It is one of the smallest countries in Africa and borders Mali, Liberia, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Ghana. Located in the west of Africa it is a small coastal nation. It was an important state prior to the capture by Europeans. Indenie and Sanwi were the two Agni kingdoms which demanded their own identity after the independence of Cote d’Ivoire. The treaty of 1843 and 1844 made Cote d’Ivoire an associated state of France in the year 1893 and it became a part of scramble of Africa and a French colony. The country got independence on 7th August 1960. It was under the rule of Felix Houphouet Boigny from 1960 to 1993. This country has maintained good relations with its neighbors and West African countries especially with France. After the end of Felix Houphouet Boigny the country has faced two wars one is the civil war and another is coups d etat. The change in the recent elections has brought many changes in the political and government scenario which has led to peace in the country.
At present it is a republic with strong powers and Yamoussoukro in the capital. The country is divided into 58 departments and 19 regions. Coffee and cocoa were the major contributors to economy in 1960s and 1970s. The political and social conflict started after the economic crisis in the year 1980. At present the country is dependent on agriculture. At times it was economic miracle with excellent stability and now this country is less stable and violent most of the time. Wooed French was the person behind the development of the country who build modern infrastructure and prosperity and the president Houphouet Boigny made this country a happy nation. Everything ended with his death, the northern led rebellion divided this country into half in the year 2002. However after much destruction because of war then country have best natural attractions in West Africa like Parc National de Tai and beaches near the Atlantic coast. The different tribes make this place rich in tradition and culture. A glance of modernity can be seen in Core d’Ivoire apart from other West African nations. An amazing replica of Rome’s St. Peter makes this place well known among the tourists across globe.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is from November to February when the climate is cooler and drier, the excellent festival of masks and parades called as Feres des masques can be seen in the month of February.
How to reach
Traveling in this country is not safe to one need to check the safety time to reach here. The only crossing from Ghana is considered safe for travelers. Local people don’t travel much there are busses and taxis to reach from one place to another but the time is not fixed. The transport here is very less and limited to some cities only. Some busses have fixed timings and are comfortable. Cote d’Ivoire is a busy air hub you can reach here from many African capitals. Many airlines from Paris and Abidjan include Air Ivoire and Air France which fly non stop.
Where to stay in Cote d’Ivoire
There are very few hotels in Cote d’Ivoire and are very expensive. There are several international standard hotels in Abidjan. Expensive, low range, and mid range hotels are available only in larger cities. It is advisable to book in advance before reaching in this country.
Events and Festivals in Cote d’Ivoire
One of the most famous festivals of this country is Fetes des Masques (Festival of Masks) which is celebrated in November in many small villages and cities. At this time people organize the contests for the best dancers. Another important event is week long carnival called as Bouke in the month of March. Fete du Dipri near Abidjan takes place in the month of April is a mid night festival.
Places to visit in Cote d’Ivoire
- The National Museum of Abidjan
- The Plateau
- Treichville
- Abokouamekro Game Reserve
