Officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Côte d'Ivoire is a country located in West Africa. It is popularly known by its English translation of Ivory Coast. Côte d'Ivoire borders Guinea to the northwest, Liberia to the west, Mali to the northwest, Burkina Faso to the northeast, and Ghana to the east. Côte d'Ivoire's capital is Yamoussoukro. Its de facto capital, economic hub, and largest city is Abidjan.
Côte d'Ivoire is the 28th largest country on the continent and its 9th biggest economy. It is the world’s largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans (used for chocolate). It also has the world’s 3rd largest French speaking population.
Côte d'Ivoire's tourism industry is burgeoning but offers great promise. It's a nature lovers dream with rain forests, multiple national parks, and the largest protected area in West Africa. Its beach resorts, culture, food, and fashion will wow you. It hosts numerous annual festivals, including the Bouake Carnival, Abissa Festival, and the Festival of Masks. Popular attractions include the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, National Museum, National Costume Museum, Maison des Artes, Les Cascades Naturelles waterfalls, and the beaches of Assinie and Grand Bereby.
