16 Facts About Ivory Coast Most People Get Wrong
Ivory Coast is home to 28.9M people across 322,463 km², making it a country whose population is spread fairly evenly across its territory. It ranks 1st in the world for Cocoa.
Below are 16 facts about Ivory Coast, covering history, geography, economy and culture, including several that regularly surprise people who think they already know the country.
16 Facts About Ivory Coast
A complete overview of Ivory Coast's history, geography, economy and culture, covering everything from population and borders to language, climate and travel.
Ivory Coast supplies roughly 40% of the world's cocoa, more than any other country.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest church in the world.
Abidjan, not the official capital Yamoussoukro, is the largest city and economic centre.
The country's name refers to the historic ivory trade along its Atlantic coast.
Taï National Park holds the last major stretch of primary rainforest in West Africa.
Ivory Coast is located in West Africa, Africa, with its capital city in Yamoussoukro.
The population of Ivory Coast is approximately 28.9M, spread across 322,463 km² of territory.
Ivory Coast has a population density of 90/km²: a moderate density for its region.
Ivory Coast has a coastline of 515 km, giving it access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism.
Ivory Coast shares land borders with 5 countries: Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana.
The official language of Ivory Coast is French.
Ivory Coast uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF) as its official currency.
Ivory Coast gained independence in 1960, establishing itself as a sovereign nation in West Africa.
The total GDP of Ivory Coast is $79.4B, with a GDP per capita of $2,748, classifying it as a developing economy.
Ivory Coast has a tropical along the coast, semiarid in the far north climate, with the best time to visit being November to March.
Ivory Coast is considered a Budget to Mid destination for travellers, with meals averaging $3 to 8.
Ivory Coast grows about 40% of the world's cocoa, making it the single largest source of the beans behind global chocolate. Its political capital, Yamoussoukro, is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest church on Earth.
🏆 Ivory Coast World Rankings
Ivory Coast holds several notable world rankings; here is how it compares globally:
Famous Places in Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast is home to several remarkable landmarks and destinations that draw visitors from around the world:
⛪ Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
The largest church in the world by area, modelled on St Peter's in Rome
🌳 Taï National Park
A UNESCO site protecting the last major primary rainforest in West Africa and its chimpanzees
🏙 Abidjan
The economic capital and largest city, a lagoon-side hub of skyscrapers and markets
🦓 Comoé National Park
One of West Africa's largest protected areas, ranging from savanna to dense forest
Frequently Asked Questions About Ivory Coast
What is Ivory Coast famous for?
Ivory Coast grows about 40% of the world's cocoa, making it the single largest source of the beans behind global chocolate. Its political capital, Yamoussoukro, is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest church on Earth.
What is the capital of Ivory Coast?
The capital of Ivory Coast is Yamoussoukro.
What is the population of Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast has a population of approximately 28.9M as of 2026.
What language do they speak in Ivory Coast?
The official language of Ivory Coast is French.
When did Ivory Coast become an independent country?
Ivory Coast gained independence in 1960.
What currency does Ivory Coast use?
Ivory Coast uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF).
What is the GDP of Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast has a GDP of $79.4B, with a GDP per capita of $2,748.
Where is Ivory Coast located?
Ivory Coast is located in West Africa, Africa.
Is Ivory Coast safe to visit?
Safety conditions in Ivory Coast vary by region. Always check your government's official travel advisory before visiting.
What are some fun facts about Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast supplies roughly 40% of the world's cocoa, more than any other country. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest church in the world. Abidjan, not the official capital Yamoussoukro, is the largest city and economic centre.
What are some interesting facts about Ivory Coast?
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest church in the world. Abidjan, not the official capital Yamoussoukro, is the largest city and economic centre. The country's name refers to the historic ivory trade along its Atlantic coast.
Ivory Coast facts: what should I know?
Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa with a population of 28.9M. Its capital is Yamoussoukro and its official language is French. Ivory Coast supplies roughly 40% of the world's cocoa, more than any other country.
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