some areas may be prone to flooding during the rainy season. Travelers should exercise caution when driving or riding in vehicles, and consider hiring a local driver who is familiar with the roads. Traffic in urban areas of Côte d'Ivoire can be chaotic and congested, with many drivers ignoring traffic laws and signals. Travelers should exercise caution when crossing streets and use designated pedestrian crossings whenever possible.
Cultural Customs:
Côte d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is a country located in West Africa. It is known for its diverse cultural traditions, which are influenced by the country's indigenous cultures as well as its colonial past. In Côte d'Ivoire, greetings are an important part of the culture. When greeting someone, it is customary to shake hands and ask about their health and well-being. Men shake hands and women kiss three times on the cheeks. Traditional clothing in Côte d'Ivoire varies depending on the region and ethnic group. However, brightly colored fabrics are often used, and women may wear headscarves or headdresses. Côte d'Ivoire is known for its diverse cuisine, which is influenced by both African and French cuisine. Popular dishes include attiéké (a type of cassava couscous), foutou (a starchy dish made from cassava or plantains), and grilled or stewed meat and fish. Ivorian foods are spicy and most locals eat their meals with their hands. Palm wine is an easy to find alcoholic drink. Music and dance are an integral part of the culture in Côte d'Ivoire. The country is known for its diverse musical styles, including zouglou, coupé-décalé, and reggae. Traditional dances include the zaouli, a mask dance from the Guro people, and the krou-krou, a dance from the Bété people. The majority of people in Côte d'Ivoire practice Christianity or Islam, although indigenous religions are also practiced. Religious festivals, such as Christmas and Eid al-Fitr, are celebrated throughout the country. Family is highly valued in Côte d'Ivoire, and extended families often live together in the same compound. Respect for elders is also an important cultural value. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Côte d'Ivoire, and the national team has achieved success on the international stage. Other popular sports include basketball and boxing.
Geography & Weather:
The Ivory Coast has a tropical climate. There are two seasons, dry and rainy. Rainy season is less intense inland than it is on the coast.
In Yamoussoukro, in the center-south of the country, the average temperature ranges from 78 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. The coolest month is August with a median temperature of 78 degrees F and February being the hottest month with a median temperature of 83 degrees F. Rainy season occurs from March thru October. The sun shines all year round but less during the rainy season.
In Abidjan, on the south-eastern coast, the average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. The rainy season in this area is longer and more severe. It occurs from March to November and averages 60 inches of rainfall yearly. Sea temperature averages 81 degrees all year round.
Economy:
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Côte d'Ivoire's economy was one of the most dynamic in West Africa, with an estimated GDP growth rate of 6.9% in 2021. The country is a leading producer and exporter of cocoa, and has significant mining and oil resources as well. However, despite this positive economic growth, unemployment remains a challenge in Côte d'Ivoire. The unemployment rate was estimated to be around 8.7% in 2020, with youth unemployment (ages 15-24) at 13.9%. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on the economy and employment, with some estimates suggesting that over 1 million jobs were lost due to the pandemic. To address the issue of unemployment, the Ivorian government has implemented a number of measures, including increasing investment in infrastructure projects, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and providing vocational training and skills development programs. Additionally, the government has prioritized job creation in its National Development Plan, with a goal of creating 2.6 million jobs by 2025.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
West African CFA Franc (XOF)
XOF 1.00 = USD .0017
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
26,378,274
Median Age:
18.9 yrs
Life Expectancy:
58.75 yrs
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, multiple entry 90 day $79
Electronic Visas are available for US Citizens prior to arrival
Visa on arrival is not available for US Citizens
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination on WHO Yellow Card is required for entry. The card should be carried with you at all times.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - No
Naturalization - Ivorian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Côte d’Ivoire for at least five consecutive years, is of good morality, no physical or mental disabilities, and has no criminal convictions.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency visa is available for people looking to relocate into Côte d’Ivoire as expats. You must apply for a carte de séjour at the National Office of Identification. The documentation needed is available on their website.
Resources:
Bridge Bank Group Côte D'Ivoire
U.S. Embassy Abidjan
Cocody Riviera Golf,
01 BP 1712 Abidjan 01
Côte d’Ivoire
Telephone: +(225) 27-22-49-40-00
Emergency After-HoursTelephone: +(225) 27-22-49-44-50
Fax: +(225) 27-22-49-42-02
Email: AbjAmcit@state.gov