Capital: Yamoussoukro
note: although Yamoussoukro has been the official capital since 1983, Abidjan remains the administrative center; the US, like other countries, maintains its Embassy in Abidjan.
Location:
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia (slightlyl arger than New Mexico)
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
U.S. citizens living in or visiting Cote d'Ivoire are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Cote d'Ivoire and obtain updated information on travel and security within Cote d'Ivoire. The U.S. Embassy is located in Abidjan at 5 Rue Jesse Owens, mailing address 01 B.P. 1712, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, telephone (225) 20-21-09-79, consular fax (225) 20-22-45-23, central fax (225) 20-22-32-59.
Background:
Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment made Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the tropical African states. Falling cocoa prices and political turmoil, however, sparked an economic downturn in 1999 and 2000. On 25 December 1999, a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history - overthrew the government led by President Henri Konan BEDIE. Presidential and legislative elections held in October and December 2000 provoked violence due to the exclusion of opposition leader Alassane OUATTARA. In October 2000, Laurent GBAGBO replaced junta leader Robert GUEI as president, ending 10 months of military rule.
Ethnic Groups:
Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes 16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (1998)
Language:
French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken
Currency:
XOF
Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 699.21 (January 2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.70 (1999), 589.95 (1998), 583.67 (1997), 511.55 (1996); note - from 1 January 1999, the XOF is pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 XOF per euro
Climate:
Tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October)
Population:
16,393,221
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Christian 34%, Muslim 27%, no religion 21%, animist 15%, other 3% (1998)
note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim (70%) and Christian (20%)
Medical:
Medical facilities in Cote d'Ivoire are adequate in Abidjan, but limited elsewhere. Many medicines are unavailable.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Safety:
U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Cote d'Ivoire are urged to exercise caution and maintain security awareness at all times. Cote d'Ivoire is undergoing a period of extended political, social, and economic uncertainty. There have been several instances of violence ending in bloodshed since December 1999, when a military coup d'etat overthrew the civilian government. Although Cote d'Ivoire has returned to civilian rule following presidential elections in October 2000, there have been several violent encounters since that time, most recently during a failed coup d'etat in January 2001. The country has since returned to relative though uneasy calm. Furthermore, the country is experiencing a period of economic decline after years of growth, creating the potential for labor unrest. U.S. citizens should bear in mind that violent demonstrations have occurred in Cote d'Ivoire in the past and that further unrest or military action could recur with little or no warning.
Crime in Abidjan is at a critical level, with numerous carjackings, home invasions, and muggings. Armed assailants should not be resisted; they will not hesitate to use their weapons if challenged.
The Liberia/Cote d'Ivoire border region is unsettled and potentially dangerous. Travelers to this region and other areas of the country may encounter roadblocks, armed military personnel, vehicle searches, and police shakedowns. Travelers arriving at or departing from Abidjan's international airport or over land borders often experience harassment from customs or immigration officials.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Cote d'Ivoire is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Poor
Automobile accidents are one of the greatest threats to the well-being of Americans in Cote d'Ivoire. Night driving is particularly hazardous due to poorly lit roads and vehicles. Direct or indirect requests for bribes from the police and other security officials are commonplace, especially at highway checkpoints and near Abidjan's airport.
