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COTE D'IVOIRE. Republic of Cote d'Ivoire. State in West Africa. Capital - Yamoussoukro (approx. 120 thousand people - 2003). Territory – 322.46 thousand square meters. km. Administrative division: 18 regions. Population – 21 million 058 thousand 798 people. (2010 estimate). Official language - French . Religion – traditional African beliefs, Islam and Christianity. Currency– CFA franc. National holiday - August 7 - Independence Day (1960). Côte d'Ivoire has been a member of the UN since 1960, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) since 1963 and the African Union (AU) since 2002, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) since 1975, the Economic and Monetary Union of West African States ( JEMOA) since 1962 and the Common Afro-Mauritian Organization (OCAM) since 1965.
National flag. A rectangular panel on which there are three vertical stripes of the same size in orange, white and green (the white stripe is in the center).
Geographical location and boundaries.
A continental state in southern West Africa. It borders in the west with Guinea and Liberia, in the north with Burkina Faso and Mali, in the east with Ghana, the southern coast of the country is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Guinea. Length coastline– 550 km.
Nature.
Most of the territory is occupied by hilly plains, turning into a plateau in the north more than 400 m above sea level. In the northwest are the large Dan and Tura mountain ranges with deep gorges. The highest point is Mount Nimba (1752 m). Minerals - diamonds, bauxite, iron, gold, manganese, petroleum, nickel, natural gas and titanium. The climate of the northern and central regions is subequatorial dry, and the southern ones are equatorial humid. The zones of these climates differ mainly in the amount of precipitation. The average annual air temperature is +26° (Celsius). Average annual precipitation is 1300–2300 mm per year on the coast, 2100–2300 mm in the mountains and 1100–1800 mm in the north. Dense river network: the rivers Bandama, Dodo, Cavalli, Comoe, Nero, Sassandra, etc., which are unnavigable due to the presence of rapids (except for the Cavalli River). The largest river is Bandama (950 km). Lakes - Warapa, Dadier, Dalaba, Labion, Lupongo, etc. Cote d'Ivoire is one of 12 African countries that meet the population's needs for clean drinking water.
The southern regions are covered with evergreen equatorial forests (African lofira, iroko, red Bassam tree, niangon, ebony, etc.), in the north there are forest savannas with gallery forests along river banks and tall grass savannas. Due to deforestation (in order to expand arable land and export timber), their area decreased from 15 million hectares in the beginning. 20th century up to 1 million hectares in 1990. Fauna - antelopes, hippos, buffalos, cheetahs, hyenas, wild boars, leopards, lions, monkeys, panthers, elephants, jackals, etc. Many birds, snakes and insects. The tsetse fly is widespread. In coastal waters there is a lot of shrimp and fish (sardine, mackerel, tuna, eel, etc.).
Population.
The average annual population growth is 2.105%. The birth rate is 39.64 per 1000 people, the mortality rate is 18.48 per 1000 people. Infant mortality is 66.43 per 1000 births. 40.6% of the population are children under 14 years of age. Residents over 65 years of age account for 2.9%. Life expectancy is 56.19 years (55.27 for men and 57.13 years for women). (All figures are as of 2010).
Citizens of Côte d'Ivoire are called Ivorians. The country is inhabited by more than 60 African peoples and ethnic groups: Baule, Agni, Bakwe, Bambara, Bete, Guere, Dan (or Yacouba), Kulango, Malinke, Mosi, Lobi, Senufo, Tura, Fulbe and others. The non-African population in 1998 was 2.8% (130 thousand Lebanese and Syrians, as well as 14 thousand French). Of the local languages, the most common languages are Ani and Baule. Approximately 25% of the population are immigrants who came to Russia. earnings from Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Togo and Senegal In the late 1990s, the government began to tighten immigration policies. most immigrants became refugees and internally displaced persons. According to UN estimates, 600 thousand residents of Cote d'Ivoire fled to neighboring African states (the contingent of Ivorian refugees in Liberia in 2003 numbered 25 thousand people). About 50% of the population live in cities: Abidjan (3.1 million people . - 2001), Agboville, Bouake, Korhogo, Bundiali, Man, etc. In April 1983, the capital was moved to Yamoussoukro, however, Abidjan continues to remain political, business and cultural center countries.
State structure.
Republic. The first constitution of an independent country was adopted in 1960. The constitution approved by a referendum on July 23, 2000 is in force. The head of state is the president, who is elected on the basis of universal and direct suffrage by secret ballot. He may hold office for no more than two five-year terms. Legislative power belongs to the president and the single-seat parliament (National Assembly). Members of Parliament are elected by universal direct and secret suffrage for five years.
Judicial system.
All administrative, civil, commercial and criminal cases are heard in the courts of first instance. A military tribunal was created in 1973. The highest body of judicial power is the Supreme Court.
Defense.
The national army was formed in 1961. In August 2002, the armed forces of Côte d'Ivoire consisted of ground forces (6.5 thousand people), air force (700 people), navy (900 people), paramilitary presidential guard (1350 people) and a 10-thousand-strong contingent of reservists. Gendarmerie units numbered 7.6 thousand people, police - 1.5 thousand people. In December 2001, compulsory military service was introduced. In 1996, with the assistance of France, a center was opened in the country. military training. In July 2004, 4 thousand French army troops were in the buffer zone between government troops and rebel forces (by decision of the UN, they will remain there until the 2005 elections). France supplies Côte d'Ivoire with equipment and assists in the military training of its units. army.
Foreign policy.
Bilateral ties with France occupy an important place (diplomatic relations were established in 1961). She is the main trading partner of Côte d'Ivoire, she plays a primary role in resolving the political crisis of 1999–2003. Côte d'Ivoire became the first African country to establish diplomatic relations with South Africa (1992), and was one of the first in Africa to establish them with Israel. Interstate relations with Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Niger and other countries are complicated due to the refugee problem.
Diplomatic relations with the USSR were established in January 1967. In May 1969 they were severed on the initiative of the Ivory Coast government without official explanation. Diplomatic relations were restored on February 20, 1986. In 1991 Russian Federation recognized as the legal successor of the USSR. New agreements are being prepared in the field of improving the legal framework of bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and Côte d'Ivoire.
Economy.
It is based on a private form of ownership. Most mixed enterprises are controlled by foreign capital (mainly French). Cote d'Ivoire is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of Robusta coffee and cocoa beans. Since the 1960s, it has become the largest producer of palm oil among African states, and is in fifth place in the world in its exports (300 thousand tons annually). The country's economy was seriously affected by the consequences of the military coup: the GDP growth rate in 2000 was minus 0.3%, in 2003 - minus 1.9%.
Agriculture.
Cote d'Ivoire is a country with developed commercial agriculture. The share of agricultural products in GDP is 29% (2001). The area of cultivated land is 9.28%, irrigated - 730 sq. km. (1998). Pineapples, bananas, sweet potatoes are grown , cocoa beans, coconuts, coffee, corn, cassava (cassava), millet, rice, sugar cane, sorghum, taro, cotton and yams Livestock (cows, goats, sheep, pigs) and poultry due to the spread of flies. Tsetse is developed only in the northern regions. 65–70 thousand tons of fish are caught annually. Ivory Coast is one of the largest suppliers of timber and timber of their valuable tropical species.
Industry.
The share of industrial products in GDP is 22% (2001). The mining industry is poorly developed. Diamond production in 1998 amounted to 15 thousand carats, gold - 3.4 tons. The manufacturing industry accounts for approx. 13% of GDP (agricultural processing enterprises (including the production of palm oil and rubber), wood and metal processing plants, shoe and textile factories, as well as chemical industry enterprises). In the end In the 1990s, Cote d'Ivoire was in fourth place in the world in the development of the cocoa bean processing industry (225 thousand tons annually). Local production of consumer goods was well established.
Energy.
In 2001, 61.9% of electricity was generated at thermal power plants, 38.1% at hydroelectric power stations (Ayame, on the Belaya Bandama River, in Taabo). Cote d'Ivoire exports electricity to neighboring countries (1.3 billion kW - 2001). Oil production is underway (1027 thousand tons - 1997).
Transport.
The total length of railways is 660 km, roads – 68 thousand km (6 thousand km are paved, most of the roads are laid in the south) – 2002. The main seaports are Abidjan and San Pedro. In 2003, there were 37 airports and airstrips (7 with hard surfaces). International airports are located in the cities of Abidjan, Bouaké and Yamoussoukro.
Foreign trade.
Cote d'Ivoire is one of the few African countries whose foreign trade balance is dominated by exports. In 2003, exports amounted to $5.29 billion and imports amounted to $2.78 million. Main export products: coffee , cocoa beans, oil, construction timber and timber, cotton, bananas, palm oil, fish. Main export partners: France (13.7%), the Netherlands (12.2%), USA (7.2%), Germany (5.3%), Mali (4.4%), Belgium (4.2%), Spain (4.1%) - 2002. Main imports are petroleum products, equipment, food. Main import partners: France (22.4%), Nigeria (16.3%), China (7.8%), and Italy (4.1%) - 2002.
Finance and credit.
The monetary unit is the CFA franc, consisting of 100 centimes. In December 2003, the national currency exchange rate was: 1 dollar. US = 581.2 CFA francs.
Administrative device.
The country is divided into 18 regions, which consist of 57 departments.
Political organizations.
A multi-party system emerged: in 2000 there were 90 political parties and associations. The most influential of them: Ivorian Popular Front, INF (Front populaire ivoirien, FPI). The ruling party. Founded in 1983 in France, legalized in 1990. Chairman - Affi N'Gessan, Secretary General - Sylvain Miaka Oureto; Democratic Party of Ivory Coast, DPKI (Parti démocratigue de la Côte d'Ivoire, PDCI). The party was founded in 1946 as a local section of the Democratic Rally of Africa (DOA). The leader is Henri Konan Bedié; Ivorian Workers' Party, IPT (Parti ivoirien des travailleurs, PIT). The Social Democratic Party became legal in 1990. General Secretary - Francis Wodié; Association Republicans, OR (Rassemblement des républicais). The party was founded in 1994 as a result of a split in the DPKI. Influential in northern Muslim areas. Leader - Alassane Dramme Ouattara, Secretary General - Henriette Dagba Diabaté; Union for Democracy and Peace of Ivory Coast, SDMKI (Union pour la democratie et pour la paix de la Côte d'Ivoire, UDPCI). Founded in 2001 as a result of a split in the DPKI. Leader - Paul Akoto Yao.
Trade union associations.
General Union of Workers of Côte d'Ivoire (Union générale des travailleurs de Côte d'Ivoire, UGTCI). Created in 1962, has 100 thousand members. The General Secretary is Adiko Niamkey.
Religions.
55% of the indigenous population adhere to traditional beliefs and cults (animalism, fetishism, cult of ancestors and forces of nature, etc.), 25% are Muslims (mostly Sunnis), Christianity is professed by 20% of the population (Catholics - 85%, Protestants - 15%) - 1999. (The number of Muslims is much larger as they constitute the majority of illegal foreign workers. Muslims live mainly in the northern regions of the country). There are several Afro-Christian churches. The spread of Christianity began at the end. 19th century
Education.
Primary education is compulsory (6 years), which children receive from the age of six. Secondary education (7 years) begins at the age of 12 and takes place in two cycles. In the 1970s, television teaching was widespread in primary and some secondary schools. A network of educational institutions providing vocational and technical education has been created. The higher education system includes three universities and eight colleges. In 2000, 45 thousand students studied and 990 teachers worked at twelve faculties and departments of the national university in Abidjan (founded in 1964). Training is conducted in French. Education in state educational institutions is free. In 2004, 42.48% of the population was literate (40.27% of men and 44.76% of women).
Healthcare.
Tropical diseases are common - bilharziosis, yellow fever, malaria, sleeping sickness, schistomatosis, etc. A serious disease called "river blindness" is common in river valleys. The rate of leprosy (leprosy) is one of the highest in West Africa. The problem of AIDS is acute. In 1988, 250 people died from it, in 2001 – 75 thousand people, there were 770 thousand HIV-infected people. On Wednesday In the 1990s, national broadcasting began broadcasting a special awareness-raising program, “Talking Drum,” dedicated to AIDS issues. In the end In the 1980s, the United States opened a research center in Abidjan to study and control this disease.
Press, radio broadcasting, television and Internet.
Published in French: daily newspapers "Ivoir-soir" ("Ivoire-evening") and "Voi" (La Voie - "The Path", the printed organ of the INF), weekly newspapers "Lingerie" (Le Bélier - " Aries"), "Democrat" (Le Démocrate - "Democrat", printed organ of the DPKI), "Nouvel horizon" (Le Nouvel horizon - "New Horizon", printed organ of the INF) and "Wives Democrat" (Le Jeune démocrate - "Young democrat"), the weekly "Abidjan set jours" (Abidjan 7 jours - "Abidjan for the week"), the monthly newspaper "Alif" (Alif), covering the problems of Islam, the monthly magazine "Eburnéa", etc. The government news agency is the Ivorian Press Agency, AIP (Agence ivoirienne de presse, AIP). Created in 1961. The government service Ivorian Broadcasting and Television was founded in 1963. The AIP and service are located in Abidjan. 9 thousand Internet users (2002).
Tourism.
The country has a whole range of necessary conditions for the development of the tourism industry: a favorable climate, a variety of rich flora and fauna, beautiful sandy beaches coast of the Gulf of Guinea and the original culture of local peoples. The active development of the tourism industry began with the implementation in 1970 of a special program designed to last until 1980 (22% of capital investments were foreign investments). Eight tourist zones were identified, on the territory of which by the end of the 1980s more than 170 hotels of various classes were built. In the 1990s, the fashionable, ultra-modern Golf and Ivoire hotels were built in Abidjan, equipped with golf courses and ice tracks. Until 1997, income from the tourism business annually amounted to approx. $140 million. In 1998, 301 thousand foreign tourists visited the country. In 1997, 15 travel agencies were successfully operating on the market, many of which were also involved in organizing business tourism.
Attractions in Abidjan: National Museum(traditional arts and crafts are presented, including a rich collection of masks), Chardy Art Gallery. Other attractions – national park Comoe, the famous Gbon Coulibaly Museum in Korhogo (pottery, blacksmith and wooden crafts), picturesque mountain landscapes in the Man area, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace (very reminiscent of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome) in Yamoussoukro, Mont Tonkui waterfall. Tai National Park (in the southwest), with a large number of endemic plants, is included in the UN category of world heritage. National cuisine - "atyeke" (a dish made from cassava, with fish or meat sauce), "kejena" (fried chicken with rice and vegetables), "fufu" (dough balls made from yams, cassava or bananas, served to fish or meat with the addition of sauces).
Architecture.
The architectural forms of traditional housing are varied: in the south - rectangular or square wooden houses with a gable roof made of palm leaves; in the central regions, adobe houses of rectangular shape (sometimes rounded corners) under a flat roof, divided into several rooms, are common; in the east - rectangular houses with flat roofs, and in other areas the houses are round or oval in plan, the thatched roof has a conical shape. The outside of adobe houses is often covered with drawings geometric shapes, birds, real and mystical animals, which are made with yellow, red and black paints. Fashionable hotels and supermarkets made of reinforced concrete structures and glass have become a hallmark of modern cities.
Fine arts and crafts.
Wooden sculpture, especially masks, occupies an important place in traditional Ivorian culture. The ritual masks of the Senufo people are especially diverse. Among the Dan and Gere peoples there are masks with a movable jaw. Art historians consider the wooden sculpture of the Baule people to be the best example of African round sculpture of a non-cult nature. In addition to traditional figurines depicting ancestors, animals and various patron spirits, Baule craftsmen make small toy figures for children. The clay funeral figurines of the Anya people are interesting. Artistic folk crafts are well developed: weaving baskets and mats from ropes, straw and reeds, pottery (making household utensils and interior decoration items), painting the outside of houses, making jewelry from bronze, gold and copper, as well as weaving. The production of batik is developed - original paintings on fabrics depicting animals or plant patterns. Batiks of the Senufo people are presented in many museums around the world. Professional fine arts began to develop after independence. Outside the country, the name of the artist Kadjo Zdeims Hura is well known. In 1983, the National Association of Artists organized the first professional exhibition of Ivorian painters, in which more than 40 artists took part.
Literature.
Modern literature is based on the traditions of oral folk art and develops mainly in French. Its formation is associated with national drama. The most important of the writers is considered to be the poet, prose writer and playwright Bernard Dadier. Writers - M. Asamua, E. Decren, S. Dembele, B. Z. Zauru, M. Kone, A. Loba, S. Z. Nokan and others. In 2000, the last novel (“Allah is not obliged”) by the famous writer was published Amadou Kuruma (died in France in December 2003). His first novel, Independence Sun (1970), is included in the curricula of many African, American and European universities. The most famous poets are F. Amua, G. Anala, D. Bamba, J-M. Bognini, J. Dodo and B. Z. Zauru.
Music and theater.
The art of music and dance has long traditions and is an important part of the culture of the peoples of Cote d'Ivoire. Common musical instruments include balafons, tom-tom drums, guitars, kora (xylophone), rattles, horns, unique harps and lutes, rattles, trumpets and flutes. Choral singing is accompanied by original dances. The ritual dances of the Baule people are interesting. ge-gblin(“people on stilts”) among the Dan people, as well as kinion-pli(harvest dance). In the 1970s–1980s, the National Ballet Folklore Dance Troupe and the Gyula group were created. At the All-African Music Festival, held in 2000 in Sun City (South Africa), the famous Ivorian musician Vanamh received one of the awards.
The development of theatrical art began with the creation of amateur school groups in the 1930s. In 1938, the so-called Native Theater was created in Abidjan. After independence, a professional theater school was created at the National Institute of Arts, where actors from France taught. Plays by French and Ivorian authors were staged. The play “Tunyantigi” (“Speaker of the Truth”) by local writer A. Kuruma was popular. In the 1980s, the Koteba theater troupe was especially popular.
Cinema.
Developed since the 1960s. First film - On the dunes of solitude- filmed by director T. Basori in 1963. In 1974, the Association of Professional Cinematographers was created. In 1993, Ivorian director Adama Rouamba made the film In the name of Christ. The film was released in 2001 Adanggaman famous Ivorian director Roger Gnoan M'Bala (about the problems of slavery) and the film Skins from the Bronx(about life in Abidjan) by French director Eliard Delatour, living in Cote d'Ivoire.
Story.
Pre-colonial period.
The modern territory of Côte d'Ivoire was inhabited by pygmies at the beginning of the Stone Age. From the 1st millennium AD, other peoples began to penetrate from the west through several migration flows. The first settlers were the Senufo, who gradually began to become involved in agriculture. The settlement process , which lasted for several centuries almost until the beginning of the colonial conquest, was largely associated with the slave trade in the coastal regions of the Gold Coast (modern Ghana), from which local residents fled.
Colonial period.
Europeans (Portuguese, English, Danes and Dutch) landed on the coast of what is now Côte d'Ivoire in the late 15th century. Colonization began in 1637 with French missionaries. Economic development began in the 1840s: French colonists mined gold, harvested and exported tropical wood, plantations of coffee imported from Liberia were established. On March 10, 1893, the Ivory Coast was officially declared a colony of France, and from 1895 it was included in French West Africa (FWA). –1913, etc.) It intensified during the First World War due to forced recruitment into the French army. During the interwar period, the colony became a major producer of coffee, cocoa beans and tropical timber. In 1934, Abidjan became its administrative center. population - the Democratic Party of the Ivory Coast (DP BC) - was created in 1945 on the basis of unions of local farmers. It became the territorial section of the DOA (Democratic Rally of Africa) - the general political organization of the FZA, headed by the African planter Felix Houphouet-Boigny. Under the influence of the national liberation movement, France in 1957 granted the BSC the right to create a territorial legislative assembly (parliament). In 1957 BSK received the status of an autonomous republic. After the elections to the legislative assembly (April 1959), a government was formed headed by F. Houphouet-Boigny.
Period of independent development.
Independence declared on August 7 1960. F. Houphouët-Boigny became President of the Republic of Ivory Coast (IIC). A policy of economic liberalism was proclaimed, based on the inviolability of private property. DP BSK became the only ruling party. In the 1960–1980s, a distinctive feature of the country's development was high rates of economic growth (mainly due to the export of coffee and cocoa beans): in 1960–1970, GDP growth was 11%, in 1970–1980 – 6–7%. Per capita income in 1975 – 500 US dollars (in 1960 – 150 US dollars). In the 1980s, due to the fall in world prices for coffee and cocoa beans, an economic recession began. F. Houphouët-Boigny remained the permanent president. In October 1985, the country received the name "Republic of Cote d'Ivoire", DP BSK was renamed DPKI - "Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire". Under pressure from the social movement for democratic freedoms, a multi-party system was introduced in May 1990. F. Houphouët-Boigny won the 1990 presidential elections. The main direction of economic policy in the 1990s was the expansion of privatization (in 1994–1998 more than 50 companies were privatized). After the death of F. Houphouet-Boigny (1993), his successor Henri Conan Bedier became president (elected in 1995). Until 1994, the economy was in decline due to the collapse of world prices for coffee and cocoa beans. , rising oil prices, severe drought of 1982–1983, ill-considered spending of external loans by the government, as well as cases of their direct theft. Yvoire”, in which Russian companies also participated among 350 foreign firms. In 1996, the “Mountain Forum” was held. GDP growth in 1998 was approx. 6% (1994 – 2.1%), inflation rate in 1996–1997 – 3% (1994 – 32%).
A characteristic feature of the country's development in 1960–1999 was political stability. On Wednesday In the 1990s, there were more than 50 political parties. An amendment to the constitution (Article 35 - granting the right to be elected to government bodies only to persons who have Ivorian citizenship by birth, marriage or naturalization) did not allow the candidacy of Allassane Ouattara (a Burkinabe by birth) to be nominated for the presidency. He was nominated by the Rassemblement Republicans (RR) party and was a serious competitor to A. Konan Bedier, the only candidate in the upcoming presidential elections of 2000. Demonstrations of thousands organized by the opposition in September 1998 to protest against the discriminatory article of the constitution were accompanied by clashes with the police. Political tension intensified in October 1999 - mass demonstrations in support of A.D. Ouattara took place in the capital and other cities, and arrests of opposition activists began. They were supported by soldiers who were dissatisfied with the delay in paying them their salaries. The authorities underestimated the seriousness of the situation. The military performance was led by retired General Robert Gay. The rebels took control of all key services in the capital. It was announced that the constitution would be suspended, the current president would be removed, and the government and parliament would be dissolved. Power passed to the National Committee of Public Safety (NCOS), headed by R. Gay. The situation in the country was soon normalized. In January 2000, a transitional government was formed, in which General R. Gay took over as president of the republic and minister of defense.
Ivory Coast in the 21st century
In July 2000, a new constitution was approved by referendum and adopted (its 35th article remained unchanged). The presidential elections took place on October 22, 2000. The leader of the opposition Rally of Republicans, A. Ouattara, was again unable to stand as a candidate due to a discriminatory article in the constitution. The victory was won by the representative of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), Laurent Gbagbo (60% of the votes). The military regime was abolished. Parliamentary elections were held from December 10, 2000 to January 14, 2001. The FPI received 96 mandates, the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire - 94, independent candidates - 22. On September 19, 2002, a military rebellion was raised in the cities of Abidjan, Bouaké and Korhogo: 750 military personnel stormed government offices and residences of government members. In fact, this was an attempt at a coup, since President L. Gbagbo was at that time on an official visit to Italy. With the help of army units of ECOWAS member countries, the rebellion in Abidjan was suppressed, however, by rebel groups. managed to take control of all the northern, as well as part of the central and western regions. In some areas, clashes began on ethnic and religious grounds. Armed groups from Liberia and Sierra Leone took the side of the rebels, which escalated. interstate relations Cote d'Ivoire with these countries.
In March 2003, a coalition government of national reconciliation was formed, which also included representatives of the opposition (since January 2003, the rebels began to call themselves “New Force”). The official end of the civil war was declared in July 2003, but the country remained split into two parts: the government-controlled south and the opposition-controlled north. At the end of February 2004, to help the government resolve the conflict, the UN Security Council sent a unit of 6,240 people to Côte d'Ivoire. Regular meetings of the coalition government were held until March 2004. Ministers representing the opposition announced a boycott of them after the security forces dispersed demonstrations organized by " With a new force" (there were casualties). Armed rebels in July 2004 continued to fully control the northern part of the country. In the same month, parliament discussed a number of problems that the opposition demanded, in particular the issue of land ownership in the northern regions, the President promised after the unification of the country. hold a referendum on the issue of nationality. At a summit of 13 African countries held in late July and early August 2004 in Accra (Ghana), an agreement was reached between the government of Côte d'Ivoire and the rebels to resolve the internal conflict. The New Force has pledged to begin disarmament after October 15, 2004, the date of completion of political reforms agreed to in January 2003. But the issues that sparked the civil war, such as land reform and citizenship issues, remain unresolved.
On October 31 and November 28, 2010, the first presidential elections since 2000 were finally held in Côte d'Ivoire, which were postponed for almost a decade due to the civil war. A total of 14 candidates took part in the elections. None of the candidates managed to win an absolute majority of votes, and by law, the two candidates who received the most votes advanced to the second round.
Incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, who received just over 38% of the vote and enjoyed the support of the south of the country, and the leader of the opposition, former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara, who enjoyed the support of the population of the northern part of the country and received about 33% of the vote, advanced to the second round.
On December 2, 2010, preliminary voting results were announced, according to which A. Ouattara received 54% of the votes. But the constitutional council immediately called these results invalid. On December 3, Laurent Gbagbo was declared the winner. Alassane Ouattara also declared himself victorious and also took the presidential oath. The USA, France, the UN, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the European Union supported Ouattara. In response, Gbabgo ordered UN peacekeeping troops to leave the country. However, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of the peacekeeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire until June 30, 2011. The World Bank stopped lending to the country.
The situation of political crisis in the country was accompanied by unrest, borders were closed, and broadcasting of foreign satellite TV channels was stopped. The number of refugees to neighboring Liberia has increased (according to the UN, by mid-February 2010 their number was 50 thousand people, and by April 2011 it will exceed 100 thousand people). Against the backdrop of political instability, the epidemiological situation in the country has also worsened - outbreaks of yellow fever, malaria and an outbreak of cholera have been recorded in the municipality of Abidjan.
In 2011, the confrontation between the two leaders, Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara, again resulted in a civil war.
The low-intensity conflict escalated sharply in late March - early April 2011. Fierce fighting began in the country with numerous casualties. Gbagbo's army began to use heavy weapons against its opponents.
The French military contingent, located in this former French colony under a UN mandate, intervened in the situation. The Republican army of Alassane Ouattara, with the support of French troops, took control of the central areas of Abidjan on the night of April 5, 2011 and also captured the presidential palace where Gbagbo was located. Laurent Gbagbo, along with his son and wife, was arrested by the French military and handed over to the opposition.
After Gbagbo's arrest, Allasan Ouattara announced the creation of a commission that would investigate allegations of brutality against civilians.
Lyubov Prokopenko
Republic of Cote d'Ivoire.
The name of the country comes from the French cote - “coast”, ivoirc - “ivory”.
Capital of Ivory Coast. Yamoussoukro (official capital), seat of the president and government - Abidjan.
Area of Ivory Coast. 322460 km2.
Population of Ivory Coast. 22.70 million people (
Ivory Coast GDP. $34.25 million (
Location of Ivory Coast. Cote d'Ivoire is a state in Western Europe. In the north it borders with and, in the east - with, in the west - with and. In the south it is washed by the Gulf of Guinea.
Administrative divisions of Côte d'Ivoire. The state is divided into 50 departments.
Form of government of Côte d'Ivoire. Republic
Head of State of Cote d'Ivoire. President.
Supreme legislative body of Côte d'Ivoire. National People's Assembly (unicameral parliament).
Supreme executive body of Côte d'Ivoire. Cabinet of Ministers.
Major cities of Ivory Coast. Abidjan, Bwake, Daloa.
Official language of Ivory Coast. French.
Religion of Ivory Coast. 65% are pagans, 23% are Muslims, 12% are Christians (mostly).
Ethnic composition of Ivory Coast. 23% - Baule, 18% - Bete, 15% - Senufo, 11% - Malinke.
Currency of Ivory Coast. CFA franc = 100 centimes.
Fauna of Ivory Coast. The territory of the republic is inhabited by jackal, hyena, panther, elephant, chimpanzee, crocodile, brush-eared pigs, several species of lizards and snakes. In the savannas there are antelopes, leopards, cheetahs, and servals.
Rivers and lakes of Ivory Coast. The main rivers are Sassandra, Bandama, Comoe.
Sights of Cote d'Ivoire. In Yamoussoukro - the largest cathedral in the world (height 158 m), built on the model of St. Peter's Basilica in; Abidjan has a large market for traditional goods and picturesque parks.
Useful information for tourists
Cote d'Ivoire is a country in West Africa. In the north it borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, in the east with Ghana, in the west with Liberia and Guinea. In the south it is washed by the Gulf of Guinea.
Capital: Yamoussoukro
CLIMATE OF COTE D'IVOIRE
Ivory Coast
The country lies in two climatic zones - subequatorial in the north and equatorial in the south. Average monthly temperatures everywhere from +25 C to +30 C, but the amount of precipitation and its regime are different. The climate in the southern part of the country, in the equatorial climate zone, is hot and humid with heavy rains.
Temperatures range from 22 C to 32 C, and the heaviest rain occurs from April to July, as well as in October and November. Oceanic air dominates here all year round and there is not a single month without precipitation, the amount of which per year reaches 2400 mm. In the north, in the subequatorial climate, the temperature difference is sharper (in January it drops to +12 C at night, and in the summer it exceeds +40 C), there is much less precipitation (1100–1800 mm) and a pronounced dry winter period. From December to February, harmattan winds blow in the northern regions of the country, bringing hot air and sand from the Sahara, sharply reducing visibility and making breathing difficult.
FLORA AND FAUNA OF COTE D'IVOIRE
The coastal zone is dominated by dense tropical forests, where more than 600 species of trees grow. In the north and center of the country lies a vast savannah.
The territory of the republic is inhabited by jackal, hyena, panther, elephant, chimpanzee, crocodile, brush-eared pigs, several species of lizards and snakes. There are antelopes in the savannas,
leopards, cheetahs, servals.
GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURE OF COTE D'IVOIRE
Full name: Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. State structure- presidential republic. The country is divided into 26 departments. Formally, the administrative center of the country is Yamoussoukro, in fact the capital of Côte d'Ivoire is Abidjan. 
ATTRACTIONS OF COTE D'IVOIRE
If you are interested in African history, art or music, Côte d'Ivoire is the place to explore these aspects of local culture. The art of Côte d'Ivoire is considered one of the best in West Africa and is very distinctive in each ethnic group. The Baule and Yakub peoples are widely known for their original wooden sculpture, usually a traditional wooden mask is a very accurate depiction of a human face, slightly exaggerated to more fully convey character traits. Another characteristic work of local artisans is the large rice cooking spoon, which is typically humanoid in shape and makes an excellent local souvenir. Traditionally used in various ceremonies, Baule face masks are extremely realistic and convey the characteristic features of the appearance or hairstyle of the person who served as their prototype. Senufo masks are highly stylized: the most famous type is the “fire” helmet mask, which is a compilation of the appearance of an antelope, warthog and hyena - the most respected animals of the local animist cult.
City of Yamoussoukro
The city of Yamoussoukro became the capital in 1983, and is still the capital in name. The main attraction of the city is the Notre-Dame de la Pax church, built in the 60s of the 20th century, currently it is the tallest in the whole Christendom a church modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The 36 huge stained glass windows decorating its main hall are also unique.
Abidjan was also a provincial city until 1951, when the French completed the construction of the Vridi Canal, connecting the Abidjan lagoon to the ocean. This immediately gave the city an excellent harbor, and since then the population has grown to almost 3 million people, and the city itself has grown to occupy four peninsulas around the lagoon. Known as the "Paris of West Africa", Abidjan has quite a lot 
attractions: Abidjan has a traditional large market for handicrafts, many picturesque parks, Le Plateau Park is especially beautiful. The central, commercial part of the city and Cocody, the chic residential section, are interesting for their architecture - here you will find the imperial Ivory Hotel, considered the most famous hotel in West Africa and the main attraction of the city. It has everything you can imagine - there is a swimming pool, an ice skating rink artificial ice, bowling alley, cinema, casino and the city's main art store. Next to the hotel is the Saint-Paul Cathedral, built by Italians and consecrated by the Pope in 1985, which can compete in beauty and grace with many temples in the world. Connected to Le Plateau by two major bridges, Treichville has the largest of the city's four markets,
Most of the city's nightclubs are also concentrated. The northwestern outskirts of the city, Parc du Banco, is a tropical forest that smoothly merges with city buildings, which guarantees pleasant walks (this is the coolest place in south coast countries) and is very popular among jogging enthusiasts.
The country's rainforests are rapidly declining (one of the highest rates in the world), with the only remaining primary forest located in National Parks Tan and Marahuz, occupying 3600 sq. km area in the southwestern part of the country. Trees 50 meters high, with massive trunks and huge supporting roots, are still preserved here. Walking through the equatorial primary forest is a unique experience: tall trees intertwined with vines, fast flowing streams and relict wildlife come together in one place, creating a peaceful and enchanting landscape that nevertheless requires a lot of effort to travel through. The parks are in a very rainy and humid area, so the best time to visit is during the dry period from December to February. To visit the parks you need permission from the Ministry of Forests in Abidjan.
Comoe National Park, the largest in West Africa, is located 570 km northeast of Abidjan. Here, next to the river of the same name, there is one of the most popular “animal trails”, where you can watch in the natural environment how large herds of animals go out to the river during the dry season in search of water, where there is an excellent opportunity to observe the habits of a wide variety of representatives local fauna. 
The Man region in the central part of the country is an area of lush green hills and is famous far beyond the country for its La Cascade waterfall, located in a bamboo forest 5 km west of the city, as well as the steep, tooth-shaped Mont Tonqui and Mt. La Dent de Man (“The Tooth of Man”), considered according to local legends to be the “guardian angel” of this area of the country. Other attractions in the area are the colorful villages of Biankouma, Goussusso, Sipitu and Danane. Korhogo has been the capital of the Senufo people since the 13th century, and the heart of this city is its bustling market. The Senufo are widely known for their wood carvings and are also skilled blacksmiths and potters. Most woodcarvers live and work in a small area called the Sculptors' Apartment.
The Senufo are divided into secret communities: "Poro" - a cult for boys and "Sakrabundi" - a cult for girls, in which they prepare for adulthood. The communities preserve the folklore of the people, teach tribal customs, and instill self-control through rigorous testing. Children's education divided into three seven-year periods ending with an initiation ceremony. Each community has a "sacred forest" where training is carried out (non-initiates are never allowed to observe the trials). Some ritual ceremonies take place directly in the village and are allowed for tourists to visit. These include La Danse des Hommes Panteres ("dance of the leopard people"), performed when the boys return from a training session in the forest and many more. 
The Sassandra port area has beautiful beaches. But what makes this area especially attractive is that it is also home to numerous ethnic Fanti fishing villages, with an active port and a picturesque river. It is also highly recommended to try the local “bangi” - palm wine, which is produced only here. The town of Sassandra was previously an important trading port, but when a modern terminal was built at nearby San Pedro, its role declined and the entire area is now an excellent tourist area. Located 3 km to the east, Beach de Bivac is one of the best spots for surfing. Large waves are also recorded in the adjacent Poli-Plage, as well as in the area of the beaches of Gran Belebi near the Liberian border.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT COTE D'IVOIRE
Ivory Coast won the two longest penalty shootouts in international history. In the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations final, they defeated Ghana 11-10 in a 24-penalty shootout. In the quarterfinals of the 2006 Cup - Cameroon, with a score of 12-11.
NATIONAL CUISINE OF COTE D'IVOIRE
The pride of the population of Côte d'Ivoire is its national cuisine. Of course, such a long stay under French rule as a colony also left its mark on the traditions of the cuisine of the people of the country of Côte d’Ivoire. This brought some sophistication. But the original food of the indigenous population cannot leave even an avid gourmet indifferent. Try atyeke, kejen, fufu - and you will come to national restaurants again and again. After all, these are unsurpassed dishes of meat and fish, seasoned with vegetables and luxurious sauces. Just finger-licking good. Sauces are a whole separate issue. national cuisine Cote d'Ivoire. This is the highlight of the West African forge. If you haven't tried palm grain sauce, you haven't tried anything! 
INFORMATION
CôTE D'IVOIRE time
It is 4 hours behind Moscow.
Holidays COTE D'IVOIRE
late December and early February - Tabaski (African name for the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha - Kurban Bayram)
March-April – Clean Monday
May - Ascension
May-June - Trinity Day
August 7 - Independence Day from France, celebrated on December 7, since August is not the time for holidays - field work is in full swing
October - Eid al-Miraj (Rajab Bayram), a Muslim holiday in memory of the Prophet's night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and back
October - early November - Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Muslim holiday of breaking the fast)
December 25 – Christmas 
Currency of COTE D'IVOIRE
The national currency is the West African CFA franc, equal to 100 centimes.
Communications in COTE D'IVOIRE
GPRS roaming Russian operators No. There are several internet cafes in Abidjan.
Communication standard GSM 900/1800. Roaming is available to Beeline and Megafon subscribers.
Transport in COTE D'IVOIRE
Every city has a bus station called "Gare routiere", from where all the intercity transport. The main means of transportation are 22-seater “Mille kilos” minibuses, and 7-seater old minibuses Peugeot 504. Ordinary buses in the usual sense of the word, with air conditioning and a clear schedule, are quite rare and operate only between Abidjan and Yamoussoukro.
A 655 km railway line connects Abidjan with the northern part of the country. The daily train departs at 10.30 am from Abidjan to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), passing through the cities of Bouaké and Ferkessedouou, arriving at the latter late at night. In the return direction, the train from Burkina Faso departs Ferkessedougoou at night and arrives in Abidjan at noon. The trains are relatively comfortable; there are both carriages with airplane seats and 2-4 seater sleeping compartments.
The national carrier, Air Ivoire, connects Abidjan with a number of major cities countries: Bouake, Buna, Touba and Yamoussoukro. Flights operate daily and fares range from $40 to $70 one way.
Customs
The import and export of currency is not limited. A customs declaration upon entry and exit is not required. Duty-free import of clothes and other items intended for personal use is allowed.
The import of weapons and ammunition, narcotic and psychotropic substances is prohibited. The export of weapons, drugs, food in large quantities, exotic plants, animals and birds is prohibited. Antiquities and art, items made of gold and precious metals are subject to mandatory customs control. The export of animal skins, ivory and crocodile skin products is prohibited without the appropriate permit. 
Visa to COTE D'IVOIRE
To visit Côte d'Ivoire, Russian citizens require a visa. A visa can be obtained from the Ivory Coast embassy in Moscow.
Required documents
Application form and photographs in the amount of 4 pieces (the application form is issued in Russian or French)
Original invitation
Flights
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
There are no restrictions on movement within the country. An airport tax (about 2 USD) is charged on domestic flights.
General information
Geographical location. Cote d'Ivoire is a state in West Africa. In the north it borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, in the east with Ghana, in the west with Liberia and Guinea. In the south it is washed by the Gulf of Guinea.
Square. The territory of Cote d'Ivoire occupies 320,763 sq. km.
Main cities administrative division. The official capital of Cote d'Ivoire is Yamoussoukro; the residence of the president and government is Abidjan. The largest cities: Abidjan (2,797 thousand people), Bwake (330 thousand people), Daloa (122 thousand people), Yamoussoukro ( 107 thousand people). Administrative-territorial division of the country: 50 departments.
Cote d'Ivoire is a republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. The legislative body is the unicameral National Assembly.
Relief. The surface of the country is predominantly flat, in the west there are mountains up to 1,340 m high. The coast is dotted with a large number of large and deep lagoons, most of which are unnavigable due to numerous shallows.
Geological structure and minerals. The country's subsoil contains reserves of diamonds, oil, iron ore, manganese, cobalt, copper, and bauxite.
Climate. The climate in the southern part of the country is tropical and humid with heavy rainfall. Temperatures range from 22° C to 32° C, and the heaviest rain occurs from April to July, as well as in October and November. Precipitation in most of the country is 1,100 - 1,800 mm, in the coastal lowlands 1,300 - 2,300 mm per year.
Inland waters. The main rivers are Sassandra, Bandama and Comoe, but none of them are navigable more than 65 km from the mouth due to numerous rapids and a sharp decrease in water levels during the dry season.
Soils and vegetation. The coastal zone is covered with dense tropical forests. In the north and center of the country lies a vast savannah.
Animal world. Ivory Coast is home to the jackal, hyena, panther, elephant, chimpanzee, crocodile, several species of lizards and poisonous snakes.
Population and language
The population of Cote d'Ivoire is about 15.5 million people, the average population density is about 48 people per km2. There are over 60 ethnic groups. Of these, the largest are: Baule - 23%, Bete - 18%), Senufo - 15 %, Malinke - 11%. Languages: French (state), Akan, Kru, Voltek, Malinke.
Religion
Pagans - 65%), Muslims - 23%, Christians (mostly Catholics) - 12%.
Brief historical sketch
In the 15th century, when the first Europeans appeared on the territory of the country, early political formations existed here (the northern part was part of the sphere of influence of Ghana, Mali, Songhai). From the beginning of the 18th century. French colonialists penetrate here. In 1893, the French colony of Ivory Coast was formed; the country later became part of the colony of French West Africa. Since August 1960, an independent state. The name Ivory Coast was officially changed to Ivory Coast in October 1985.
Brief Economic Sketch
Cote d'Ivoire is an agricultural country. Main commercial crops: cocoa (leading place in the world), coffee, bananas, hevea, oil palm, cotton. Fishing. Large logging. Oil extraction. Food processing (processing of agricultural raw materials), wood processing, textile industry. Oil refining. Export: coffee, cocoa beans, cocoa products, as well as wood, oil palm products, pineapples and bananas.
The currency is the CFA franc.
Brief sketch of culture
Art and architecture. Yamoussoukro. The largest cathedral in the world, modeled after the Basilica of St. Peter's in the Vatican.
The Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, also known as the Ivory Coast, is one of the countries located in West Africa. In the past it was a French colony, and today it is a completely independent state both territorially and politically. The country of Cote d'Ivoire is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. By land, the state borders Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. The territory is 322,460 km. sq.
General information
This is one of the states in which there are at least five dozen ethnic groups. The capital of the country is the city of Yamoussoukro, which is home to almost 250 thousand people. Unlike most European countries, the capital is not always the main city.
In this state, for example, main city- Abidjan, which has a population of approximately 3 million people. The official language in Cote d'Ivoire is French, a relic of colonial times. In addition to the official one, there are a number of local languages, the most popular being Baule, Bete and Gyula. Compared to many others, this one is quite developed, and the standard of living of the population is quite good.
State symbols of Cote dIvoire
The state flag consists of three vertical stripes of equal size: orange, white and green. The first color symbolizes the savannah, the second - peace and unity, the third - forests and hope. There are other interpretations.
The main element of the state's coat of arms is the elephant, which is not only one of the most common animals in the state, but is even present in the name of the country. The national anthem was officially adopted as soon as the country became independent in 1960.
Geography
The territory of the state is predominantly flat, in the south there are tropical rainforests, and in the north there are tall grasses, as in most of Africa, it is very hot, in the south it is equatorial, in the north it is subequatorial. There are three in the country big rivers and several small ones. Komoe, Sassandra and Bandama are of practically no interest as transport routes, since they consist of many estuaries and rapids, and also periodically dry up.
Among natural resources there are many precious and expensive raw materials. For example, diamonds, gold, oil, gas, nickel, copper, manganese, cobalt, bauxite, etc. In Côte d’Ivoire, tourists can enjoy visiting various national parks. It is in this country that the most developed and beautiful sights of West Africa are located, and one of the parks is even included in the list World Heritage UNESCO.
History of Cote d'Ivoire
The map of the territory of this state, like many others, took shape over many thousands of years. A significant part of the peoples living in the modern country came from the northeastern and eastern parts of the continent. Over time, countries with a highly developed system of governance were founded on this territory.
During the Middle Ages, European merchants paved the way to Côte d'Ivoire. The Spaniards and Portuguese were the first to arrive in the country, and later the British and Dutch began to arrive. Hot goods for European merchants were ivory, gold, pepper, and ostrich feathers. Later, the country began to actively participate in the slave trade.
At the end of the 19th century, after long battles between local tribes and French troops, the territory of the country was occupied, and France turned it into its colony. Since 1958, the state has been declared a republic, part of the French Community. In 1960, on August 7, the country finally gained independence.
In the first 25 years after Côte d'Ivoire gained independence, the pace of development of the state continued to gain momentum. However, in 1987, due to a decrease in prices for goods supplied by the country on the world market, a serious decline began in the state's economy.
- Although officially celebrated in France on August 7th, due to field work, most of the population celebrates it on December 7th.
- Residents of the state are very musical. They have a lot of different dances for every significant event. For example, harvest dance, fisherman dance, etc.
- Previously, the country was famous for its forests. Now, most valuable tree species have been destroyed due to fires, land clearing and other reasons.
Conclusion
Like most African countries, today Côte d'Ivoire cannot boast of good development indicators or an excellent standard of living. However, the state still occupies certain niches in the world market. For example, Côte d'Ivoire is the largest supplier of cocoa in the world and a third coffee supplier. Although there are not many enterprises with highly qualified personnel here, the agricultural market still helps the country’s economy stay afloat.
