Country codes
International phone code for Ivory Coast - Côte d'Ivoire: +225
Standard ISO 3166-1:
3 letters: CIV,
2 letters (internet domain): .CI,
Numeric country code: 384
Standard EAN-13 (country barcode): 618
Olympic country code: CIV
Travel Tips for Tourists
- Getting There: Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) is served by Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, with flights from major international hubs. A visa is required for entry and must be obtained in advance through the e-visa portal. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory upon arrival.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season from November to March is ideal for travel, offering pleasant weather and access to outdoor attractions. This period also hosts vibrant cultural festivals such as the Abissa Festival in Grand-Bassam and the Fêtes des Masques in Man.
- Top Attractions:
- Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro – the largest church in the world, surrounded by serene gardens.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral in Abidjan – a modern architectural marvel with stunning stained glass.
- Grand-Bassam – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial charm and beachside relaxation.
- Taï National Park – a biodiversity hotspot for eco-tourism and chimpanzee conservation.
- Healthy Travel Advice:
- Vaccinations recommended include Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine immunizations (MMR, Tetanus).
- Malaria is endemic; take antimalarial medication and use mosquito repellent.
- Drink bottled water only; avoid ice and uncooked street food. Peel fruits and wash vegetables with clean water.
- Healthcare in rural areas is limited; ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation.
A Glimpse into Ivory Coast’s History
Ivory Coast has a rich and layered history shaped by indigenous cultures, trade, colonization, and modern politics. Pre-colonial societies such as the Baoulé, Mandé, and Akan established kingdoms and trade networks, especially in gold and ivory.
European contact began in the 15th century with Portuguese explorers, followed by French colonization in the late 19th century. In 1893, Ivory Coast became a formal French colony. The country gained independence on August 7, 1960, led by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who served as president until 1993.
Post-independence, Ivory Coast enjoyed economic prosperity, especially through cocoa and coffee exports. However, political tensions and civil unrest emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, culminating in civil wars and a divided nation.
Current Political Landscape
Ivory Coast recently held its presidential election on October 25, 2025. President Alassane Ouattara secured a controversial fourth term, winning over 89% of the vote. His candidacy was enabled by a 2016 constitutional change that reset term limits.
The election was marked by political tension and the exclusion of key opposition figures, including Tidjane Thiam and Laurent Gbagbo, due to nationality and criminal convictions. Protests were suppressed, and over 700 people were arrested.
Despite economic growth and infrastructure development under Ouattara, concerns persist about democratic integrity, political repression, and youth unemployment. The country remains a strategic player in West Africa, balancing regional security challenges and internal demands for reform.
Reference
Information compiled from travel advisories, historical archives, and recent news reports on Ivory Coast’s political developments.
Useful country information
Land area: 122,780 sq mi (318,000 sq km); total area: 124,502 sq mi (322,460 sq km)
Population (2022): 27.05 million.
Capital (2022 est.): Yamoussoukro (official), 422,072; Largest city and administrative center: Abidjan, 5.516 million
Yamoussoukro: Capital City Profile
Monetary unit: CFA Franc
National name: Rpublique de Cte d'lvoire
Languages: French (official) and African languages (Dioula esp.)
Ethnicity/race: Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques (Gur) 17.6%, Northern Mandes 16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 130,000 Lebanese and 14,000 French) (1998)
National Holiday: Independence Day, August 7
Religions: Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, indigenous 11.9%, none 16.7% (2008 est.) note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim (70%) and Christian (20%)
Background:
Côte d’Ivoire gained independence from France in 1960 and, for decades, maintained close political and economic ties with its former colonial power. Strong growth driven by cocoa and coffee exports made it one of the most prosperous economies in West Africa during the late 20th century.
However, political instability emerged in the late 1990s. In 1999, the country experienced its first military coup, led by Robert Guéï. Contested elections in 2000 brought Laurent Gbagbo to power after widespread protests.
In 2002, a failed coup attempt escalated into a civil conflict that effectively split the country between the government-controlled south and rebel-held north. Several peace agreements followed, including the 2003 Linas-Marcoussis Accord and the 2007 Ouagadougou Political Agreement, which aimed to reunify the country and integrate opposing forces.
A disputed presidential election in 2010 led to another major crisis between incumbent Laurent Gbagbo and challenger Alassane Ouattara. The conflict ended in 2011 with Ouattara assuming the presidency, supported by international recognition and intervention.
Since then, Côte d’Ivoire has experienced relative political stability and significant economic growth, becoming one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Despite progress, challenges remain, including political reconciliation, security concerns, and equitable economic development.
Source of Information:
