Côte D’Ivoire

They won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992, 2015 and 2023.

In 1986 the government requested that the name not be translated, so Côte d'Ivoire is used in every language.

The UNESCO-listed park is home to pygmy hippos and chimpanzees.

Félix Houphouët-Boigny became its first president after independence on August 7, 1960.

Despite Yamoussoukro being the official capital, Abidjan is where most business and government activity happens.

The country's name, derived from French, reflects its historical trade in elephant tusks. This vital commodity shaped its early interactions with European traders, though elephant populations have drastically declined.

Despite its location in West Africa, French is the official language due to its colonial past. This linguistic heritage influences education, government, and media, coexisting with over 70 indigenous languages.

While Abidjan is the economic hub and largest city, Yamoussoukro was designated the political capital in 1983. This move aimed to decentralize power and develop the interior, though many government functions remain in Abidjan.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is larger than St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Completed in 1989, its construction was a monumental undertaking, showcasing impressive architectural ambition in West Africa.

This West African nation accounts for over 40% of the global cocoa supply, making it a critical player in the chocolate industry. Millions of Ivorians depend on cocoa farming for their livelihood.