Fact 1: The Official Name of Ivory Coast
Many people know the country as the Ivory Coast, but its official name is actually Côte d’Ivoire. This name was adopted when the country gained its independence from France in 1960. To strengthen national unity, the government prefers the French name, which in English means "Ivory Coast", and discourages any translations into other languages.
Fact 2: Ivory Coast's Notorious "Basilica of Our Lady of Peace"
Located in Yamoussoukro, the capital city of Ivory Coast, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace holds the record for being the largest church in the world. It's inspired by Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome and was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1990. Despite its size, it's often virtually empty during services as it can hold 18,000 worshippers, far greater than the local Catholic population.
Fact 3: Multi-Ethnic Country
Ivory Coast is known for its remarkable ethnic diversity. The country is home to more than 60 ethnic groups, each having its own dialect and distinctive customs. The largest ethnic group is the Baoulé, making up about 23 percent of the population.
Fact 4: A Rock Music Holiday
Ivory Coast celebrates National Rock Day on April 21. This unique national holiday was created by Peter Solo, a famous musician, to honor Ivorian musicians and to promote national unity through music. It's filled with live music performances and festivities.
Fact 5: Land of Chocolate
Ivory Coast is the world's leading producer of cocoa, accounting for about 34% of the global supply. But despite producing such huge quantities of cocoa, most Ivorians have never tasted chocolate - it's primarily an export product.
Fact 6: Abidjan – The 'Paris of West Africa'
Despite Yamoussoukro being the political capital, Abidjan is considered the economic capital and the largest city in Ivory Coast. Known as the 'Paris of West Africa', Abidjan boasts stylish architecture, high fashion, and a lively arts and music scene.
Fact 7: Twelve National Parks
Ivory Coast is home to twelve national parks, among which Tai National Park and Comoé National Park are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They house diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and chimpanzees, and are a testament to the rich biodiversity in the country.
Fact 8: Unique Ivory Crafts
In the past, Ivory Coast gained much of its fame from the ivory trade, which led to its name. Although the trade in ivory is now banned, the country still preserves the tradition of carving, producing beautiful figures and sculptures from wood.
Fact 9: A Major Hub for African Art
Ivory Coast is a significant hub for African art, hosting the annual Market for African Performing Arts festival (MASA). It’s a platform for showcasing theatrical, musical, and artistic talent from across the continent.
Fact 10: An Interesting Postal System
The majority of Ivorians do not have mailboxes. Instead, they pick up their mail from the nearest post office, using PO box numbers. Despite this seemingly archaic system, it actually works quite efficiently.
Fact 11: A Booming Economy
Ivory Coast is one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, with a rate surpassing most countries worldwide. It's a major exporter of goods such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and cotton.
Fact 12: Multiple Languages
French is the official language of Ivory Coast. However, the country is a linguistic tapestry with over 70 languages spoken. The most widely spoken native language is Baoulé.
Fact 13: The Largest Francophone Country in Africa
Interestingly, despite being squeezed between English-speaking Ghana and Liberia, Ivory Coast is the largest French-speaking nation in Africa. Its connection to the French language is a legacy of its colonial past.
Fact 14: Staple Cuisine: "Fufu"
Fufu, a popular West African dish, is a staple in Ivorian cuisine. It's made from boiled and pounded cassava or yams and often served with a soup or stew.
Fact 15: Unique Zodiac Signs
Ivory Coast has its own, unique zodiac signs. Instead of having one for each month like in the West, Ivorian zodiac symbols represent a full week in the year.
Fact 16: Notable Ivorian Football Players
Ivory Coast has produced some of the world's best footballers, including Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, who have shone in the English Premier League and other global stages.
Fact 17: Home to the Famous 'Dancing Mask'
The 'Dancing Mask' or 'Zaouli' is a popular cultural showcase from the Gouro tribe in Ivory Coast. It's a colorful costume with a mask that dancers wear during ceremonies and performances, showcasing the nation's rich cultural heritage.
Fact 18: More Women than Men
Interestingly, Ivory Coast boasts a higher female population than male. Women make up around 50.6% of the population, playing crucial roles in society, especially in the rural parts where they manage the majority of agricultural activities.
Fact 19: Africa's Best Coffee Beans
Ivory Coast is Africa's third-largest coffee producer. The Ivorian coffee beans, particularly the Robusta variety, are appreciated worldwide for their strong and full-bodied flavor.
Fact 20: Vibrant Music Scene
One cannot forget to mention Ivory Coast's vibrant music scene, especially the popular genre known as Coupé-Décalé. This fast-paced genre, created in Paris by Ivorian DJs, is characterized by its humorous and dynamic tone, becoming a significant element of Ivorian culture.