61 Ivory Coast Fun Facts: History, Tourism, Culture And More

The Ivory Coast is a third-world country located in West Africa and is a great tourist attraction for its beachy locations.

Previously a French colony, this country is lined with resorts and other places that you can visit with your family if you want a refreshing getaway from your own bustling city.

The Ivory Coast is not just famous for its chocolates and palm oil but also for its fauna. Two of the country's national parks are world heritage sites and have many animal species such as chimpanzees and pygmy hippopotamuses. The Tai National Park should definitely be on the list of places that you visit when at the Ivory Coast.

The country was named after the booming trade of elephant teeth in the area. West Africa still has many elephants, although the trade of ivory has either been limited or banned for the sake of the poor animals who are threatened by such activities. Keep reading for more facts about the Ivory Coast!

Facts About The Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast, or Côte d'Ivoire was named after the main economic pillar of the land, which was the trade and export of elephant teeth. This unique country was a French colony, and the impacts of French colonization are still visible. Here are some facts about Ivory Coast.

• The Ivory Coast or côte d'Ivoire is a West African country.
• The country was a French colony.
• It was officially named the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire in the year 1986.
• Côte d'Ivoire is the French version of the name Ivory Coast.
• One of the most fascinating facts about the country is that it has two capital cities.
• The fourth-largest city in the country, Yamoussoukro, is the political capital of the Ivory Coast.
• The economic capital of the country is Abidjan.
• Many of the foreign embassies and other political buildings are situated in Abidjan in spite of it not being the political capital anymore.
• The French name of the country is not as famous as the Ivory Coast.
• Abidjan is the third-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris and Kinshasa.
• Paris is located in France, and Kinshasa is located in Congo.
• This shows that Cote d'Ivoire is still influenced by its colonizers.
• Cote d'Ivoire is the largest producer of cocoa beans in the world.
• The Ivory Coast flag has three colors and stands for the motto of the country.
• The flag consists of orange, white, and green.
• This country of West Africa is famous for its chocolate.
• The Ivory Coast exports a large portion of the cocoa beans that it produces.
• The Ivory Coast has many tourist attractions and beach resorts to attract people from all around the world.
• The city of Abidjan has a very impressive skyline and is situated next to a lagoon.

The Ivory Coast's History

The Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa that was previously inhabited by many ethnic groups.

• The Ivory Coast was previously occupied by many kingdoms such as Kong, Bouna, Senufo, Bounkani, Malinke, and Baule.
• The French first colonized the Ivory Coast as a protectorate in the year 1843.
• The Cote d'Ivoire became a proper French colony in the year 1893.
• The Ivory Coast only became a part of the French Federation of West Africa in the year 1904.
• The country gained independence in the year 1960.
• The first president of the country was Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
• He remained in power until the year 1993.
• In the year 1999, the president of the country was overthrown.
• The Ivory Coast had its first Civil War in the year 2002.
• The first Civil War lasted for a period of five years.
• The next Civil War took place in the Ivory Coast in 2011.
• This rebellion lasted for a year.
• The Ivory Coast is one of the places in the world which are threatened by terrorist attacks.
• There are mountains in the western region of the country.

The Ivory Coast's Culture

In spite of the civil wars and the many problems that the country has been dealing with in the recent past, this country located in West Africa is culturally diverse.

• The main motto of the country is unity, labor, and discipline.
• The cultural motto is reflected in the national flag.
• The official language is French.
• The official currency of the Ivory Coast is the West African CFA Franc (XOF).
• French and Lebanese people have settlements in the country.
• Abidjan is the only major trade city.
• Palm oil and Cocoa beans are exported from the Ivory Coast in large amounts.
• The Comoe National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• There are a total of four World Heritage Sites in the country.
• The largest Christian church in the world, Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, is located on the Ivory Coast.
• The Tai National Park was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to save it from deforestation.
• It is the only primary rainforest left in West Africa.
• The chocolate industry in the country forms a huge part of its culture and heritage.
• This basilica can host 18,000 pilgrims.
• Islamic and Catholic people form the majority of the country.
• People of the country have many artistic talents.
• Only one woman from the Ivory Coast has ever taken part in the Miss Universe pageant.
• The country has only won two medals at the Olympic games.
• Famous footballer, Didier Drogba, is from the Ivory Coast.
• He was one of the reasons why the civil war of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire came to an end.
• The Ivory Coast's national football team is popularly nicknamed "Les Eléphants" (the elephants).

Facts For tourists

If you have been planning a visit to West Africa, the Ivory Coast should definitely be one of the countries that you visit. The many beaches and resorts are sure to show you a great time.

• Whether you want to bathe in the sun or take a safari in a national park, this region is great for all recreational activities.
• The warm waters surrounding the country, along with the amazing skyline and many eateries, will fill your heart with joy.
• One of the things that you should definitely try is the chocolate from the Ivory Coast.
• If you love chocolate, the many artisanal chocolates found in the country are sure to have you filling your suitcases with all that you can possibly fit in.
• Abidjan is also known for its fashion industry. If you, too, would like to indulge in the latest trends in fashion, make sure to check out some of the local stores!
• The church of Our Lady of Peace is the largest in the world. Do not forget to pay it a visit!
• The mighty Mount Nimba ascends above the surrounding landscape where the Ivory Coast meets Guinea and Liberia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by lush forests housing a wide variety of fauna and flora, including chimpanzees.