Of course, every traveler goes to the west of Africa to see the sights of Cote d'Ivoire. Here you will find many interesting, mysterious and beautiful places in their own way that are really worth a look. While here, visit excursions that will tell you in detail about this state, and will show you the best places that the republic is proud of.
Irresistible attractions of Ivory Coast
It will be especially interesting to be here for lovers of African culture who want to get to know the culture of this country better and compare it with other countries of the continent. Almost everything sights of Cote d'Ivoire are unique and inimitable. Only the true one is found here natural beauty, which cannot be found in any corner of the world. In addition, the republic will captivate you with its folklore, as well as its way of life, which has something to show.
Entertainment Ivory Coast
Unusual and quite original are entertainment Ivory Coast. Lovers of African culture will be especially interested here. IN Ivory Coast You will be greeted by vibrant festivals and rich celebrations that are dedicated to deities, as well as the Independence Day of the republic. The most popular holiday in the territory is the Mask Festival, which takes place in February. Of course, many tourists are looking for a quiet and rather primitive holiday on the beaches here. Although it is recommended to practice and learn to surf here.
Interesting places Ivory Coast
You simply must attract the attention of travelers interesting places Ivory Coast. This includes museums that will show you the history, culture and traditions of the country. You can also visit the Chardy art gallery, where his best works are presented. Don't forget to visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, which is quite similar to St. Peter's Cathedral, located in Rome. The Mont Tonqui waterfall, as well as the beautiful scenery of the mountain ranges in the Man area, also attracts attention. While here, you need to visit the Tai National Park, which houses a collection of unique and rather rare plants that are included in the list of world heritage.
Excursions Ivory Coast
Almost everything excursions Cote d'Ivoire will guide you through the main and most beautiful places countries. Here you can see how rich this country is, how many unusual things are stored on its territory. Many tourists try to visit it to see the true beauty of nature, which is so quickly destroyed by human hands.
Monuments Ivory Coast
The most famous monuments Ivory Coast- these are natural attractions, which local residents try to preserve for future generations. Of course, the largest and most famous is Camoe National Park, which preserves virgin rainforest. In an unprotected area, all trees are quickly destroyed, but here trunks with a height of more than 50 m have been preserved. Tourists can also admire the endless vines and rare species of animals that live in these parts.
Museums Ivory Coast
Tourists will be able to please with their collection museums Ivory Coast. One of the most important such buildings is the Museum of Civilization, which is located in the city of Abidjan. The building itself is not very large, but there is quite an interesting collection here, which includes history of Cote d'Ivoire. The exposition is arranged a little chaotically, so it will not be very convenient to watch. Here travelers can see elements of folk art of such tribes as the Yakuba and Baule. There are also household items of local residents, ritual masks that they often use, ivory crafts and many other interesting things.
A holiday in Côte d'Ivoire is a holiday for those who are truly interested in African history, music, art and nature. On holiday in Côte d'Ivoire, friendly people await you, picturesque mountains Maine, Comoe National Park, beaches and fishing villages of Sassandra.
Ivory Coast is also known as Ivory Coast. And the most powerful impression of the country is its people... The population consists of more than 60 different ethnic groups who speak their own languages or dialects (often very similar), preserve their customs, traditions, and culture. The most numerous peoples are the Bete, Baule, Senufo, and Anyi. Each people inhabiting Côte d'Ivoire is famous for its musical and dance arts, oral folklore, and traditional crafts. The Senufo people, for example, have developed wood carving and mask making, which foreigners readily buy. Among the Baule, Yakub, and Malinke, pottery, home weaving, and weaving products from straw are common. The dances are very colorful and original: wedding dances, on the occasion of the harvest, dances of hunters, fishermen, etc.
Cote d'Ivoire is a state in West Africa on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. In the north it borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, in the east with Ghana, in the west with Liberia and Guinea. The coast of the country is indented by a large number of large and deep lagoons, stretching for 300 km. from the border with Ghana and along east coast. The coastal zone is covered with the remnants of once dense tropical forests, stretching 100 km inland. in the center and at 265 km. in the east and west. Beyond the forests in the north and center of the country lies a vast savannah. The total area of the country is 322.6 thousand square meters. km.
Capital:
Abidjan is the seat of the president and government, Yamoussoukro is the official capital.
Climate:
The country lies in two climatic zones- subequatorial in the north and equatorial in the south. Average monthly temperatures are 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 reaches 2400 mm per year. 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.
National parks and reserves:
The country's rainforests are rapidly declining (one of the highest rates in the world), with the only remaining virgin forest located in the Tan and Marajuz National Parks, covering 3,600 square kilometers. 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 equatorial primary forest - unique experience: Tall trees, entwined vines, fast 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 best time for visiting - during the dry season from December to February. To visit the parks you need permission from the Ministry of Forests in Abidjan.
At 570 km. Comoé National Park, the largest in West Africa, is located northeast of Abidjan. Here, next to the river of the same name, one of the most popular “animal trails” passes, where you can follow in the natural environment how large herds of animals go out to the river in search of water during the dry season, where there is an excellent opportunity to observe the habits of the most various representatives of the local fauna.
Population:
About 15.5 million people. There are over 60 ethnic groups. There are three subgroups of nationalities: Guinean (Bete, Kru, Baule, Anyi, etc.), Voltaic (Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Kulango, Mosi) and Mande (Malinke and others).
Political state:
Republic with a presidential form of government. The legislative body is the unicameral National Assembly.
Language:
French, and African languages such as Yakuba, Senufo, Baule, Anyi and Diola are also widely used.
Religion:
Traditional local religions (65%), Islam (23%), Christianity (mainly Protestantism - 12%).
Festivals and holidays:
Numerous holidays and ceremonies of various peoples of this country are also popular with tourists. The most famous festivals are the Fete de Masques (Festival of Masks), which takes place in villages around Man every February. Another famous festival is the Bouaké Carnival, held in March. In April, it is advisable not to miss the Fete du Dipris in the Gaumont region. This festival begins at midnight when women and children come out of their huts and perform night rituals naked to drive away evil spirits from the village. The main Muslim holiday is Ramadan, which usually takes place in December-January and ends with a huge feast. On the colorful holiday of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims gather together, visit friends and give each other gifts.
Money:
West African CFA franc (XOF), nominally equivalent to the euro (1 euro = 655.957 XOF).
Banks and currency exchange:
Banking hours are daily, except Saturday and Sunday, from 8.30 to 17.00. Some exchange offices work not only seven days a week, but also around the clock.
Currency exchange can be done at banks and exchange offices; the exchange rate can vary significantly, so you should carefully check the conditions. The use of credit cards is only possible in capitals and large tourist centers on the Gulf of Guinea coast, Visa and MasterCard are preferred (although commissions will still be deducted, and quite arbitrarily). Checks and credit cards French banks.
Exchange rate:
West African CFA Franc (XOF) / Ruble (RUB)
1 RUB = 16.20 XOF
100 XOF = 6.17 RUB
West African CFA Franc (XOF) / American Dollar (USD)
1 USD = 450.70 XOF
1000 XOF = 2.22 USD
West African CFA Franc (XOF) / Euro (EUR)
1 EUR = 642.58 XOF
1000 XOF = 1.56 EUR
Internet:
Russian operators do not have GPRS roaming. There are several internet cafes in Abidjan.
Cellular:
Communication standard GSM 900/1800. Roaming is available to subscribers of Beeline and Megafon.
Entry formalities and rules:
When crossing the border, you must present a passport with a visa and a completed application form in French, which indicates: full name, date and place of birth, citizenship, profession, address of residence in Russia and Ivory Coast, passport number, point departure.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is also required.
There are no restrictions on movement within the country.
An airport tax (about 2 USD) is charged on domestic flights.
How to get to Ivory Coast:
By plane:
Abidjan International Airport has regular flights to most European and African capitals. There are no direct flights to Russia, and any trip to Ivory Coast will involve transit through Europe. Optimal connections are offered Air airlines France via Paris and Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca. Some regional flights from neighboring countries are carried out to the airport of Bouake (Bouake).
By train:
The only railway line leads from Abidjan to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), through the cities of Bouaké and Bobo-Dioulasso. This is an excellent route to travel to Côte d'Ivoire as there are daily services, trains tend to stay on time and the carriages are relatively comfortable. Travel time is about 30 hours, the cost of travel is sleeping car$50-60, seated - $25-30. From Ouagadougou the train departs at 10.30 am and arrives in Abidjan in the evening the next day.
By bus and car
From Burkina Faso:
The main route runs parallel to the railway line, and border crossing operates 60 km north of the town of Ferkessedougou. All freight and passenger transport. Other, less significant border crossings operate north of Doropo and northeast of Kafolo.
From Ghana:
There are 4 main transitions between the two countries. The main one is open on the Abidjan-Accra highway near the town of Elubo. Other crossings operate northeast of the town of Agnibilekrou (Côte d'Ivoire) opposite the village of Berekum, Ghana. Less significant border crossings are open in the northern part of the country, between Bole (Ghana) and Bondoukou (Côte d'Ivoire), Buna (Côte d'Ivoire) and Bole (Ghana).
From Mali:
Two roads: Ferkessedougou - Sikasso and Odienne - Bougouni. The largest traffic flow passes through Sikasso, in the second case we are talking about a small border crossing used by residents of border villages. Regular buses run from Bamako to Abidjan, but in some cases you must change at the border.
From Guinea:
At least 4 transitions. From Odienne to Kankan, from Odienne to Sinko, from Danane to Nzerekore, from Gbapleu to Nzo. The best road is considered to be the route from Odienne to Cancan, and it is along this route that weekly buses travel from Abidjan to Conakry. The route through Cinco is more problematic due to the lack of regular passenger service on this road. At the same time, there is a huge border bazaar in Cinco, which attracts thousands of residents of both countries and where you can find a ride to the nearest city.
From Liberia:
The main border crossing operates between the city of Man in Cote d'Ivoire and the capital of Liberia, Monrovia. The second crossing is open on the seaside road between the towns of Tabou and Harper. In the latter case, the road is not paved, and during the rainy season it may be impassable for ordinary transport.
Customs regulations:
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 products from crocodile skin without appropriate permission.
Attractions:
If you are interested in African history, art or music, Ivory Coast is the place to experience these aspects of culture. The art of Ivory Coast is considered one of the best in West Africa and is very popular among every ethnic group. peculiar. The Baule and Yakub peoples are widely known for their original wooden sculpture - usually the traditional local wooden mask is a very accurate depiction of a human face, slightly exaggerated to more fully convey character traits. 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, on the contrary, 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.
Another characteristic work of local artisans is a large rice cooking spoon, which has a humanoid shape and serves as an excellent local souvenir.
Book of records:
The largest church in the world is the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Pax in Yamoussoukro, which was completed in 1989. It total area is 30,000 sq. m. 7,000 people can sit in it at the same time. The height of the church together with the golden cross is 158 m. The largest stained glass windows in the world are also in Notre-Dame de la Pax. Although the basilica's stained glass windows are not one large window, they cover a total area of about 7,430 square meters. m.
Beaches:
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 city of Sassandra was previously important commercial port, but when a modern terminal was built in nearby San Pedro, its role declined and the entire area is now a wonderful tourist area. Located 3 km. to the east, Beach de Bivouac is one of the best places for surfing. Large waves are also recorded in the adjacent Poly-Plage, as well as in the area of the beaches of Gran Belebi near the Liberian border.
Railways and trains:
A 655 km railway line connects Abidjan with northern part countries. 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.
Bus service:
Every city has a bus station called "Gare routiere", from where all intercity transport departs. The main means of transportation are 22-seater minibuses "Mille kilos" 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.
Air transportation:
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.
Hotels:
Hotels in Cote d'Ivoire are concentrated mainly along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Hotels of international hotel operators - Novotel, Ibis, Sofitel and Inter-Continental - are located in Abidjan, the largest city in Cote d'Ivoire.
IN national parks countries, accommodation in lodges is popular, varying in level of service and number of services provided. As a rule, lodges are not classified - and the category of housing is reflected mainly in the cost of living in it. Outside of large cities, spending the night in the homes of local residents is sometimes the only accommodation option.
Cote d'Ivoire. Ivory Coast. West Africa, Gulf of Guinea Atlantic Ocean. The territory that the Ivorians themselves call the Land of Hope.
Once upon a time, a thousand years BC, the first inhabitants - pygmies - settled here. Europeans came here in the 15th century. At the end of the 19th century, Cote d'Ivoire became a colony of France, supplying it with cocoa beans, bananas and mahogany. In 1960 the country became independent. In the 2000s, Cote d'Ivoire was full of riots, coups, civil war and closed borders. Just ten years ago the country gained stability. And finally, tourists began to visit it again, for whom the Ivory Coast government is trying to create the most favorable conditions.
The country deserves a tourism boom, it has everything for this: good climate, unique nature, exotic animals, the most interesting culture of local peoples (and there are more than 60 of them here!), magnificent sandy beaches the shores of the Gulf of Guinea, interesting sights, a lot of hotels of different levels and three international airports.
But for now, Côte d'Ivoire is somewhat off the beaten path hiking trails, although there is a plus in this - the local population is not at all aggressive towards white people, people are simple, friendly, and do not beg, unlike residents of countries popular among tourists. And for collectors of African art, this is simply paradise.
What is interesting to see in Cote d'Ivoire?
A completely new, but already iconic object of Cote d’Ivoire. This Catholic cathedral was built in 1985 in Abidjan, the largest city in the country. It was consecrated by the Pope himself. A huge building, stylized as the figure of St. Paul with a cloak fluttering behind him.
It makes an impression even on people who have no imagination and do not recognize futurism, surrealism and other cubism. Inside there are colored stained glass windows on an African-evangelical theme. You can take pictures! Be sure to go upstairs to the cathedral platform, which offers views of the entire city and the Ebrier Lagoon.
An amazing, very unusual in appearance temple, also located in Abidjan. The building looks like a spiral road going up. Inside there are stained glass windows with scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The temple is operational and regular services are held here.
National Museum in Abidjan
The museum is a little confusing in terms of exhibitions, but very interesting. Musical instruments- flutes and tom-tom drums, figurines, panels. But the most important thing is a huge collection of famous eerie mystical masks depicting a human face.
45 km from Abidjan is the city of Grand Bassam, which is declared by UNESCO cultural heritage humanity. This is a ghost town. In the late 19th century, it was the capital of a French colony until a yellow fever epidemic broke out.
The surviving Europeans left the city, leaving behind houses, monuments and sculptures. A mirage of the past with colonial architecture. The once luxurious buildings now have a very shabby, dilapidated appearance.
But Grand Bassam has another side: it is a resort town, it is located on the coast, there are excellent sandy beaches and many decent hotels with good cuisine.
Notre-Dame de la Paix - Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace
Landmark of the capital of Cote d'Ivoire, Yamoussoukro, located 240 km from Abidjan: Notre-Dame de la Paix. Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace.
The largest cathedral in the world, included in the Guinness Book of Records, has an interesting backstory. Yamoussoukro, a town with a population of less than 200 thousand people, became the capital only because it was the birthplace of the country's first president, the late Felix Houphouet-Boigny, whom Ivorians greatly respect and call Papa Houphet. He immortalized his name by erecting the largest basilica in the world, and placing his image on the stained glass window of the church next to the face of Christ.
The huge dome of the cathedral is visible for tens of kilometers, all around is a bare savannah with hot red sand, clouding the sky during the harmattan wind blowing from the Sahara.
The temple is built of Italian marble with French stained glass windows. Hundreds of meters of stained glass! Stunning view, incredible. Bright light pouring through colored glass against the backdrop of the minimalist decoration of the Cathedral. Impressive.
Kong - ancient city, founded in the 11th century and sometime former capital the whole empire. It was through Kong, which was then the center of caravan trade with the Berber and Tuareg tribes, that Islam spread throughout the northern part of the Ivory Coast. Now Kong is a remote place, but the mosque, built in the 16th century, is perfectly preserved. National treasure of Côte d'Ivoire.
The Tingrel Mosque is located in the town of the same name, built in 1655. The name of the mason who built it has been preserved - Massa. The mosque was reconstructed over 10 years and is now open to the public. A very unique architectural building.
UNESCO included the Thai National Park in the category of world heritage. This is real African exotica. 1300 species of plants and trees that grow only here! Tai is located in the south of the country, between the Sassandra and Kavalya rivers. The largest equatorial forest in West Africa, the last remnant of the Guinean forest, which once covered the territory of several countries. There are huge, simply gigantic trees, hundreds (!) of orchid species, flocks of chimpanzees, buffalos, leopards and pygmy hippos.
Neighborhoods of the city of Man
The city of Man is located in the center of Côte d'Ivoire. Its surroundings are famous all over the world. Unique nature, 5 km from the city - a bamboo forest, two mountains - the mascots of the city - Mont Tonqui and La Dent de Man ("The Human Tooth"), La Cascade waterfall. Mana hosts carnivals, holidays and a festival of those same masks - in February.
Korhogo is the central city of the Senufo people, who preserve pagan cults and rituals. The people are famous for their crafts - blacksmithing, pottery, leatherworking, and, of course, wood carving - Senufo wooden masks, belonging to the funeral cult, convey the spirit of Africa like nothing else.
Some Senufo ritual ceremonies (for example, the Dance of the Leopard People) are allowed for tourists.
Comoe National Park is located 570 km from Abidjan, in the northeast of the country. This is another territory included by UNESCO in the Fund world heritage. Located between the Buna and Comoe rivers. All types of African crocodiles live here, and hippos graze in the floodplains along the rivers. You can see monkeys, hyenas and indecently sized parrots. And many, many different migratory birds.
The name of this country alone beckons and fascinates. Try saying it several times: Cote D'Ivoire... Cote D'Ivoire... Cote D'Ivoire... You wanted to visit it, didn't you? Then it's time for you to go. Cote D'Ivoire is waiting.
P.S. Don't forget that English is not spoken here, official language- French, and many people in the outback don’t even know it.
If you are interested in African history, art or music, Côte d'Ivoire is the place to explore these aspects of culture. The art of Côte d'Ivoire is considered one of the best in West Africa and is very unique to each ethnic group. The Baule and Yakub peoples are widely known for their original wooden sculpture - usually the traditional local wooden mask is a very accurate depiction of a human face, slightly exaggerated to more fully convey character traits. 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, on the contrary, 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.
Another characteristic work of local artisans is a large rice cooking spoon, which has a humanoid shape and serves as an excellent local souvenir.
The city of Yamoussoukro became the capital in 1983, but is still the center of the country more 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 church in the entire Christian world, 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 provincial town until 1951, when the French completed the construction of the Vridy 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 of attractions: there is a traditional large market for handicrafts, many picturesque parks (Le Plateau Park is especially beautiful). The central, commercial part of the city and Cocody - a chic residential section, are interesting for their architecture - here you can 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 - a swimming pool, an artificial ice skating rink, a bowling alley, a cinema, a casino and the city's main art store. Next to the hotel is a building built by Italians and consecrated by the Pope in 1985. Cathedral Saint-Paul, which can compete in beauty and grace with many temples in the world.
Connected to Le Plateau by two bridges, Treichville has the largest of the city's four markets and is home to most of the city's nightclubs. The northwestern outskirts of the city, the Parc du Banco, is a real tropical forest, smoothly merging with city buildings, which guarantees pleasant walks. This is the coolest place on south coast country and therefore it is very popular among joggers.
The country's rainforests are rapidly declining (one of the highest rates in the world), with the only remaining virgin forest in the Tán and Marajuz national parks, covering 3,600 square kilometers 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 must obtain permission from the Ministry of Forests in Abidjan.
Comoe National Park, the largest in West Africa, is located 570 kilometers 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 come out to the river in the dry season in search of water, where there is an excellent opportunity to observe the habits of a wide variety of representatives of the local fauna.
The Man area 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 bamboo forest 5 kilometers west of the city, as well as the steep, tooth-shaped mountain Mont Tonqui and La Dent de Man (Tooth of Man), considered according to local legends to be the guardian angel of this area of the country. Other attractions of the area are the colorful villages: Biankouma, Goususso, Sipitu and Danane.
Korogo 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 Sculptor Quartier.
The Senufo are divided by a complex system of relationships between secret communities that are closer to religious associations: Poro - a cult for boys and Sakrabundi - a cult for girls, it is within their framework that they prepare for adult life. The communities preserve the folklore of the people, teach tribal customs, and instill self-control through rigorous testing. Childhood education is 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. They include many rituals like the Dance of the Leopard Men performed when the boys return from their 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 highly recommended to try Bangi - palm wine, which is produced only here. The town of Sassandra was previously an important trading port, but when a modern maritime terminal was built at nearby San Pedro, its role declined and the entire area is now an excellent tourist area.
Located 3 kilometers to the east, Plage de Bivac is one of the best spots for surfing. Large waves have also been recorded at the adjacent Poli Beach, as well as in the Gran Belebi coast area near the Liberian border.
Cote d'Ivoire (until 1986, the name Ivory Coast was adopted in Russian literature) is a state in West Africa on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Area - 322.5 thousand sq. km. Until 1960 - a colony of France, then - presidential a republic that has retained French as the official language. The country lies in two climatic zones - subequatorial in the north and equatorial in the south. Average monthly temperatures everywhere are 25–30 ° C, but the amount of precipitation and its regime are different. In the equatorial climate zone, the oceanic climate dominates all year air and there is not a single month without precipitation, the amount of which per year reaches 2400 mm (mainly in March–June and December–January).In the north - in the subequatorial climate - there is less precipitation (1100–1800 mm) and a dry winter period is pronounced. The surface of the country is predominantly flat, low in the south in the oceanic zone and turning into a low-mountain plateau with a height of 500–800 m in the north.In the west, in the Dan Mountains - the most high point countries (1340 m). Almost throughout the entire territory there are outcrops of ancient rocks of the African Platform: granites predominate in the west and north, and clayey shales in the east. Deposits of gold, diamonds, manganese, and iron ores have been discovered here. The coast of the Gulf of Guinea is slightly indented and separated from the sea by a strip of sandy sediments. The main rivers - Comoe, Bandama, Sassandra, Cavalli - are not navigable.
The vegetation cover in the south is dominated by humid equatorial forests, where more than 600 species of trees grow, including valuable species (about 35 species are used for timber, of which 5 are mahogany species). To the north, humid forests give way to savannah, into which islands of gallery forests are wedged along river valleys. Further north, the islands of trees disappear and most of the territory is covered with tall grass savanna. Both vegetation and animal world The Ivory Coast is better preserved than in other countries of West Africa: in the forests there are numerous monkeys (monkeys, chimpanzees, gverets, etc.), elephants, hippopotamuses, forest antelopes, brush-eared pigs, and water deer are found; found in savannas different kinds antelope, as well as leopard, cheetah, serval. A network of nature reserves and national parks has been created, including on the slopes of Mount Nimba (on the border with Guinea and Liberia), Banco National Park near Abidjan.
The population (about 13.5 million people) includes representatives of more than 55 linguistic communities, many of which are distinguished by their own exotic culture. There are three subgroups of nationalities: Guinean (Kru, Baule, Anyi, etc.), Voltaic (Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Kulango, Mosi) and Mande (Malinke and others). The majority of the population is engaged in agriculture (cocoa, coffee, etc.) and maintains both a traditional way of life and traditional animistic beliefs.
The largest city and capital of the country is Abidjan (about 2 million inhabitants), the rapid growth of which began after 1950. Now it is an industrial center, a major port, there is a university and a research center here. Abidjan is a modern city with numerous hotels, restaurants, and other elements of tourism infrastructure. Other big cities countries - Bwake, San Pedro, Korhogo, Ferkesedugu.
Information
- Independence date: 7 August 1960 (from France)
- Official language: French
- Capital: Yamoussoukro
- The largest city: Abidjan
- Form of government: Presidential republic
- Territory: 322,460 km²
- Population: 22,400,835 people
- Currency: CFA franc
- Internet domain: .ci
- ISO code:CI
- IOC code: CIV
- Telephone code: +225
- Time Zones: 0
History of Ivory Coast
The territory of modern Cote'd Ivoire was inhabited by pygmies back in the 1st millennium BC. Soon other peoples began to move there, the first of them being the Senufo.
Europeans first began landing on the shores of modern Ivory Coast in the 15th century. The Portuguese, Dutch, and Danes visited here then. The Portuguese visited here in the 1460s. Colonization began with the arrival of the French, who began economic development of the land in the mid-19th century. Local tribes were destroyed until 1917. The French exported diamonds and gold, coffee and cocoa from here, and had banana plantations here. On March 10, 1893, Ivory Coast was declared a colony of France, and in 1895 it was included in French West Africa. Ivory Coast became a major producer of coffee and cocoa for French markets. In 1934, Abidjan was declared the center of the colony. In 1945, the first political party arose - the Democratic Party of the Ivory Coast, which at first leaned towards Marxism, but from the early 50s switched to positions close to the French right. In 1957, France granted local self-government to the colony.
On August 7, 1960, the country's independence was proclaimed. the leader of the Democratic Party Houphouët-Boigny became its president, the DP became the ruling and only party. The principle of inviolability of private property was proclaimed. The country continued to remain an agricultural and raw material appendage of France, but by African standards its economy was in good condition, with economic growth rates reaching 11% per year. Ivory Coast became the world leader in the production of cocoa beans in 1979, but success in this area was based on favorable conditions and a combination of excellent managers, foreign investment and large quantity cheap labor, mainly migrant workers from neighboring countries. However, in the 1980s, prices for coffee and cocoa on world markets fell, in 1982-1983 the country suffered a severe drought, and an economic recession began; By the end of the 1980s, external debt per capita exceeded that of all African countries except Nigeria. Under public pressure, Houphouët-Boigny made political concessions and legalized alternatives to the ruling political parties, initiated the electoral process, and was elected president in 1990.
In 1993, he died, and the country was led by Henri Konan Bedier, who had long been considered his heir. In 1995, a forum was held on investment in the country’s economy, in which Russian companies also participated. In the late 90s, political instability intensified, Bedier had a serious competitor: Allassane Ouattara, but he is Burkinabe by origin, while 
The country's constitution allowed only Ivorians to participate in elections. This circumstance greatly deepened the already emerging split in society along ethnic lines. By that time, from a third to a half of the country’s population were people of foreign origin, mostly who had previously worked in agriculture, which had fallen into decline due to the bad economic situation. On December 25, 1999, a military coup took place in the country, the organizer of which, Robert Guay, held presidential elections the following year, marked by fraud and riots. Opposition leader Laurent Gbagbo was officially declared the winner of the elections. On September 19, 2002, a military rebellion was organized in Abdijan, which was suppressed, but became the beginning civil war between political groups representing the north and south of the country. In 2003, an agreement was reached to end the clashes, but the situation continued to remain unstable. A lasting peace agreement was only signed in the spring of 2007.
Relief
The main part of the country's territory is occupied by an undulating plain, which gradually rises from the coast to the north and turns into a plateau more than 400 m above sea level. The flat surface is broken by remains. The relative height of these landforms sometimes exceeds 100 m. In the north-west of Côte d'Ivoire there are mountains, among which the Odienne and Man mountains stand out with massive ridges up to 1100-1200 m high and deep valleys and gorges. At the junction of the borders of three countries - Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia - Mount Nimba (1752 m), the highest point of the country, rises.
Population
Population - 20.6 million (estimated as of July 2009). Ethnic composition: Akan 42%, Gur 17%, Northern Mande 16%, Kru 11%, Southern Mande 10%, others, including about 100 thousand Arabs and about 14 thousand French (1998 estimate). Religions - Muslims 39%, Christians 33%, aboriginal cults 11%, atheists 17%. Of the foreign migrants, 70% are Muslims and 20% are Christians (2008 estimate).
Climate
The climate in the south of the country is relatively humid and tropical. The rainy season (April - mid-July, September-November) alternates with dry seasons (mid-July - September, December - March). In the north the climate is drier and hotter. There is a clear distinction between the rainy season (June - September) and the dry season (October - May). The average maximum and minimum temperatures in February-March are +35ºС and +22ºС, in July-August +29ºС and +21ºС. In January-February, the wind from the Sahara (harmattan) brings sandy dust, which in some years reaches the city of Abidjan.
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 there are large mountain ranges Dan and Tura 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- subequatorial dry, and southern - equatorial wet. 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 most large river– Bandama (950 km). Lakes - Varapa, Dadier, Dalaba, Labion, Lupongo, etc. Cote d'Ivoire is one of the 12 African countries, satisfying 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.).
Architecture
The architectural forms of traditional housing are varied: in the south there are rectangular or square wooden houses with a gable roof made of palm leaves, in central regions adobe houses of a rectangular shape (sometimes rounded corners) under a flat roof, divided into several rooms, are common; in the east - rectangular in shape 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 designs of geometric shapes, birds, real and mystical animals, which are done with yellow, red and black paints. Fashionable hotels and supermarkets made of reinforced concrete structures and glass have become a hallmark of modern cities.
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 on the Gulf of Guinea coast 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 visited the country. foreign tourists. 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 are the Comoe National Park, the famous Gbon Coulibaly Museum in Korhogo (pottery, blacksmith and wood 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, waterfall Mont Tonqui. 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).
Sights of Ivory Coast
Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest in the world, for which it is included in the Guinness Book of Records. Construction took four years and cost $300 million, sparking controversy over the opulent marble temple in a poor African city.
The construction of the temple was carried out with an eye on St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican; the only difference was in the size of the dome and cross, which were larger and rose 158 meters. The cathedral is designed for 18,000 people - 7 thousand seats and 11 thousand standing places.
The interior of the temple is illuminated by rainbow rays penetrating through bright stained glass windows, the area of which in the cathedral reaches 7,000 square meters. Next to the basilica there are two buildings, one of which is intended for priests, the other for the Pope, who was here only once during the consecration of the cathedral.
Tingrel Mosque
The Tingrel Mosque was built in the 17th century during the reign of the Mali Empire, when Islamic mosques were actively built throughout West Africa. The structure was built in the Sudanese style from mud bricks, with architectural elements typical for this region.
The construction of the mosque, which was carried out by the mason Massa, lasted five years and was completed in 1655. The mosque is a rectangular building with a slight elevation. The prayer hall is located in the east of the mosque, in the west there is the women's section, from which a staircase leads to the terrace.
Marial Temple
The Marial Temple in the capital of Côte d'Ivoire is the center of Catholic pilgrimage in the region. The construction of the temple is a striking example of Art Nouveau architecture and attracts attention with its amazing appearance.
The temple was built according to the design of an Italian architect and was completed in 1987. The interior of the temple is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows, which depict biblical scenes with the participation of the Virgin Mary and wooden sculptures.
The first stone in the foundation of the temple was laid by the Pope, and its opening was attended by the president of the country and more than one hundred thousand pilgrims. The church regularly hosts services that anyone can attend.
St Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral in Abidjan is the second largest church in the country. Built in 1980 according to the design of an Italian architect, the building attracts attention with its unusual appearance.
The temple project is an innovative solution for the African continent. In front of the facade of the building rises a huge tower, consisting of two parts and stylized as the figure of St. Paul.
Behind the tower is a temple building, built in Art Nouveau style and decorated with huge stained glass windows. The stained glass windows depict scenes from the life of Paul and scenes of the first missionaries arriving in the country. From the platform located next to the cathedral there is a beautiful view of the city.
Kawara Mosque
The Kawara Mosque was built in the 17th century and is a striking example of the Sudanese architectural style. The mosque has an original design of the facade, which consists of many minarets of different sizes.
The structure is built of brick and has ribbed walls. The mosque consists of a prayer hall and a central space with a mihrab located in the minaret tower. As in most mosques of this type, men pray separately, in the eastern part of the prayer hall, women - in the western.
Also buried on the western side of the mosque is the local spiritual leader, Imam Silla Basand.
Kong Mosque
The mosque of the city of Kong is a monument of architecture of the Sudanese style and one of the best preserved Islamic temples, indicating the existence of a previous Muslim center here.
The mosque was built in the 17th century and miraculously was not damaged during the French expansion in the 19th century. The structure has an appearance that is unusual for mosques and typical for this region. The building is made of mud brick and equipped with architectural elements adapted to the local rainy climate.
The mosque continues to play an important role in the spiritual life of the region and is a national treasure of Côte d'Ivoire.
Source. smileplanet.ru, krugosvet.ru, curiosite.ru
