If you are interested in African history, art or music, Côte d'Ivoire is the place where you can get the most out of these aspects of culture. The art of Côte d'Ivoire is considered one of the best in West Africa and in each ethnic group is very peculiar. The Baule and Yaquba 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 characteristics 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 fire - a mask-helmet, which is a compilation of the appearance of an antelope, a warthog and a hyena - the most respected animals of the local animistic cult.
Another typical work of local artisans is a large human-shaped rice spoon, which serves as a magnificent 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 Church of Notre Dame de la Pax, built in the 60s of the XX century. At the moment, it is the highest 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 Vridi Canal, connecting the Abidjan lagoon with 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 cover four peninsulas around the lagoon. Known as the Paris of West Africa, Abidjan has 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, interesting for its architecture - here you can find the imperial hotel Ivory, considered the most famous hotel West African and the main attraction of the city. It has everything you can imagine - there is a swimming pool, an ice skating rink with artificial ice, a bowling alley, a cinema, a casino and the main art store in the city. Next to the hotel there is a church built by Italians and consecrated by the Pope in 1985. Cathedral Saint Paul, able to compete in beauty and elegance with many temples in the world.
Linked to Le Plateau by two bridges, Treycheville is the largest of the city's four markets and is home to most of the city's nightlife. The northwestern outskirts of the city - Parc du Banquo, is a real rainforest, smoothly merging with city buildings, which guarantees pleasant walks. This is the coldest place on south coast country and therefore it is very popular with joggers.
The country's rainforests are rapidly shrinking (one of the highest rates in the world), the only surviving virgin forest is in national parks Tan and Marahuz, occupying 3600 square kilometers in the southwestern part of the country. There are still preserved trees 50 meters high, with massive trunks and huge supporting roots. Walking through the equatorial primary forest - unique experience: Tall trees intertwined with vines, fast flowing streams and relic wildlife are combined in one place, creating a peaceful and charming landscape, which, however, requires a lot of effort to travel through. The parks are in a very rainy and humid area, so best time to visit - during the dry period from December to February. To visit the parks, you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Forests in Abidjan.
570 kilometers northeast of Abidjan is the largest in West Africa national park Komoe. 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 in the dry season go in search of water to the river, where you have a great opportunity to observe the habits of the most diverse representatives of the local fauna.
The area of the city of Man in the central part of the country is a territory of lush green hills and is known far beyond the country for its La Cascade waterfall, located in a bamboo forest 5 kilometers west of the city, as well as the steep, tooth-shaped mountain of Mont Tonqui and Mt. La Dent de Man (Man's Tooth), which, according to local legends, is considered the guardian angel of this region of the country. Other attractions in the area are the colorful villages of Biankuma, Gaususso, Sipitu and Danane.
Korhogo has been the capital of the Senufo people since the 13th century, the heart of this city is a bustling market. The Senufo are widely known for their wood carvings and are skilled blacksmiths and potters. Most wood carvers live and work in a small area called Sculptor Quartier.
Senufo are separated by a complex system of relationships between secret communities, closer to religious associations: Poro - a cult for boys and Sakrabundi - a cult for girls, it is within their framework that they prepare for adulthood. The communities preserve the folklore of the people, teach tribal customs and instill self-control through rigorous tests. Children's education is divided into three seven-year periods, ending with an initiation ceremony. Each community has a sacred forest where teaching takes place (the uninitiated are never allowed to watch the trials). Some ritual ceremonies take place directly in the village and are allowed for tourists to visit. They include many rituals, such as the Dance of the Leopard People performed when the boys return from a training session in the forest, and much more.
In the area of the port of Sassandra are located beautiful beaches. But what makes this area especially attractive is that there are also numerous ethnic fishing villages Fanti people, with an active port and a picturesque river. It is highly recommended to try bangi - palm wine, which is produced only here. The city of Sasandra used to be an important trading port, but when a modern marine terminal was built in nearby San Pedro, its role declined and the whole area is now a great tourist area.
Located 3 kilometers to the east, Plage de Bivac is one of the best places for surfing. Big waves also recorded on the adjacent Poli beach, as well as in the area of the coast of Gran Belebi near the Liberian border.
Côte 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. The area is 322.5 thousand sq. Km. a republic that has retained French as an official language.The country lies in two climatic zones - subequatorial in the north and equatorial in the south.The average monthly temperatures are 25–30 ° C everywhere, but the amount of precipitation and their regime are different.In the equatorial climate zone, the ocean dominates all year air and there is not a single month without precipitation, the amount of which reaches 2400 mm per year (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 500–800 m high in the north.In the west, in the Dan Mountains, the highest point of the country (13 40 m). Almost throughout the territory there are outcrops of ancient rocks of the African Platform: in the west and north, granites predominate, in the east - clay shales. Deposits of gold, diamonds, manganese, and iron ores have been discovered here. The shore of the Gulf of Guinea is slightly indented and separated from the sea by a strip of sand drifts. The main rivers - Komoe, Bandama, Sasandra, Cavalli - are not navigable.
In the vegetation cover in the south, moist equatorial forests are widespread, where more than 600 species of trees grow, including valuable species (about 35 species are used for timber harvesting, of which 5 species are mahogany). To the north, moist forests give way to forest savanna, into which islands of gallery forests wedged along the river valleys. Further north, the islands of trees disappear and most of the territory is covered with tall grass savannah. 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.), there are elephants, hippos, forest antelopes, bush pigs, water deer; in the savannas there are various types of antelopes, as well as leopard, cheetah, serval. A network of reserves has been created and national parks, 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 a peculiar exotic culture. There are three subgroups of nationalities: Guinean (Kru, Baule, Anyi, etc.), Volt (Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Kulango, Mosi) and Mande (Malinke and others). The majority of the population is employed in agriculture (cocoa crops, coffee, etc.) and saves both traditional way life as well as traditional animistic beliefs.
The largest city and capital of the country is Abidjan (about 2 million inhabitants), whose rapid growth began after 1950. Now it's industrial centre, a large port, there is a university, a research center. Abidjan - modern city with numerous hotels, restaurants, and other elements of tourism infrastructure. Other major cities of the country are Bwake, San Pedro, Korhogo, Ferkesedugu.
Information
- date of independence: 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: IV
- Telephone code: +225
- Time Zones: 0
History of Ivory Coast
The territory of modern Côte d'Ivoire was inhabited by pygmies as early as the 1st millennium BC. Soon other peoples began to move there, the first of them were the Senufo.
For the first time, Europeans began to land on the shores of modern Côte d'Ivoire in the 15th century. The Portuguese, Dutch, Danes visited here then. The Portuguese visited here in the 1460s. Colonization began with the arrival of the French, who from the middle of the 19th century began to economic development lands. Local tribes were destroyed until 1917. The French exported diamonds and gold, coffee and cocoa from here, had banana plantations here. On March 10, 1893, the Ivory Coast was declared a colony of France, and in 1895 included in French West Africa. The Ivory Coast became a major producer of coffee and cocoa for the 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, at first leaning towards Marxism, but from the beginning of the 50s it switched to positions close to the French right. In 1957, France granted local government to the colony.
On August 7, 1960, the independence of the country was proclaimed. the leader of the Democratic Party, Houphouet-Boigny, became its president, the DP became the ruling and sole party. The principle of inviolability of private property was proclaimed. The country continued to be an agrarian and raw materials appendage of France, but by African standards, its economy was in good condition, economic growth rates reached 11% per year. The Ivory Coast in 1979 became the world leader in the production of cocoa beans, but success in this area relied on good market conditions and a combination of great managers, foreign investment and a large number cheap workers, mostly guest workers from neighboring countries. However, in the 1980s, the prices for coffee and cocoa on world markets fell, in 1982-1983 the country suffered a severe drought, an economic recession began; by the end of the 1980s, per capita foreign debt exceeded that of all African countries except Nigeria. Under pressure from the public, Houphouet-Boigny made political concessions, legalized alternative ruling political parties, initiated the electoral process, and in 1990 was elected president.
In 1993, he died, and the country was headed by Henri Conan 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: Allasan Ouattara, but he is a Burkina by origin, while 
the country's constitution allowed only Ivorians to vote. This circumstance greatly deepened the already outlined split of society along ethnic lines. By that time, from a third to a half of the country's population were people of foreign origin, mainly working earlier 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 Guey, held the presidential elections the following year, marked by fraud and riots. Opposition leader Laurent Gbagbo was officially declared the winner of the election. On September 19, 2002, a military rebellion was organized in Abdijan, which was suppressed, but became the beginning of a 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 be 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 with a height of more than 400 m above sea level. The flat surface is disturbed by remnants. The relative height of these landforms sometimes exceeds 100 m. In the north-west of Ivory Coast there are mountains, among which the mountains of Odienne and Man 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 - Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia - Mount Nimba (1752 m), the highest point of the country, rises.
Population
Population - 20.6 million (July 2009 estimate). Ethnic composition- Akan 42%, Gur 17%, Northern Mande 16%, Kru 11%, Southern Mande 10%, others, including about 100,000 Arabs and about 14,000 French (1998 estimate). Religions - Muslims 39%, Christians 33%, aboriginal cults 11%, atheists 17%. Of foreign migrants - 70% Muslims and 20% Christians (2008 estimate).
Climate
The climate in the south of the country is relatively humid, 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. The rainy season (June-September) and the dry season (October-May) are clearly distinguished. 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 in the north into a plateau with a height of more than 400 m above sea level. In the northwest are large mountain ranges Dan and Tura with deep gorges. The highest point is Mount Nimba (1752 m). The minerals are diamonds, bauxite, iron, gold, manganese, oil, nickel, natural gas and titanium. The climate of the northern 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). The 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, Komoe, Nero, Sasandra, etc., which are not navigable due to the presence of rapids (except for the Cavalli river). The most major river– Bandama (950 km). Lakes - Warapa, Dadier, Dalaba, Labion, Lupongo and others. Côte d "Ivoire is one of the 12 African countries that meet the needs of the population in clean drinking water.
The southern regions are covered with evergreen equatorial forests (African lofira, iroko, red Basam tree, niangon, ebony tree, etc.), in the north there are forest savannahs with gallery forests along river banks and tall grass savannahs. Due to deforestation (in order to expand arable land and export timber), their area has decreased from 15 million hectares in the beginning. 20th century up to 1 million hectares in 1990. Fauna - antelopes, hippos, buffaloes, cheetahs, hyenas, wild boars, leopards, lions, monkeys, panthers, elephants, jackals, etc. Many birds, snakes and insects. The tsetse fly is widespread. There are a lot of shrimps and fish (sardine, mackerel, tuna, eel, etc.) in the coastal waters.
Architecture
The architectural forms of traditional dwellings are diverse: in the south - rectangular or square wooden houses with a gable roof made of palm leaves; in the central regions, rectangular adobe houses (sometimes rounded corners) under a flat roof, divided into several rooms, are common; in the east - rectangular with flat roofs. roofs, and in other areas the houses are round or oval in plan, the thatched roof has a conical shape. The outer side of adobe houses is often covered with drawings of geometric figures, birds, real and mystical animals, which are painted in yellow, red and black. Fashionable hotels and supermarkets made of reinforced concrete structures and glass have become a sign 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 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, calculated until 1980 (22% of investments were foreign investments). Eight tourist zones were identified, on the territory of which more than 170 hotels of various classes were built by the end of the 1980s. In the 1990s, fashionable ultra-modern Golf and Yvoire hotels were built in Abidjan, equipped with golf courses and ice tracks. Until 1997, tourism revenues were approx. $140 million. In 1998, 301,000 foreign tourists visited the country. In 1997, 15 travel agencies successfully operated on the market, many of which were also involved in the organization of business tourism.
Attractions in Abidjan: National Museum(traditional arts and crafts are presented, including a rich collection of masks), Art Gallery Chardy. Other attractions are the Komoe National Park, 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, a waterfall Mont Tonkui. The Thai National Park (in the southwest) with a large number of endemic plants is included in the category of world heritage by the UN. National cuisine- "Atieke" (a dish made from cassava, with fish or meat sauce), "kejena" (fried chicken with rice and vegetables), "fufu" (balls of dough made from yams, cassava or bananas, served with fish or meat with sauces).
Attractions 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 the impoverished African city.
The construction of the temple was carried out with an eye on St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the difference was only in the size of the dome and the cross, which were larger and towered 158 meters. The cathedral is designed for 18,000 people - 7,000 seats and 11,000 standing places.
The interior of the temple is illuminated by rainbow rays penetrating through the bright stained-glass windows, the area of which in the cathedral reaches 7,000 square meters. Near 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. A Sudanese-style mud-brick building was built, with elements of architecture typical of 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 is the women's part, from which a staircase leads to the terrace.
Temple Marial
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 vivid example of Art Nouveau architecture and attracts attention with its amazing appearance.
The temple was built according to the project of an Italian architect and was completed in 1987. The interior of the temple is decorated with beautiful colored stained glass windows depicting 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 the president of the country and more than one hundred thousand pilgrims attended its opening. Services are regularly held in the temple, which everyone can attend.
St Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral in Abidjan is the second largest temple in the country. Built in 1980 by 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 construction of the tower is the building of the temple, erected in the Art Nouveau style and decorated with huge colored stained-glass windows. The stained glass windows depict scenes from the life of Paul and the arrival of the first missionaries in the country. From the platform located next to the cathedral offers a beautiful view of the city.
Mosque of Caouara
The Kaouara 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 building was 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
Kong Mosque is an architectural monument of the Sudanese style and one of the best preserved Islamic temples, indicating the existence of a former Muslim center here.
The mosque was built in the 17th century and miraculously did not suffer during the French expansion in the 19th century. The construction has an unusual for mosques and characteristic of this region. appearance. The building was built 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 national treasure Cote d'Ivoire.
A source. smileplanet.ru, krugosvet.ru, curiosite.ru
Holidays in Côte d'Ivoire are holidays for those who are really interested in African history, music, art and nature. On vacation in Côte d'Ivoire, friendly people are waiting for you, picturesque mountains Maine, Komoe National Park, the beaches and fishing villages of Sassandra.
Cote d'Ivoire is also known as the Ivory Coast. And the strongest impression of the country is its people... The population consists of more than 60 different ethnic groups that speak their own languages or dialects (often very similar), preserve their customs, traditions, and culture. The most numerous peoples are Bete, Baule, Senufo, Anyi. Every nation inhabiting Côte d'Ivoire is famous for its musical and dance art, oral folklore, traditional crafts. The Senufo people, for example, have developed woodcarving and the manufacture of masks, which foreigners willingly buy. Among the baule, yakub, and malinka, pottery, home weaving, and weaving of straw products are common. Very colorful and original dances: wedding, on the occasion of the harvest, dances of hunters, fishermen, etc.
Côte d'Ivoire is a country in West Africa on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. It borders Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, Ghana to the east, and Liberia and Guinea to the west. 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 east coast. The coastal zone is covered with the remnants of the once dense tropical forests, stretching inland for 100 km. in the center and at 265 km. in the east and west. Behind the forests in the north and in the 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 their regime are different. The climate in the southern part of the country, in the equatorial climate zone, is hot and humid with heavy rains. The temperature ranges from 22 C to 32 C, and the heaviest rains come 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 summer it exceeds +40 C), there is much less precipitation (1100-1800 mm.) And a dry winter period is pronounced. 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 shrinking (one of the highest rates in the world), the only remaining virgin forest is in the Tan and Marahuz National Parks, occupying 3600 square meters. km. area in the southwestern part of the country. There are still preserved trees 50 meters high, with massive trunks and huge supporting roots. Walking through the equatorial primary forest is a unique experience: tall trees intertwined with lianas, fast-flowing streams and primordial wildlife come together to create a peaceful and charming 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 season from December to February. Visiting the parks requires permission from the Ministry of Forests in Abidjan.
At 570 km. to the northeast of Abidjan is the largest national park in West Africa, Komoe. 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 come out in search of water to the river during the dry season, where you have a great opportunity to observe the habits of the most diverse 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.), Volt (Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Kulango, Mosi) and Mande (Malinke and others).
Political status:
Republic with a presidential form of government. The legislature is the unicameral National Assembly.
Language:
French, African languages are also widely used - Yakuba, Senufo, Baule, Anyi and Diola.
Religion:
Traditional local religions (65%), Islam (23%), Christianity (mainly Protestantism - 12%).
Festivals and holidays:
Popular with tourists and numerous holidays and ceremonies various peoples this country. The most famous festival is the Fete de Masques (Festival of Masks), which takes place in the villages around Man every February. Another famous holiday is the carnival in Bouake, held in March. In April, it is advisable not to miss the Fete du Dipri in the Gaumont area. This festival begins at midnight when women and children come out of their huts and perform nightly rites naked to expel evil spirits from the village. The main Muslim holiday - Ramadan, 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 gifts to each other.
Money:
West African CFA franc (XOF), nominally equal to the euro (1 euro = 655.957 XOF).
Banks and currency exchange:
Banks are open daily, except Saturday and Sunday, from 8.30 to 17.00. Some exchange points 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 clarify the conditions. The use of credit cards is possible only in the capitals and large tourist centers on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, Visa and MasterCard are preferred (although fees will still be deducted, and rather arbitrarily). Checks and credit cards French banks.
Exchange rate:
West African CFA franc (XOF) / Ruble (RUB)
1 USD = 16.20 XOF
100 XOF = 6.17 USD
West African CFA franc (XOF) / United States dollar (USD)
1 USD = 450.70 XOF
1000XOF = 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 "Megaphone".
Formalities and entry rules:
When crossing the border, you must present a passport with a visa and filled out on French insert-questionnaire, which indicates: full name, date and place of birth, citizenship, profession, address of residence in Russia and Côte d'Ivoire, passport number, point of departure.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is also required.
There are no restrictions on movement within the country.
There is an airport tax (about 2 USD) for 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 Côte d\"Ivoire will involve transit through Europe. Optimal connections are offered airlines Air France via Paris and Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca. Some regional flights from neighboring countries operate to the airport of the city 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 a great way to travel to the Ivory Coast, as the service is daily, the trains tend to stick to the advertised timetable, and the carriages are relatively comfortable. Travel time is about 30 hours, the fare in a sleeping car is $50-60, in a seated car - $25-30. From Ouagadougou, the train leaves 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 the border crossing operates 60 km north of the town of Ferkessedougou. All freight and passenger transport goes through this crossing. Other less significant border crossings operate north of Doropo and northeast of Kafolo.
From Ghana:
There are 4 main crossings between the two countries. The main one is open on the Abidjan-Accra highway near the town of Elubo (Elubo). Other crossings operate northeast of the city of Agnibilekrou (Ivory Coast) opposite the village of Berekum, Ghana. Less significant border crossings are open in the northern part of the country, between Bole (Ghana) and Bondukou (Ivory Coast), Buna (Ivory Coast) and Bole (Ghana).
From Mali:
Two roads: Ferkessedougou - Sikasso and Odienne - Bougouni. The largest flow of cars follows 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 should 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 Kankan, and it is on it that the weekly buses from Abidjan to Conakry follow. The way through Cinco is more problematic due to the lack of regular passenger traffic on this road. At the same time, there is a huge cross-border bazaar in Cinco, which attracts thousands of residents of both countries and where you can find a passing car to the nearest city.
From Liberia:
The main border crossing operates between the city of Man in Ivory Coast 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 can be impassable for normal traffic.
Customs regulations:
Import and export of currency is not limited. Customs declaration upon entry and exit is not required. Duty-free import of things and other items intended for personal use is allowed. It is forbidden to import weapons and ammunition, narcotic and psychotropic substances. It is forbidden to export weapons, drugs, food in large quantities, exotic plants, animals and birds. Obligatory customs control is subject to antiquities and art, items made of gold and precious metals. It is forbidden to export animal skins, ivory and crocodile skin products without a permit.
Sights:
If you are interested in African history, art or music, Côte d\"Ivoire" is the place where you can most fully experience these aspects of culture. The art of Côte d\"Ivoire is considered one of the best in West Africa and there are very peculiarly. The Baule and Yaquba 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, the 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 \"fire\" - a mask-helmet, which is a compilation of the appearance of an antelope, a warthog and a hyena - the most respected animals of the local animistic cult.
Another typical work of local artisans is a large human-shaped rice spoon, which serves as a magnificent 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. Its total area is 30,000 sq. m. 7000 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 stained glass windows of the basilica are not one large window, they cover an area of about 7430 square meters in total. m.
Beaches:
There are beautiful beaches in the area of the port of Sassandra. But what makes this area especially attractive is that there are also numerous ethnic fishing villages of the Fanti people, 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 Sasandra used to be an important trading port, but when a modern terminal was built at nearby San Pedro, its role declined and the whole area is now a great tourist area. Located 3 km. to the east the Plage de Bivac is one of the best surf spots. Large waves are also registered in the adjacent Poly Beach, as well as in the area of the Grand Belebi beaches near the Liberian border.
Railways and trains:
A 655 km railway line links Abidjan with northern part country. The daily train departs at 10.30 am from Abidjan to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), passing through the cities of Bouake and Ferkessedougou, arriving at the latter late at night. In the opposite direction, the train from Burkina Faso leaves Ferkessedougou at night, and arrives in Abidjan at noon. The trains are relatively comfortable, there are both carriages with aircraft seats and 2-4-seater sleeping compartments.
Bus service:
Each city has a bus station called \"Gare routiere\" from where all intercity transport departs. The main means of transportation are 22-seat minibuses \"Mille kilos\", and 7-seat old fixed-route taxis 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 Freight:
The national carrier, Air Ivoire, connects Abidjan with a number of major cities in the country: Bouake, Bouna, Touba and Yamoussoukro. Flights are operated daily, the cost of flights varies from $40 to $70 one way.
Hotels:
Hotels in Côte 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, largest city Ivory Coast.
In the country's national parks, accommodation in lodges is popular, different in terms of service level and the 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 major cities, overnight stays in houses local residents- sometimes the only accommodation option.
Côte d'Ivoire is a country in West Africa. It borders Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, Ghana to the east, and Liberia and Guinea to the west. In the south it is washed by the Gulf of Guinea.
The capital is Yamoussoukro
CLIMATE COTE D'IVOIRE
Ivory Coast
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 their regime are different. The climate in the southern part of the country, in the equatorial climate zone, is hot and humid with heavy rains.
The temperature ranges from 22 C to 32 C, and the heaviest rains come 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 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 Côte D'Ivoire
The coastal zone is dominated by dense tropical forests, where more than 600 species of trees grow. In the north and in the center of the country lies a vast savannah.
Jackal, hyena, panther, elephant, chimpanzee, crocodile, bush pigs, several species of lizards and snakes live on the territory of the republic. There are antelopes in the savannas,
leopards, cheetahs, servals.
GOVERNMENT OF Côte 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 - Abidjan. 
ATTRACTIONS OF Côte D'Ivoire
If you are interested in African history, art or music, Côte d'Ivoire is the place to get the most out of these aspects of the 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 Yaquba peoples are widely known for their original wooden sculpture, usually the traditional wooden mask is a very accurate representation of the human face, slightly exaggerated to more fully convey the features of the character. Another characteristic work of local artisans is a large rice spoon, such spoons are typically human-shaped and serve as a magnificent 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. The Senufo masks are highly stylized: the most famous type is the "fire" helmet-mask, which is a compilation of the appearance of the antelope, warthog and hyena - the most respected animals of the local animistic cult.
City of Yamoussoukro
The city of Yamoussoukro became the capital in 1983, and is still the capital by name. The main attraction of the city is the Church of Notre Dame de la Pax, built in the 60s of the XX century, at the moment it is the highest 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 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 cover four peninsulas around the lagoon. Known as the "Paris of West Africa", Abidjan has quite a few 
attractions: in Abidjan there is a traditional large market for handicrafts, many picturesque parks, especially Le Plato park is beautiful. The central, commercial part of the city and Cocody, a chic residential section, is interesting for its architecture - here you will find the Imperial Hotel Ivory, 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 artificial ice rink, a bowling alley, a cinema, a casino and the city's main art store. Near the hotel is built by the Italians and consecrated by the Pope in 1985, the Cathedral of St. Paul Cathedral, able to compete in beauty and elegance with many temples in the world. Linked to Le Plateau by two major bridges, Treycheville 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 rainforest that blends seamlessly into the city's buildings, which guarantees pleasant walks (it is the coolest place on the south coast of the country) and is very popular with jogging enthusiasts.
The country's rainforests are rapidly shrinking (one of the highest rates in the world), the only remaining virgin forest is in the Tan and Marahuz National Parks, occupying 3600 square meters. km of area in the southwestern part of the country. There are still preserved trees 50 meters high, with massive trunks and huge supporting roots. Walking through the equatorial primary forest is a unique experience: tall trees intertwined with vines, fast flowing streams and ancestral wildlife come together to create a peaceful and charming 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 season from December to February. Visiting the parks requires permission from the Ministry of Forests in Abidjan.
Komoe National Park, the largest in West Africa, is located 570 km 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 during the dry season go in search of water to the river, where you have a great opportunity to observe the habits of a wide variety of representatives local fauna. 
The area of the city of Man in the central part of the country is a territory of lush green hills and is known far beyond the borders of 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 mountain of Mont Tonqui and Mt. La Dent-de-Man ("Tooth of Man"), which according to local legends is considered the "guardian angel" of this region of the country. Other attractions in the area are the colorful villages of Biankuma, Gaususso, Sipitu and Danane. Korhogo has been the capital of the Senufo people since the 13th century, the "heart" of this city is a bustling market. The Senufo are widely known for their wood carvings and are skilled blacksmiths and potters. Most woodcarvers live and work in a small area called the Sculptors' Apartment.
The Senufo are separated by 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 tests. Children's education is divided into three seven-year periods, ending with an initiation ceremony. Each community has a "sacred forest" where training takes place (the uninitiated are never allowed to watch the trials). Some ritual ceremonies take place directly in the village and are allowed for tourists to visit. These include the La danse des Hommes Panteres ("dance of the leopard people") performed when the boys return from a training session in the forest and more. 
There are beautiful beaches in the area of the port of Sassandra. But what makes this area especially attractive is that there are also numerous ethnic fishing villages of the Fanti people, 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 Sasandra used to be an important trading port, but when a modern terminal was built in nearby San Pedro, its role has declined and the whole area is now a great tourist area. Located 3 km to the east, Plage de Bivac is one of the best places for surfing. Large waves are also registered in the adjacent Poly Beach, as well as in the area of the Grand Belebi beaches near the Liberian border.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT Côte D'Ivoire
The Ivory Coast team won two of the longest shootouts in the history of international meetings. In the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations Final, they defeated Ghana 11-10 in a 24 penalty shoot-out. In the quarterfinals of the 2006 Cup - Cameroon, with a score of 12-11.
NATIONAL CUISINE OF Côte D'Ivoire
The pride of the population of Côte d'Ivoire is the national cuisine. Of course, such a long stay under the rule of France as a colony left its mark on the traditions of the cuisine of the people of the country of Côte d'Ivoire. It added some sophistication. But the original food of the indigenous population cannot leave indifferent even an avid gourmet. 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 chic sauces. Just lick your fingers. Sauces are generally a separate topic of the national cuisine of Côte d'Ivoire. This is the "highlight" of the forge of West Africa. If you haven't tried Palm Grain Grain Sauce, you haven't tried anything! 
INFORMATION
Ivory Coast Time
Behind Moscow for 4 hours.
Holidays COTE D'IVOIRE
end of December and beginning of 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, because in August there is no time for holidays - field work is in full swing
October - Eid al-miraj (rajab-bairam), a Muslim holiday in memory of the night journey of the Prophet 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 Côte d'Ivoire
The national currency is the West African CFA franc, equal to 100 centimes.
Communications in Côte d'Ivoire
Russian operators do not have GPRS roaming. There are several Internet cafes in Abidjan.
Communication standard GSM 900/1800. Roaming is available to Beeline and Megafon subscribers.
Transport in Côte d'Ivoire
Each 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 route taxis 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 long 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 Bouake and Ferkessedougou, arriving at the latter late at night. In the opposite direction, the train from Burkina Faso leaves Ferkessedougou at night, and arrives in Abidjan at noon. The trains are relatively comfortable, there are both carriages with aircraft seats and 2-4-seater sleeping compartments.
The national carrier, Air Ivoire, connects Abidjan with a number of major cities in the country: Bouake, Bouna, Touba and Yamoussoukro. Flights are operated daily, the cost of flights varies from $40 to $70 one way.
Customs
Import and export of currency is not limited. Customs declaration upon entry and exit is not required. Duty-free import of things and other items intended for personal use is allowed.
It is forbidden to import weapons and ammunition, narcotic and psychotropic substances. It is forbidden to export weapons, drugs, food in large quantities, exotic plants, animals and birds. Obligatory customs control is subject to antiquities and art, items made of gold and precious metals. It is forbidden to export animal skins, ivory and crocodile skin products without a permit. 
Visa to Côte D'Ivoire
Russian citizens need a visa to visit Côte d'Ivoire. A visa can be issued at the Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire in Moscow.
Required documents
Questionnaire and photographs in the amount of 4 pieces (questionnaire is issued in Russian or French)
Original invitation
Flights
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
There are no restrictions on movement within the country. There is an airport tax (about 2 USD) for domestic flights.
If you are interested in African history, art or music, Côte d'Ivoire is the place to get the most out of these aspects of 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 Yaquba 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, the 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 "fire" - a mask-helmet, which is a compilation of the appearance of an antelope, a warthog and a hyena - the most respected animals of the local animistic cult.
Another typical work of local artisans is a large human-shaped rice spoon, which serves as a magnificent local souvenir.
The city became the capital in 1983, but is still the center of the country more in name. was also a provincial town 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 cover four peninsulas around the lagoon.
The country's rainforests are rapidly shrinking (one of the highest rates in the world), the only surviving virgin forest is in Tan National Parks and Marahuz occupying 3,600 square kilometers in the southwestern part of the country. There are still preserved trees 50 meters high, with massive trunks and huge supporting roots. Walking through the equatorial primary forest is a unique experience: tall trees intertwined with lianas, fast-flowing streams and primordial wildlife come together to create a peaceful and charming 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 season from December to February. To visit the parks, you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Forests in Abidjan.
570 kilometers northeast of Abidjan is the largest in West Africa komoe national park. 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 in the dry season go in search of water to the river, where you have a great opportunity to observe the habits of the most diverse representatives of the local fauna.
Area of the city Man in the central part of the country is a territory of lush green hills and is known far beyond the borders of the country for its La Cascade waterfall, located in a bamboo forest 5 kilometers west of the city, as well as a steep, tooth-shaped, Mount Mont Tonqui and mountain of La Dente de Mans("Man's Tooth"), which according to local legends is considered the "guardian angel" of this region of the country. Other attractions of the area - colorful villages: Biankuma, Gaususso, Sipitu and Danane.
Korhogo- the capital of the Senufo people since the XIII century, the "heart" of this city is a bustling market. The Senufo are widely known for their wood carvings and are skilled blacksmiths and potters. Most wood carvers live and work in a small area called Sculptor Quartier.
The Senufo are separated by a complex system of relationships between secret communities closer to religious associations: "Poro" - a cult for boys and "Sakrabundi" - a cult for girls, it is within their framework that they prepare for adulthood. The communities preserve the folklore of the people, teach tribal customs and instill self-control through rigorous tests. Children's education is divided into three seven-year periods, ending with an initiation ceremony. Each community has a "sacred forest" where teaching takes place (the uninitiated are never allowed to watch the trials). Some ritual ceremonies take place directly in the village and are allowed for tourists to visit. They include many rituals such as the "Dance of the Leopard People" performed when the boys return from a training session in the forest and more.
There are beautiful beaches in the port area. But what makes this area especially attractive is that there are also numerous ethnic fishing villages of the Fanti people.
