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10 Interesting And Fun Facts About Ivory Coast

User By Azure Lee

Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire, is a country located on the west coast of Africa. It is 62 years since the country obtained freedom from French rule under the leadership of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, fondly referred to as The Old One.

It’s not a popular tourist destination, so it’s not overly touristy and spoiled by mass tourism.  However, it doesn't mean there is nothing to do in Ivory Coast. The country boasts great beaches, French colonial towns, bustling markets, lush jungles, and modern cities.

In addition, Ivory Coast has a strong artistic community, a rich cultural history, and French-speaking prowess. To give you a better understanding of this unique nation, we have put together this list of 10 interesting and fun facts about the Ivory Coast.

10 Interesting Facts About The Ivory Coast You Should Know

1. Largest church in the world

Here is one of the interesting facts about the Ivory Coast that you probably do not know. The country boasts the largest church in the world.

Of course, a place's size is determined by some factors, including its outside area, seating capacity, and construction.

While the larger Glory Dome (Dunamis Church) in Abuja, Nigeria, can accommodate up to 100,000 people, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is regarded as the world's largest church in terms of exterior area. The outside area of the church is over 30,000 square meters, and it even made it to the Guinness World Record.

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

2. The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire has two capital cities

The country is among the four in Africa (the other three being Eswatini, South Africa, and Tanzania) with two capital cities.

The two capital cities of Ivory Coast are Yamoussoukro and Abidjan. Yamoussoukro became the formal capital upon the country's independence in 1983. However, Abidjan continues to be the official administrative capital of the country, hosting the majority of foreign embassies representing various nations in the Ivory Coast.  Abidjan was the former capital city and continues to be the commercial hub, having a vibrant economy, bustling port activities, and a diverse urban landscape. Abidjan serves as a center for trade, finance, industry, and cultural activities, attracting businesses and fostering economic growth.

Read more about Abidjan Tourist Attractions: The Heart Of Culture And Nature

3. It is the world’s largest cocoa producer

Among the fun facts Ivory Coast, perhaps this one surprises you, right? That's right, you heard right. It has some of the best cocoa beans in the world. That is not the best part; with more than 2 million tons produced annually, Côte d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer of cocoa beans. And 40% of the country's export revenue comes from its cocoa production.

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) approximates that among Ivory Coast's population of over 27.6 million, about 8 million Ivorians rely on cocoa production and the cocoa industry as their main source of livelihood.

In 2013, Ivory Coast exported 1.448 million metric tonnes of cocoa beans, accounting for 31.6% of the global total, which was nearly twice the amount of its closest competitor, Ghana.

Take a closer at this interesting fact of Ivory Coast - Exploring The Manufacturing Process of Ivory Coast's Cacao

Ivory Coast is the world’s largest cocoa producer

Ivory Coast is the world’s largest cocoa producer

4. Life expectancy is low

Africa is the only continent with countries with average life expectancies below 60, and there are 21 of them. Among these, Ivory Coast ranks as the fifth lowest, with an average life expectancy of 53.3 years, while neighboring Sierra Leone holds the lowest position at 50.1 years.

5. It is the third-largest French-speaking population in the world

In 1842, the Ivory Coast was colonized by the French, initially as a protectorate and later as an official colony in 1893. It became part of the French Federation of West Africa in 1904. The French influence is evident in the country, with French being the official language of Côte d’Ivoire, showcasing the lasting impact of their presence.

In actuality, it is the third-largest French-speaking population in the world, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo being the most populous, followed by France.

Abidjan, is the fifth most populous city in Africa, with 5,515,790 residents, earning it the nickname "the French capital of Africa" because it is home to the greatest and highest concentration of French-speaking individuals in one location.

Ivory Coast is the third-largest French-speaking population in the world

Ivory Coast is the third-largest French-speaking population in the world

6. There are 5 UNESCO sites in Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each representing aspects of the country's cultural and natural heritage:

  • Historic Town of Grand-Bassam 

This town is a fine example of the architectural and urban development of a late 19th- and early 20th-century colonial town. Grand-Bassam was an important trading post during the French colonial period and showcases colonial-era buildings and structures.

  • Comoe National Park

One of the largest protected areas in West Africa, Comoe National Park is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, including a variety of ecosystems such as savannah, forest, and wetlands. 

  • Tai National Park

This park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the pygmy hippopotamus. 

  • Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

It harbors numerous endemic species of plants and animals, including the viviparous toad and chimpanzees that use stones as tools. 

  • The Sudanese-style mosques in northern Côte d’Ivoire

These architectural marvels are distinctive to the savannah region of West Africa and represent a blend of local building techniques and Islamic architecture developed between the 11th and 19th centuries.

There are 5 UNESCO sites in Ivory Coast

There are 5 UNESCO sites in Ivory Coast

7. Football isn’t its only sport

The Ivory Coast's meager record of Olympic gold medals is capped by Cheick Sallah Cisse's victory in the men's 400-meter taekwondo event in Rio 2016; other medals in the sport come from a bronze in the same Games and a second-place finish in the same event in 1984.

8. More famous than the president

Last on the list of interesting facts about the Ivory Coast is Didier Drogba, the country's most famous son. It's hard to find someone more renowned than Didier Drogba within the country, at least not presently.

If you follow football (soccer), you have probably heard of Drogba or even seen him play. He is best known for his time at Chelsea, an English football team, and his goal that won the Champions League for that team.

Didier Drogba, the Abidjan-born striker, captained the national team for eight years starting in 2006, retiring as the country's all-time leading goal scorer. He played 104 times for his country, scoring 65 goals.

Discovering Fun Facts About Ivory Coast Has Never Been Easier

Ivory Coast has been referred to as "the jewel of West Africa" for a long time, yet there is much more to explore about this gem. Fun facts about the Ivory Coast reveal its rich cultural heritage and diverse allure, adding layers of intrigue to this captivating destination.

To facilitate this exploration and ensure a seamless travel experience, travelers are encouraged to consider obtaining an Ivory Coast eVisa via Ivory Coast Immigration Services. This electronic visa simplifies the entry process, ensuring a smoother and more convenient travel experience. By securing an eVisa, travelers open doors to immerse themselves in the warmth of Ivorian hospitality, delve into the country’s diverse heritage, and savor its stunning beauty. 

It's the key that unlocks a seamless and unforgettable exploration of this captivating West African gem.

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