Cote d'Ivoire
AfricaIV December 23, 2025
Background
Various small kingdoms ruled the area of Cote d'Ivoire between the 15th and 19th centuries, when European explorers arrived and then began to expand their presence. In 1844, France established a protectorate. During this period, many of these kingdoms and tribes fought to maintain their cultural identities -- some well into the 20th century. For example, the Sanwi kingdom -- originally founded in the 17th century -- tried to break away from Cote d’Ivoire and establish an independent state in 1969.
Cote d’Ivoire achieved independence from France in 1960 but has maintained close ties. Foreign investment and the export and production of cocoa drove economic growth that led Cote d’Ivoire to become one of the most prosperous states in West Africa. Then in 1999, a military coup overthrew the government, and a year later, junta leader Robert GUEI held rigged elections and declared himself the winner. Popular protests forced him to step aside, and Laurent GBAGBO was elected. Ivoirian dissidents and members of the military launched a failed coup in 2002 that developed into a civil war. In 2003, a cease-fire resulted in rebels holding the north, the government holding the south, and peacekeeping forces occupying a buffer zone in the middle. In 2007, President GBAGBO and former rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed an agreement in which SORO joined GBAGBO's government as prime minister. The two agreed to reunite the country by dismantling the buffer zone, integrating rebel forces into the national armed forces, and holding elections.
In 2010, Alassane Dramane OUATTARA won the presidential election, but GBAGBO refused to hand over power, resulting in five months of violent conflict. Armed OUATTARA supporters and UN and French troops eventually forced GBAGBO to step down in 2011. OUATTARA won a second term in 2015 and a controversial third term in 2020 -- despite the two-term limit in the Ivoirian constitution -- in an election boycotted by the opposition. Through political compromise with OUATTARA, the opposition participated peacefully in 2021 legislative elections and won a substantial minority of seats. Also in 2021, the International Criminal Court in The Hague ruled on a final acquittal for GBAGBO, who was on trial for crimes against humanity, paving the way for GBAGBO’s return to Abidjan the same year. GBAGBO has publicly met with OUATTARA since his return as a demonstration of political reconciliation.
Cote d’Ivoire achieved independence from France in 1960 but has maintained close ties. Foreign investment and the export and production of cocoa drove economic growth that led Cote d’Ivoire to become one of the most prosperous states in West Africa. Then in 1999, a military coup overthrew the government, and a year later, junta leader Robert GUEI held rigged elections and declared himself the winner. Popular protests forced him to step aside, and Laurent GBAGBO was elected. Ivoirian dissidents and members of the military launched a failed coup in 2002 that developed into a civil war. In 2003, a cease-fire resulted in rebels holding the north, the government holding the south, and peacekeeping forces occupying a buffer zone in the middle. In 2007, President GBAGBO and former rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed an agreement in which SORO joined GBAGBO's government as prime minister. The two agreed to reunite the country by dismantling the buffer zone, integrating rebel forces into the national armed forces, and holding elections.
In 2010, Alassane Dramane OUATTARA won the presidential election, but GBAGBO refused to hand over power, resulting in five months of violent conflict. Armed OUATTARA supporters and UN and French troops eventually forced GBAGBO to step down in 2011. OUATTARA won a second term in 2015 and a controversial third term in 2020 -- despite the two-term limit in the Ivoirian constitution -- in an election boycotted by the opposition. Through political compromise with OUATTARA, the opposition participated peacefully in 2021 legislative elections and won a substantial minority of seats. Also in 2021, the International Criminal Court in The Hague ruled on a final acquittal for GBAGBO, who was on trial for crimes against humanity, paving the way for GBAGBO’s return to Abidjan the same year. GBAGBO has publicly met with OUATTARA since his return as a demonstration of political reconciliation.
Geographic coordinates
8 00 N, 5 00 W
Natural hazards
coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during the rainy season torrential flooding is possible
Area - comparative
slightly larger than New Mexico
Environmental issues
deforestation; water pollution from sewage and from industrial, mining, and agricultural effluents
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October)
Coastline
515 km
Land boundaries
Total: 3,458 km
Border countries (5): Burkina Faso 545 km; Ghana 720 km; Guinea 816 km; Liberia 778 km; Mali 599 km
Border countries (5): Burkina Faso 545 km; Ghana 720 km; Guinea 816 km; Liberia 778 km; Mali 599 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 86.5% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 15.1% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 29.9% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 41.5% (2023 est.)
Forest: 12.4% (2023 est.)
Other: 1.1% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 15.1% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 29.9% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 41.5% (2023 est.)
Forest: 12.4% (2023 est.)
Other: 1.1% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay, cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, hydropower
Geography - note
most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is sparsely populated
Terrain
mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
730 sq km (2012)
Total renewable water resources
84.14 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
the population is primarily located in the forested south, with the highest concentration of people residing in and around the cities on the Atlantic coast; most of the northern savanna remains sparsely populated, with higher concentrations located along transportation corridors, as shown in this population distribution map
Elevation
Highest point: Monts Nimba 1,752 m
Lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m
Mean elevation: 250 m
Lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m
Mean elevation: 250 m
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km)
Major lakes (area sq km)
Salt water lake(s): Lagune Aby - 780 sq km
Area
Total : 322,463 sq km
Land: 318,003 sq km
Water: 4,460 sq km
Land: 318,003 sq km
Water: 4,460 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 36.1% (male 5,437,108/female 5,390,782)
15-64 years: 60.9% (male 9,200,957/female 9,060,748)
65 years and over: 3% (2024 est.) (male 401,967/female 490,196)
15-64 years: 60.9% (male 9,200,957/female 9,060,748)
65 years and over: 3% (2024 est.) (male 401,967/female 490,196)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
Total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
Total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 50% (2021 est.)
Male: 60.2% (2021 est.)
Female: 40.3% (2021 est.)
Male: 60.2% (2021 est.)
Female: 40.3% (2021 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Ivoirian(s)
Adjective: Ivoirian
Adjective: Ivoirian
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 11 years (2023 est.)
Male: 11 years (2023 est.)
Female: 11 years (2023 est.)
Male: 11 years (2023 est.)
Female: 11 years (2023 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 53.1% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 3.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 3.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 86.2% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 58% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 72.9% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 13.8% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 42% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 27.1% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 86.2% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 58% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 72.9% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 13.8% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 42% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 27.1% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
231,000 YAMOUSSOUKRO (capital) (2018), 5.686 million ABIDJAN (seat of government) (2023)
Physician density
0.17 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Mother's mean age at first birth
19.6 years (2011/12 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 73.6 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 68.8 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 4.7 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 68.8 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 4.7 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 84.6% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 41.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 64.2% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 15.4% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 58.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 35.8% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 84.6% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 41.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 64.2% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 15.4% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 58.5% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 35.8% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Akan 38%, Voltaique or Gur 22%, Northern Mande 22%, Kru 9.1%, Southern Mande 8.6%, other 0.3% (2021 est.)
Religions
Muslim 42.9%, Catholic 17.2%, Evangelical 11.8%, Methodist 1.7%, other Christian 3.2%, animist 3.6%, other religion 0.5%, none 19.1% (2014 est.)
Note: The majority of foreign migrant workers are Muslim (72.7%) and Christian (17.7%)
Note: The majority of foreign migrant workers are Muslim (72.7%) and Christian (17.7%)
Languages
French (official), 60 native dialects of which Dioula is the most widely spoken
Major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Health expenditure
3.1% of GDP (2021)
6.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
6.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 7.4% (2021)
Women married by age 18: 25.8% (2021)
Men married by age 18: 1.9% (2021)
Women married by age 18: 25.8% (2021)
Men married by age 18: 1.9% (2021)
Gross reproduction rate
1.67 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
62.7% (2021 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 3.9% (2024 est.)
Male: 3.5% (2024 est.)
Female: 4.4% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 3.5% (2024 est.)
Female: 4.4% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
1.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 21.2 years (2024 est.)
Male: 21.2 years
Female: 21.2 years
Male: 21.2 years
Female: 21.2 years
Maternal mortality ratio
359 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
3.4 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 29,981,758 (2024 est.)
Male: 15,040,032
Female: 14,941,726
Male: 15,040,032
Female: 14,941,726
Infant mortality rate
Total: 52.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 59.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 45.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 59.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 45.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 7.8% (2025 est.)
Male: 14.9% (2025 est.)
Female: 0.6% (2025 est.)
Male: 14.9% (2025 est.)
Female: 0.6% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
10.3% (2016)
Death rate
7.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
27.5 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
13.6% (2021 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 1.7 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 1.13 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 1.13 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 63.2 years (2024 est.)
Male: 60.9 years
Female: 65.4 years
Male: 60.9 years
Female: 65.4 years
Education expenditure
3.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
17.6% national budget (2024 est.)
17.6% national budget (2024 est.)
Population growth rate
2.13% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 320 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 242 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 600 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 242 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 600 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.441 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.3% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.3% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
36 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
16.28 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 11.641 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 4.639 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 11.641 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 4.639 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
8.489 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Jessica Davis BA (since 2 March 2023)
Embassy: B.P. 730 Abidjan Cidex 03
Mailing address: 2010 Abidjan Place, Washington DC 20521-2010
Telephone: [225] 27-22-49-40-00
FAX: [225] 27-22-49-43-23
Email address and website:
AbjAmCit@state.gov
https://ci.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: B.P. 730 Abidjan Cidex 03
Mailing address: 2010 Abidjan Place, Washington DC 20521-2010
Telephone: [225] 27-22-49-40-00
FAX: [225] 27-22-49-43-23
Email address and website:
AbjAmCit@state.gov
https://ci.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
12 districts and 2 autonomous districts*; Abidjan*, Bas-Sassandra, Comoe, Denguele, Goh-Djiboua, Lacs, Lagunes, Montagnes, Sassandra-Marahoue, Savanes, Vallée du Bandama, Woroba, Yamoussoukro*, Zanzan
Capital
Name: Yamoussoukro (legislative capital), Abidjan (administrative and economic capital); note - the US Embassy is in Abidjan
Geographic coordinates: 6 49 N, 5 16 W
Time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: Formerly a village named N'Gokro, Yamoussoukro is named after Queen YAMOUSSOU, who ruled during the early 20th century; Abidjan's name may have come from a misunderstanding when a French explorer asked a group of women the name of the village -- thinking it was a question about what they were doing, they replied "t'chan m’bi djan," which in the Ebrie language means "I return from cutting leaves," so the explorer recorded the name of the locale as Abidjan
Geographic coordinates: 6 49 N, 5 16 W
Time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: Formerly a village named N'Gokro, Yamoussoukro is named after Queen YAMOUSSOU, who ruled during the early 20th century; Abidjan's name may have come from a misunderstanding when a French explorer asked a group of women the name of the village -- thinking it was a question about what they were doing, they replied "t'chan m’bi djan," which in the Ebrie language means "I return from cutting leaves," so the explorer recorded the name of the locale as Abidjan
Constitution
History: Previous 1960, 2000; latest draft completed 24 September 2016, approved by the National Assembly 11 October 2016, approved by referendum 30 October 2016, promulgated 8 November 2016
Amendment process: Proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; consideration of drafts or proposals requires an absolute majority vote by the parliamentary membership; passage of amendments affecting presidential elections, presidential term of office and vacancies, and amendment procedures requires approval by absolute majority in a referendum; passage of other proposals by the president requires at least four-fifths majority vote by Parliament; constitutional articles on the sovereignty of the state and its republican and secular form of government cannot be amended
Amendment process: Proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; consideration of drafts or proposals requires an absolute majority vote by the parliamentary membership; passage of amendments affecting presidential elections, presidential term of office and vacancies, and amendment procedures requires approval by absolute majority in a referendum; passage of other proposals by the president requires at least four-fifths majority vote by Parliament; constitutional articles on the sovereignty of the state and its republican and secular form of government cannot be amended
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Alassane Dramane OUATTARA (since 25 October 2025)
Head of government: Prime Minister Robert BREUGRE MAMBE (since 17 October 2023)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a single renewable 5-year term; vice president elected on same ballot as president; prime minister appointed by the president
Most recent election date: October 2030
Election results: 2025: Alassane OUATTARA reelected president; percent of vote - Alassane OUATTARA (RDR) 91.2%, Jean Louis BILLON (DC) 3.1%, Simone Gbagbo (MCG) 2.4%, Ahoua Don MELLO (Ind.) 2.0%, other 1.3%
2020: Alassane OUATTARA reelected president; percent of vote - Alassane OUATTARA (RDR) 94.3%, Kouadio Konan BERTIN (PDCI-RDA) 2.0%, other 3.7%
Expected date of next election: October 2030
Note: because President OUATTARA promulgated the new constitution in 2016, he has claimed that the clock is reset on term limits, allowing him to run for up to two additional terms
Head of government: Prime Minister Robert BREUGRE MAMBE (since 17 October 2023)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a single renewable 5-year term; vice president elected on same ballot as president; prime minister appointed by the president
Most recent election date: October 2030
Election results: 2025: Alassane OUATTARA reelected president; percent of vote - Alassane OUATTARA (RDR) 91.2%, Jean Louis BILLON (DC) 3.1%, Simone Gbagbo (MCG) 2.4%, Ahoua Don MELLO (Ind.) 2.0%, other 1.3%
2020: Alassane OUATTARA reelected president; percent of vote - Alassane OUATTARA (RDR) 94.3%, Kouadio Konan BERTIN (PDCI-RDA) 2.0%, other 3.7%
Expected date of next election: October 2030
Note: because President OUATTARA promulgated the new constitution in 2016, he has claimed that the clock is reset on term limits, allowing him to run for up to two additional terms
Flag
Description: Three equal vertical bands of orange (left side), white, and green
Meaning: Orange stands for the savannah and fertility, white for peace and unity, green for the forests of the south and the hope for a bright future; design based on France's flag
Note: Similar to the flag of Ireland, which is wider and has the colors reversed -- green (left side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (left side), white, and red
Meaning: Orange stands for the savannah and fertility, white for peace and unity, green for the forests of the south and the hope for a bright future; design based on France's flag
Note: Similar to the flag of Ireland, which is wider and has the colors reversed -- green (left side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (left side), white, and red
Independence
7 August 1960 (from France)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (organized into Judicial, Audit, Constitutional, and Administrative Chambers; consists of the court president, 3 vice presidents for the Judicial, Audit, and Administrative chambers, and 9 associate justices or magistrates)
Judge selection and term of office: Judges nominated by the Superior Council of the Magistrature, a 7-member body consisting of the national president (chairman), 3 "bench" judges, and 3 public prosecutors; judges appointed for life
Subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal (organized into civil, criminal, and social chambers); first instance courts; peace courts
Judge selection and term of office: Judges nominated by the Superior Council of the Magistrature, a 7-member body consisting of the national president (chairman), 3 "bench" judges, and 3 public prosecutors; judges appointed for life
Subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal (organized into civil, criminal, and social chambers); first instance courts; peace courts
Legal system
civil law system based on the French civil code; Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court reviews legislation
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Parliament (Parlement)
Legislative structure: Bicameral
Legislative structure: Bicameral
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSCA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMISS, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 7 August (1960)
Political parties
African Peoples' Party-Cote d'Ivoire or PPA-CI
Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire or PDCI
Ivorian Popular Front or FPI
Liberty and Democracy for the Republic or LIDER
Movement of the Future Forces or MFA
Pan-African Congress for People's Justice and Equality or COJEP
Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace or RHDP
Rally of the Republicans or RDR
Together for Democracy and Sovereignty or EDS
Together to Build (UDPCI, FPI,and allies)
Union for Cote d'Ivoire or UPCI
Union for Democracy and Peace in Cote d'Ivoire or UDPCI
Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire or PDCI
Ivorian Popular Front or FPI
Liberty and Democracy for the Republic or LIDER
Movement of the Future Forces or MFA
Pan-African Congress for People's Justice and Equality or COJEP
Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace or RHDP
Rally of the Republicans or RDR
Together for Democracy and Sovereignty or EDS
Together to Build (UDPCI, FPI,and allies)
Union for Cote d'Ivoire or UPCI
Union for Democracy and Peace in Cote d'Ivoire or UDPCI
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
Conventional short form: Côte d'Ivoire
Local long form: République de Côte d'Ivoire
Local short form: Cote d'Ivoire
Former: Ivory Coast
Etymology: Name, which means "Ivory Coast" in French, reflects the ivory trade in the region from the 15th to 17th centuries; the French version of the name has been used internationally since 1986, at the country's request
Note: Pronounced coat-div-whar
Conventional short form: Côte d'Ivoire
Local long form: République de Côte d'Ivoire
Local short form: Cote d'Ivoire
Former: Ivory Coast
Etymology: Name, which means "Ivory Coast" in French, reflects the ivory trade in the region from the 15th to 17th centuries; the French version of the name has been used internationally since 1986, at the country's request
Note: Pronounced coat-div-whar
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Ibrahima TOURE (since 13 January 2022)
Chancery: 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 797-0300
FAX: [1] (202) 204-3967
Email address and website:
Info@ambacidc.org
Ambassade de Cote D’ivoire aux USA (ambaciusa.org)
Chancery: 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 797-0300
FAX: [1] (202) 204-3967
Email address and website:
Info@ambacidc.org
Ambassade de Cote D’ivoire aux USA (ambaciusa.org)
National anthem(s)
Title: "L'Abidjanaise" (Song of Abidjan)
Lyrics/music: Mathieu EKRA, Joachim BONY, and Pierre Marie COTY/Pierre Marie COTY and Pierre Michel PANGO
History: Adopted 1960; named after the former capital city of Abidjan
Lyrics/music: Mathieu EKRA, Joachim BONY, and Pierre Marie COTY/Pierre Marie COTY and Pierre Michel PANGO
History: Adopted 1960; named after the former capital city of Abidjan
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
elephant
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Cote d'Ivoire
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Cote d'Ivoire
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 5 (2 cultural, 3 natural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Comoé National Park (n); Historic Grand-Bassam (c); Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (n); Sudanese-style Mosques (c); Taï National Park (n)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Comoé National Park (n); Historic Grand-Bassam (c); Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (n); Sudanese-style Mosques (c); Taï National Park (n)
National color(s)
orange, white, green
Population below poverty line
37.5% (2021 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 3.1% (2021 est.)
Highest 10%: 27.8% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 27.8% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
gold, cocoa beans, rubber, refined petroleum, coconuts/brazil nuts/cashews (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Switzerland 17%, Netherlands 9%, Mali 7%, USA 5%, Malaysia 4% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
yams, cassava, oil palm fruit, cocoa beans, sugarcane, plantains, rice, rubber, maize, cashews (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $12.351 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $16.03 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $16.03 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, ships, refined petroleum, fish, rice (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
606.345 (2024 est.)
606.57 (2023 est.)
623.76 (2022 est.)
554.531 (2021 est.)
575.586 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
606.345 (2024 est.)
606.57 (2023 est.)
623.76 (2022 est.)
554.531 (2021 est.)
575.586 (2020 est.)
Industries
foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining, gold mining, truck and bus assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials, electricity
Economic overview
one of West Africa’s most influential, stable, and rapidly developing economies; poverty declines in urban but increases in rural areas; strong construction sector and increasingly diverse economic portfolio; increasing but manageable public debt; large labor force in agriculture
GDP (official exchange rate)
$86.538 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 66% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 9% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 24.5% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 27.6% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -27.1% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 9% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 24.5% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 27.6% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -27.1% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
China 16%, Nigeria 12%, France 6%, India 5%, USA 4% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 37.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
1.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
12.595 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$26.576 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Unemployment rate
2.3% (2024 est.)
2.3% (2023 est.)
2.4% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
2.3% (2023 est.)
2.4% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
13.2% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$215.018 billion (2024 est.)
$202.943 billion (2023 est.)
$190.645 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$202.943 billion (2023 est.)
$190.645 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
3.5% (2024 est.)
4.4% (2023 est.)
5.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
4.4% (2023 est.)
5.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$5.394 billion (2022 est.)
-$2.874 billion (2021 est.)
-$1.974 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$2.874 billion (2021 est.)
-$1.974 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$6,700 (2024 est.)
$6,500 (2023 est.)
$6,300 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$6,500 (2023 est.)
$6,300 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$19.948 billion (2022 est.)
$16.191 billion (2021 est.)
$12.66 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$16.191 billion (2021 est.)
$12.66 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$17.211 billion (2022 est.)
$16.23 billion (2021 est.)
$13.232 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$16.23 billion (2021 est.)
$13.232 billion (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
6% (2024 est.)
6.5% (2023 est.)
6.4% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
6.5% (2023 est.)
6.4% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
2.8% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 17.9% (2024 est.)
Industry: 22.1% (2024 est.)
Services: 53.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 22.1% (2024 est.)
Services: 53.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 70.4% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 95%
Electrification - rural areas: 45.3%
Electrification - urban areas: 95%
Electrification - rural areas: 45.3%
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 68.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 30.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 30.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Production: 2.474 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Consumption: 2.474 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 28.317 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Consumption: 2.474 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 28.317 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 29,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 87,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 100 million barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 87,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 100 million barrels (2021 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 2.315 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 8.746 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 971 million kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 222.79 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 1.638 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 8.746 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 971 million kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 222.79 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 1.638 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 41% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.ci
Broadcast media
state-controlled Radiodiffusion Télévision Ivoirienne (RTI) is made up of 2 radio stations (Radio Cote d'Ivoire and Fréquence2) and 2 TV stations (RTI1 and RTI2) with nationwide coverage, broadcasting mainly in French; 178 proximity radio stations, 16 religious radio stations, 5 commercial radio stations, and 5 international radio stations; government now runs radio station UNOCIFM, previously owned by the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire; in 2016, 4 media companies were granted licenses: Live TV, Optimum Media Cote d'Ivoire, the Audiovisual Company of Cote d'Ivoire (Sedaci), and Sorano-CI (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 53.6 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 174 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 174 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 425,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 244,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.) less than 1
Railways
Total: 660 km (2008)
Narrow gauge: 660 km (2008) 1.000-m gauge
Note: An additional 622 km of this railroad extends into Burkina Faso
Narrow gauge: 660 km (2008) 1.000-m gauge
Note: An additional 622 km of this railroad extends into Burkina Faso
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
TU
Airports
29 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 25 (2023)
By type: Oil tanker 2, other 23
By type: Oil tanker 2, other 23
Heliports
1 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-26 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service for men and women; conscription is reportedly not enforced (2023)
Military expenditures
0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of Cote d'Ivoire (Forces Armees de Cote d'Ivoire, FACI; aka Republican Forces of Ivory Coast, FRCI): Army, National Navy, Air Force, Special Forces; National Gendarmerie
Ministry of Security and Civil Protection: National Police (2025)
Note: The National Gendarmerie is a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Defense that is responsible for ensuring public safety, maintaining order, enforcing laws, and protecting institutions, people, and property; it is organized into mobile and territorial components; the Mobile Gendarmerie is responsible for maintaining and restoring order and is considered the backbone of the country’s domestic security; the Territorial Gendarmerie is responsible for the administrative, judicial, and military police; the Gendarmerie also has separate specialized units for security, intervention (counterterrorism, hostage rescue, etc), VIP protection, and surveillance
Ministry of Security and Civil Protection: National Police (2025)
Note: The National Gendarmerie is a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Defense that is responsible for ensuring public safety, maintaining order, enforcing laws, and protecting institutions, people, and property; it is organized into mobile and territorial components; the Mobile Gendarmerie is responsible for maintaining and restoring order and is considered the backbone of the country’s domestic security; the Territorial Gendarmerie is responsible for the administrative, judicial, and military police; the Gendarmerie also has separate specialized units for security, intervention (counterterrorism, hostage rescue, etc), VIP protection, and surveillance
Military - note
the military (FACI) is responsible for external defense but also has a considerable internal role supporting the National Gendarmerie and other internal security forces; key areas of focus for the FACI are the country's porous international borders and the threat posed by Islamic militants associated with the al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorist group operating across the border in Burkina Faso and Mali; AQIM militants conducted attacks in the country in 2016 and 2020; Côte d’Ivoire since 2016 has stepped up border security and completed building a joint counter-terrorism training center with France near Abidjan in 2020; Cote d'Ivoire has long maintained a close security relationship with France
The FACI has mutinied several times since the late 1990s, most recently in 2017, and has had a large role in the country’s political turmoil; it was established in 1960 from home defense units the French colonial government began standing up in 1950 (2025)
The FACI has mutinied several times since the late 1990s, most recently in 2017, and has had a large role in the country’s political turmoil; it was established in 1960 from home defense units the French colonial government began standing up in 1950 (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 25-30,000 active FACI, including Gendarmerie personnel (2025)
Military deployments
180 Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the inventory of the FACI consists mostly of older or secondhand armaments, typically of French or Soviet-era origin; in recent years, it has received small quantities of newer and secondhand equipment from a variety of suppliers, including Bulgaria, China, France, Israel, South Africa, and the US (2025)
Note: Cote d'Ivoire was under a partial UN arms embargo from 2004 to 2016
Note: Cote d'Ivoire was under a partial UN arms embargo from 2004 to 2016
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 69,176 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 930,978 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 930,978 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM); Jama’at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM)
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Space program overview
has a small, nascent program focused on satellite technology and geospatial information systems, as well as exploitation for resource management, environmental challenges, agricultural sector support, and national security; member of the African Space Agency and cooperates bilaterally with member states such as Tanzania (2025)
Space agency/agencies
National Office for Technical Studies and Development (Bureau d'Études Techniques et de Développement or BNETD); Côte d’Ivoire Geographic and Digital Information Center (CIGN) (2025)
Note: In mid-2025, Côte d’Ivoire announced that it would establish the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire (ASCI) in 2026 under the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Note: In mid-2025, Côte d’Ivoire announced that it would establish the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire (ASCI) in 2026 under the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Ports
Total ports: 5 (2024)
Large: 1
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 4
Ports with oil terminals: 5
Key ports: Abidjan, Baobab Marine Terminal, Espoir Marine Terminal, Port Bouet, San Pedro
Large: 1
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 4
Ports with oil terminals: 5
Key ports: Abidjan, Baobab Marine Terminal, Espoir Marine Terminal, Port Bouet, San Pedro
Legislative branch - lower chamber
Chamber name: National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)
Number of seats: 255 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 3/6/2021 to 6/12/2021
Parties elected and seats per party: Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) (139); Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire-African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA)-Together for Democracy and Sovereignty (EDS) (49); Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire-African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA) (23); Independents (26); Other (18)
Percentage of women in chamber: 13.4%
Expected date of next election: December 2025
Number of seats: 255 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 3/6/2021 to 6/12/2021
Parties elected and seats per party: Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) (139); Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire-African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA)-Together for Democracy and Sovereignty (EDS) (49); Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire-African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA) (23); Independents (26); Other (18)
Percentage of women in chamber: 13.4%
Expected date of next election: December 2025
Legislative branch - upper chamber
Chamber name: Senate (Sénat)
Number of seats: 99 (66 indirectly elected; 33 appointed)
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 9/16/2023
Percentage of women in chamber: 24.5%
Expected date of next election: September 2028
Number of seats: 99 (66 indirectly elected; 33 appointed)
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 9/16/2023
Percentage of women in chamber: 24.5%
Expected date of next election: September 2028
Key space-program milestones
2023 - hosted an Africa-wide space industry conference; announced plans to acquire and launch first small remote sensing satellite (Yam-Sat- CI 01)
2024 - began joint project with Tanzania to build a technology-demonstrator cube satellite (TanSat-1)
2024 - began joint project with Tanzania to build a technology-demonstrator cube satellite (TanSat-1)
Methane emissions
Energy: 187.7 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Agriculture: 192 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 199.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 28.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Agriculture: 192 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 199.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 28.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
35.3 (2021 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality