Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast, officially known as the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, is a country located on the south coast of West Africa. Here are some key points:
- Geography: The country borders Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana. Its southern border is along the Gulf of Guinea.
- History:
- Ivory Coast was a French colony from the late 19th century until it gained independence on August 7, 1960. The colonial period was marked by the exploitation of natural resources like rubber, coffee, and cocoa.
- Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the country's first president, led the nation from independence until his death in 1993, promoting a policy of economic liberalism and political stability.
- Post-Houphouët-Boigny, the country experienced political turmoil, including a civil war from 2002 to 2007 and a second conflict from 2010 to 2011 following disputed elections.
- Economy:
- Ivory Coast has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, primarily driven by agriculture, particularly the export of cocoa, which is the world's largest producer of cocoa beans.
- Other major exports include coffee, palm oil, and cotton. The mining sector is also significant, with gold being a key resource.
- Culture:
- The country boasts a rich cultural tapestry with over 60 different ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, and traditions.
- Festivals like the Fête des Masques celebrate traditional masks and dances.
- Abidjan, the economic capital, is known for its vibrant nightlife and is sometimes called the "Paris of West Africa".
- Politics:
- Since the end of the civil war, Ivory Coast has been working towards reconciliation and rebuilding its democratic institutions.
- The current president, Alassane Ouattara, has been in power since 2010, with his presidency marked by economic reforms and efforts to stabilize the country politically.
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