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Population: 20,617,068 Dialing Code: +225 Languages: French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken Religions: Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, indigenous 11.9%, none 16.7% (2008 est.) Internet TLD: .ci Located: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia Area: 322,463 sq km Residents with HIV: 480,000 Literacy: 48.7% Comparative Size: slightly larger than New Mexico Nationality Noun: Ivoirian(s) Nationality Adjective: Ivoirian |
For surfers, wildlife wanderers, or for cultural junkies, Côte d'Ivoire in West Africa has a little of everything for everybody. Formerly known as "Ivory Coast," Côte d'Ivoire (pronounced Coat di-Vwar) had been Africa's economic miracle. It was the route of an illustrious North African gold trade during the times of the Roman Empire. Numerous kingdoms ruled its regions and cities, and in the ‘60s, the nation became West Africa's richest. By the ‘70s, Côte d'Ivoire became the world's third largest coffee producer and the global leader in cocoa, pineapple and palm oil exports. Nonetheless, all these changed because of continuing internal power struggles between the country's French colonists and the natives who resisted foreign control.
Although political unrest continues to pose a threat to tourists and businesses in Côte d'Ivoire, many still want to explore the remnants of its glorious past and savor the charm of its struggling present. Modernity sets Côte d'Ivoire apart from its neighboring nations, and this can be clearly seen in Abidjan's famous glittering skyscrapers and Yamoussoukro's majestic basilica, a replica of Rome's St. Peter's. The country also boasts of a modern airways system that takes one to some of West Africa's best natural attractions such as the World Heritage Sites and safaris of Parc National de Taï, Camoe National Park and Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve; a ribbon of Caribbean-like beaches along the Atlantic coast; and the lush panoramic escapes of the Southwestern Forests and Eastern Plantations.
Tradition is also at Côte d'Ivoire's tourism plate. Grand Bassam has avenues lined with the charm of colonial homes. There are more than 60 ethnic groups scattered across the country, ready to astonish visitors with arts and crafts like Korhogo (animal-painted cloth) and musical festivals such as Man (Festival of Masks). Various native dishes such as the attiéké (spiced braised chicken) and shougouilla (charbroiled meat) beckon the visitors. Street vendors are approached often for their aloko (spiced bananas), while bars are frequented for their bangui (palm wine).