Ivory Coast

The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, commonly referred to as Ivory Coast, is a dynamic and diversified nation located on the southern coast of West Africa. Ivory Coast’s strategic position adjacent to the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean establishes it as a vital connection between coastal areas and the landlocked nations of West Africa. The country is bordered by Guinea and Liberia to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, and Ghana to the east.

The nation’s distinctive topography is manifested in its dual capital system. Yamoussoukro, situated in the country’s middle, is the formal capital, although Abidjan, the largest city and economic center, remains the de facto location for several government agencies. This paradox exemplifies the amalgamation of traditional government and contemporary economic growth that defines Ivory Coast.

In 2023, Ivory Coast will have a population of 30.9 million, ranking it as the third-most populated nation in West Africa. This demographic advantage substantially enhances its regional influence and economic capacity. The nation’s cultural fabric is diverse, featuring French as the official language with several indigenous languages. The most often spoken languages include Bété, Baoulé, Dioula, Dan, Anyin, and Cebaara Senufo, with around 78 distinct languages spoken throughout the nation.

The religious composition of Ivory Coast enhances its cultural variety. The populace adheres to a variety of faiths, including Islam, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs that frequently integrate animistic components. This religious diversity has influenced the nation’s social structure and enhanced its distinct cultural character within the area.

The history of Ivory Coast encompasses ancient kingdoms, colonial dominance, and the quest for freedom and stability. Prior to European colonization, the region was inhabited by numerous formidable nations, notably Gyaaman, the Kong Empire, and Baoulé. The pre-colonial entities established the groundwork for the intricate social and political frameworks that subsequently impacted the contemporary nation.

The colonial period started in 1843 when France instituted a protectorate over the area. By 1893, during the European rush for Africa, Ivory Coast was established as a French colony. This era witnessed substantial transformations in the nation’s economic and social frameworks, establishing the foundation for subsequent advancements.

Ivory Coast attained independence in 1960 under the governance of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who subsequently presided over the nation for more than thirty years until 1993. This period was characterized by relative stability and economic expansion, setting Ivory Coast apart from its regional peers. The nation cultivated robust political and economic connections with adjacent West African countries while sustaining strong contacts with Western powers, especially France.

Nevertheless, the post-Houphouët-Boigny era experienced heightened political instability. A coup d’état in 1999 destabilized the nation, resulting in two civil wars: the first from 2002 to 2007 and the second from 2010 to 2011. These battles profoundly influenced the nation’s developmental trajectory and social structure.

To tackle the fundamental concerns and progress towards enhanced stability, Ivory Coast enacted a new constitution in 2016. The existing political system is a republic with substantial executive authority assigned to the president, illustrating the nation’s continuous endeavor to reconcile efficient government with democratic ideals.

The economic narrative of Ivory Coast exemplifies exceptional resilience and promise. In the 1960s and 1970s, the nation was an economic powerhouse in West Africa, mostly because of its coffee and cocoa output. Nevertheless, the 1980s ushered in an economic catastrophe that precipitated a protracted era of political and social upheaval lasting into the early 2000s.

The restoration of peace and political stability in 2011 signified a pivotal moment for the economy of Ivory Coast. Between 2012 and 2023, the nation had a remarkable average annual economic growth rate of 7.1% in real terms, positioning it as the second-fastest expanding economy in Africa and the fourth-fastest worldwide. This notable recovery has reestablished Ivory Coast as a significant participant in the regional and continental economies.

As of 2023, Ivory Coast possesses the second-highest GDP per capita in West Africa, surpassed only by Cape Verde. The nation is pivotal in transit commerce for adjacent landlocked countries and accounts for 40% of the overall GDP of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, highlighting its economic importance in the area.

Agriculture is a fundamental component of the Ivorian economy, characterized by the dominance of smallholder cash crop farming. Ivory Coast is the first global supplier of cocoa beans, a sector that significantly contributes to the nation’s export revenue and rural economies. The nation has diversified its agricultural exports and has substantial rubber output.

Notwithstanding these economic accomplishments, difficulties persist. According to the last poll conducted in 2016, 46.1% of the population experienced multidimensional poverty, underscoring the necessity for more inclusive growth methods. The country also encounters challenges with labor abuses in its cocoa and coffee industries, as shown by international labor monitoring groups.