Bertrand, DF3FS will be active from Cod d'Ivoire, 20 - 29 October 2018 as TU5MH.
He will operate on the HF bands CW, SSB.
Latest DX spots TU5MH
He will also take part in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest, October 27 - 28, 2018, in the SO category. TU5MH Search for connections in the logFind
QSL via home direct, LOTW, ClubLog OQRS.
Address for QSL direct:
Bertrand Le Divenah, Postfach 12 47, Gelnhausen, 63552, Germany.
Previous activity:
Bertrand DF3FS, Norbert DJ7JC, Heye DJ9RR will be active from Cote d'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, 22 January - 2 February 2017 as TU5MH.
They will operate on the bands 80 - 10m CW, SSB, RTTY.
QSL via DJ5BWD, OQRS Club Log, LOTW.
Address for QSL direct:
Brigitte Weis-Dittko, Ammerbaumweg 44, 44357 Dortmund, Germany.
Cote d'Ivoire - a country where there is eternal summer
Do you dream of seeing the largest Christian cathedral on the planet, touching African culture and going to a place where summer is endless? Then you should definitely visit the country with exotic name Cote d'Ivoire is small in size, but one of the most developed in Africa. This place, called the Ivory Coast until 1986, will surprise you with its unusualness and amaze with its color. Thousands of tourists explore and discover it every year.
Cote d'Ivoire, Ivory Coast. DX Expedition TU5MH. Logo.
One country, two capitals
The state, located in the west of the black continent, is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Guinea. It borders Liberia, Ghana, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
Cote d'Ivoire has two official capitals - and this is the first paradox. Political and administrative center- the city of Yamoussoukro, economic and cultural - Abidjan. Both do not compete with each other, but live in complete harmony and alliance.
A French colony until 1960, today it is a presidential republic, which, however, retains French as the official language. Abidjan is the third French-speaking metropolis in the world. Along with it, there are also languages of the indigenous population - Anyi, Baule, Diola.
Where does coffee and cocoa come from?
The territory is spread over two climatic zones- equatorial and subequatorial. The average annual temperature here is 25-26 degrees Celsius. In the north there are chains of mountain ranges - Tura and Dan, to the south there are plains and plateaus. It's hard only in winter months, when in some areas the harmattan winds from the Sahara sweep up dust and bring not only hot air, but also sand, making breathing and visibility difficult.
The country is agricultural, lives off agriculture, exports pineapples, bananas, olives, coffee and cocoa. The volumes of the latter give the right to be leaders in their sales. The wood and metalworking industries, textiles and petrochemicals are well developed, and shipbuilding is thriving.
Cote d'Ivoire, Ivory Coast. Photo by Jillaume Mignot.
Mask, I know you
Representatives of many nationalities and linguistic communities live in the republic, so the culture is replete with diversity and amazes with its extraordinaryness. In short, if you want to get acquainted with the art, music and history of the second largest continent, this is definitely the place for you.
Ceremonies, rituals and holidays are held with enviable regularity. And many of them are accessible to the eyes of curious tourists.
The festival of masks - Fete de Masques - takes place in February. March is famous for the traditional carnival in Bouaké, and April for nightly rituals to drive away evil spirits. The important Muslim holiday of Ramadan ends in December with a huge feast.
Masks, mostly wooden, along with sculptures, occupy a leading place in the art of African peoples. Here you can also get acquainted with pottery, reed and straw weaving of mats and baskets, weaving, and jewelry technology. Local artisans will offer large human-shaped spoons for preparing pilaf - suitable as a souvenir and in practical purposes.
World temples and African Paris
IN architectural structures country lies the second paradox.
The Church of Notre Dame de la Paix - the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace - is the main attraction of Yamoussoukro. It is the largest among all Christian shrines and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The construction of the basilica caused a huge stir: a luxurious building made of Italian marble in a city where many live below the poverty line and are not Christians. Erected in the late eighties of the last century by analogy with St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, it is famous for the unique French stained glass windows that decorate the huge hall.
Abidjan was once provincial and poor, today referred to only as the “Paris of West Africa”. A multi-million population, a network of hotels, chic restaurants and magnificent residential areas are clear proof of this. The main attraction is St. Paul's Cathedral - Roman Catholic. It is also decorated with European stained glass windows. The site offers a magnificent view.
The Kong Mosque, an example of 17th-century architecture that has survived to this day, is a unique Islamic center. Built in the Sudanese style, it is recognized as a national treasure of the republic.
Marial - the temple of Our Lady of Africa - is another religious building of the 20th century. Unusually stylized, with a spiral road upward, stained glass windows and wooden sculptures, it is active and welcomes everyone.
Cote d'Ivoire, Ivory Coast. Photo by Louis.
Pygmy hippopotamus and elephants at a watering hole
Cote d'Ivoire is one of the few countries on the continent that does not lack drinking water. A dense, branched network of rivers and canals is nature’s best reward. That is why there are many national parks and reserves here. Some of them, for example, Tai, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Centuries-old trees up to 50 meters high grow here and animals listed in the International Red Book live. One of these representatives is the pygmy hippopotamus, similar in size to a large dog.
National Park Komoe will allow you to observe the behavior of animals in their natural habitat. Chimpanzees, hyenas, elephants, jackals, panthers, antelopes, cheetahs - far from full list. The popular “animal trail” to a watering hole is a unique sight for tourists from all over the world.
Ivory sand and fufu for dinner
One cannot fail to mention the beautiful beaches concentrated near the port city of Sassandra. The fishing villages of the Fanti people scattered throughout will amaze with their ethnic flavor. Hospitable residents treat you to palm wine - bangi, which has no analogues. Poli and De Bivac beaches are the best for surfers.
And of course, the picture would not be complete without the peculiarities of West African cuisine. You will be offered “atyeke” - a kind of couscous made from cassava, “kejenu” - chicken fried with vegetables and rice, “fufu” - baked balls made from bananas or yams. The abundance of sauces, the most important of which is “grain” made from palm grains, will satisfy any gourmet.
In a word, Africa, so distant and mysterious, never ceases to amaze and is ready to show everyone its uniqueness and beauty.
Yamoussoukro 18:51 35°C
Mainly cloudy
Hotels
The metropolis of Abidjan is famous for its large selection of hotels of international chains with good locations and European service. Along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea there are many local hotels with unpretentious service and modest amenities. If you want to live on the coast, we recommend renting a cottage and bungalow with your own kitchen so that you can cook for yourself.
Local hotels do not have a generally accepted classification of comfort and service; as a rule, they directly depend on the cost of living.
Attractions
Côte d'Ivoire is a unique country for those interested in African culture, folklore and the way of life of its people. In addition, it has the largest and most well-organized national parks in all of West Africa.
The rainforests of Côte d'Ivoire are being cut down rapidly; the only remaining virgin forest can be seen in national park Kamoe, the largest and most famous park in the country. Here you will see tropical trees 50 meters high, endlessly long vines and rare species animals: chimpanzees, wild dogs, countless birds. The park cannot be visited just like that. It is necessary to obtain permission from the Ministry of Forests, which is located in Abidjan.
Museums
The Museum of Civilization in Abidjan is the main museum in the country. Its collection is interesting, the museum itself is small, but the exhibition is arranged somewhat chaotically and is inconvenient for viewing, all the charm of the collection disappears. The basis of the exhibition is the folk art of the Baule and Yakuba tribes, ivory crafts, ritual masks, household items and much more.
Climate of Cote d'Ivoire: Tropical along the coast, semi-arid in the far north. Three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and humid (June to October).
Resorts
Good beaches are located along the town of Sassandra. Sassandra was once the country's main port, but a modern maritime terminal was built in the neighboring town of San Pedro and its role has declined. After that, it became a calm, tourist destination, home to numerous surf schools.
Leisure
Côte d'Ivoire will appeal to connoisseurs of African culture. Every year there are lavish celebrations and colorful festivals dedicated to local deities and Independence Day. The most significant event is the Mask Festival in February.
Beach holidays in Côte d'Ivoire are standard, but many travelers come here not to blissfully do nothing, but to surf.
Relief of Cote d'Ivoire: Mostly flat. Mountains in the northwest.
Transport
There are no direct flights from Ivory Coast to Russia. Transfers are possible in European capitals or in Morocco. From neighboring countries you can get here by bus or train (there is a train connection with Burkina Faso).
Surprisingly, the country has good roads. There is a separate lane for public transport (which is not the case in many Russian cities, alas). The city of Abidjan is famous for its modern interchanges; traveling by car is a great pleasure.
Standard of living
Cote d'Ivoire is one of the most developed countries on the west coast. Well developed here Agriculture(major suppliers of cocoa and coffee throughout the world). More recently, oil and natural gas deposits were discovered in the country. More than 80% of the country's population is engaged in agriculture. Working conditions on the plantations are very bad: 16-hour working days, absence social guarantees and low wages. But workers have to put up with this; there is unemployment in the country.
Cote d'Ivoire has resources such as: Oil, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, quartz sand, clay, coffee, palm oil, hydropower.
Cities of Ivory Coast
Abidjan is the main city of the country. Until 1984 it was the capital, now it’s just a huge metropolis where four million people live. This is a modern city with good roads and interchanges (there are even dedicated lanes for public transport). European travelers call Abidjan "African NY"due to the numerous skyscrapers and the fact that the city is partially located on small islands.
But you don't have to go far to see a typical African cityscape. It is enough to go beyond the main streets: market collapses and slums are already here.
Yamoussoukro is the capital of the country. This city is the birthplace of the first president of independent Côte d'Ivoire, so the capital was moved here from Abidjan. Here is the largest Catholic church in the world: the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Peace (Notre-Dame de la Paix). Just over 200 thousand people live in Yamoussoukro.
Population
Coordinates
Region de Lagune 5.34111 x -4.02806 Region de Lagune 5.41889 x -4.02056 Vallée du Bandama region 7.68949 x -5.02177 Region du Sassandra 6.87736 x -6.45022 San Pedro Region du Bas-Sassandra 4.73333 x -6.61667 Yamoussoukro Region de Lax 6.82055 x -5.27674 Region de Savannah Region de Dix-Huit Montagnes 7.41251 x -7.55383 Region du Sud-Bandama Region du Fromager 6.12926 x -5.94371 Abengourou Region du Moyen-Tsomoye 6.72972 x -3.49639 Region de Lagune 5.49583 x -4.05472 Agboville Region de l'Agneby 5.93417 x -4.22139 Grand Bassam Region du Sud-Tsomoye The small state in western Africa has long been known to the world as the Land of Slaves, the Land of Grain and the place of the Golden Embankments. The material will introduce you to the country whose name translates as Ivory Coast. Tourists are interested in what kind of people live in this country, what kind of nature there is, what kind of capital it is. Thousands of guests come to Ivory Coast every year for this attraction. The thing is that this city was built by the French, and the local architecture is very close to architecture but at the same time has its own zest. The territory of the modern republic began to be populated at the beginning of the Stone Age. The first inhabitants were the pygmies. But they led a nomadic lifestyle. Therefore, soon other tribes came to these lands, those that still live in the state. With the development of colonial conquest, the migration of peoples stopped. Since the end of the 15th century, Europe exported gold, timber and coffee beans from these regions. 1893 the land was declared Tribes constantly fought for independence. The maximum uprisings occurred during army recruitment in connection with the First World War. In 1934, the capital of Côte d'Ivoire was proclaimed. Abidjan became it. Soon, in 1945, the first party was founded, which until then had been a union of local farmers. Felix Houphouet-Boigny created and headed the organization. In 1957, the country received autonomy status. And on August 7, 1960 it became an independent state. The leader of the above-mentioned party was elected president. By 1979, the state had grown economically. It ranked first in the export of coffee beans. The following years were characterized by drought. This resulted in a decline in development. Abidjan is the first official capital. Cote d'Ivoire is a unique region where each settlement has its own legend. This city was no exception. The myth says that when the first European military men intended to build a port on these shores and disembarked from their ships, they met the local population. The peasants carried baskets with cut leaves and branches on their heads. One of the men asked the Africans what the name of this village was. But the poor did not understand French, in which people from distant lands addressed them. Moreover, they perceived the unknown words as a threat. One man thought that the visitors were dissatisfied with their work. Then the daredevil shouted back to them: “Abidjan,” which meant “these are cut branches.” The Europeans marked the place on the map. The temporary capital has a long history. Cote d'Ivoire is an old country, but it began to grow only at the end of the 19th century. Abidjan was founded in 1896 by French settlers. It is located on the coast and consists of four peninsulas within the Ebrier Lagoon. The population of the city, whose name still sounds like “cut leaves” in the Ebriye dialect, is about 4 million people (and another million if you include the suburbs). Almost everyone speaks French, which is why the city is called the Paris of Africa. This is the second place in the world in terms of the number of French-speaking people (the championship belongs to the city of the Eiffel Tower). Despite the fact that the new capital of Cote d'Ivoire is Yamoussoukro, Abidjan maintains its leadership position. It is the center of political life. It is the permanent place of work of the president and ministers. Construction is actively developing here, so another unofficial name is New York of Africa. This is the territory of museums, stadiums and theaters. It has an airport and two ports. Abidjan is also a city of footballers, more than twenty of whom were finalists President Felix Houphouet-Boigny has done a lot for his country. It was under him that the republic flourished and developed. In 1983, a new capital was formed. Cote d'Ivoire was headed by Yamoussoukro. This city is the birthplace of the first ruler. This is the reason for the transfer of the center of the state. The settlement dates back to the end of the 19th century. It was founded by French colonialists. It was the first center of Ivory Coast until 1934, when Abidjan took its place. The area is located two hundred kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. The latter fact was the reason for the long road to economic recovery. The fact is that Europeans preferred to invest money in points that lie on the coastal zone. This is how Abidjan grew. That is why the current capital of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire remained unnoticed for a long time. The new history of the city began after the declaration of independence. With the reforms of Felix Houphouet-Boigny, the Ivory Coast began to rise. The center of the country has its own airport (only three cities accept planes). Agriculture is actively developing outside its borders. Yams, bananas, and cocoa beans are actively grown. Livestock is represented by goats and sheep. Although most industrial sites are concentrated in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro has food and wood processing companies in its territory. Although the center was moved, the seat of the central government and foreign ministries remained in Abidjan. Because of this, few foreigners knew that Yamoussoukro was the capital. Cote d'Ivoire developed well and quickly, and in the 1960-1980s they began to invest enormous amounts of money in the city. But already in the 80s, a noticeable crisis began. Declining prices for export goods had a negative impact on development. The climate in the country varies from tropical to equatorial. The whole year is characterized by high humidity and significant precipitation. The most rain falls in April-July and October-November. Average temperatures are +30. As of 2010, the city's population was almost 250,000. Most (more than 60%) come from the Bakongo and Bate-ke tribes. Despite the fact that the official language is French, many people communicate in their native dialect. The capital does not have a single high-quality higher education institution. Cote d'Ivoire today has a big problem with its education system. The center of student life is Abidjan. Every teenager dreams of going to study abroad. In terms of religious composition, more than 50% are Christians, although in the country as a whole, almost 40% profess Islam. This number of Muslims is due to the fact that a large share of them are illegal immigrants and foreign workers. Tourism is now actively developing. Golden beaches and exotic destinations are attracting more and more travelers. Not only the nature of the country is unique, but also its architecture. Supporters of this art can look at national clay houses covered with palm leaves, or give preference to modern creations. The pride of Yamoussoukro is the Church of Notre-Dame de la Paix. Anyone who likes religious architecture knows where to go. They know what kind of country it is, what its capital is. Cote d'Ivoire has long called the building its calling card. It was built on the model of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. The height is 158 meters. The number of parishioners that the church can accommodate is 11,000. It was decorated with marble from Italy and French colored glass. Ghana on a map of Africa Geographical position Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is a state off the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Neighbors include Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Liberia and Guinea; the southern coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Guinea. Coastline cut by numerous lagoons. Territory area - 322.46 thousand km². The climate is equatorial, in the north - subequatorial. The temperature in the south remains almost unchanged throughout the year, remaining between +26-28 °C. In the north, average monthly temperatures vary much more: from +12 °C in January (at this time sandstorms - hamartans - come from the Sahara) to +40 °C in June - July. Precipitation is unevenly distributed: in southern regions During the year they fall up to 2400 mm, in the northern regions - almost half less - 1200-1800 mm. There are two distinct rainy seasons: from April to July and from October to November. Flora and fauna Forests in areas with an equatorial climate are characterized by a wide variety of tree species and various types tropical plants including pineapples, banana palms, coffee trees etc. Areas where the equatorial climate gives way to subequatorial climate are arid. The fauna is typical for West African countries: monkeys, antelopes, elephants, hippos live here; Predators include leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals. The forests of Côte d'Ivoire are home to many snakes. State structure Political structure is a republic headed by a president. The legislative body is the unicameral National Assembly. The administrative-territorial division of the country is represented by 19 districts. The local currency is the CFA franc. Formally, the capital of Côte d'Ivoire is the city of Yamoussoukro, but all the most important government institutions and the residence of the president of the republic are located in the city of Abidjan. Population The population is 22.8 million people. In terms of ethnic composition, the inhabitants of Côte d'Ivoire are practically no different from the inhabitants of other countries of Guinean Africa: there are more than 60 large and small nations in the country. Official language- French, but in everyday life the local languages of three main subgroups are widespread - Mande, Voltaic and Guinean. Traditional cults are popular among the majority of the population; 25% are Muslims, 11% are Protestant Christians. Economy Cote d'Ivoire is an agricultural country. Main commercial crops: coffee, cocoa, rubber, bananas, oil palms. The country's subsoil is rich in minerals: granite rocks, diamonds, bauxite, tin and iron ores. The first Europeans to arrive on the Guinean coast of West Africa in the mid-15th century. the Portuguese arrived. For a long time, almost to late XIX c., this region of the continent was a “gold mine” for European slave traders, who founded fortified colony forts here. At the beginning of the 20th century. the territory of modern Côte d'Ivoire was captured by the French and included it in French West Africa, after the collapse, which in 1960 formed several new independent states on the African continent, including Ivory Coast. In 1983, the capital of the state was moved from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro. Attractions When entering the country, you must have a medical certificate indicating vaccination against yellow fever. The tallest Christian cathedral on the planet, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix, is located in the city of Yamoussoukro. The height of the structure, including the dome and cross, is 158 m. Côte d'Ivoire is a kind of working ethnographic museum, since on the territory of the country you can meet representatives of almost all nationalities inhabiting the Guinean coast of West Africa. Delving deeper into the state, the culture of the tribes inhabiting these lands becomes less urban and more distinctive. And in both capitals there are constantly major festivals and holidays that feature religious observances and celebrations of Christians, Muslims and local traditional customs. Until 1986, in Russian the name of the state sounded exactly like this: Republic of Ivory Coast. The elephant is the country's most valuable animal and a source of ivory. The country was named after this. Ivory Coast – former colony France. Ivory Coast is a country of great ethnic diversity, with more than 60 ethnic groups. It borders Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana, and is washed by the Gulf of Guinea in the south. Atlantic Ocean. Flag– is a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 2:3 with vertical stripes of orange, white and green. Coat of arms– in the center of the emblem is the head of an elephant. This is the most common animal in Côte d'Ivoire, a source of ivory, in honor of which the country and people are named. The rising sun is a traditional symbol of a new beginning. On the ribbon below French the name of the state is written. The coat of arms was adopted in 2001. Form of government- presidential republic. Incumbent since 2011 Alassane Ouattara Currency– CFA franc. Relatively good infrastructure. Growing oil and gas industry, significant foreign investment. The country is Africa's largest exporter of palm oil and natural rubber. The main export crops, in addition to cocoa and coffee, include bananas, cotton, sugar cane, and tobacco. Also developed cultivation coconut tree, peanuts. Wood harvesting The country's football team at the 2010 World Cup. A tropical forest It is a predominantly flat country, the coastal zone is covered with dense tropical forests. In the north and center of the country there is a vast savannah. The climate is equatorial in the south and subequatorial in the north. The main rivers are Sassandra, Bandama and Comoe. None of them are navigable more than 65 km from the mouth due to numerous rapids and a sharp decrease in water levels during the dry season. African leopard Traditional folk dwelling Wooden sculpture, including ritual masks, is popular. In addition to traditional figurines depicting ancestors, animals and patron spirits, Baule craftsmen make small toy figures for children. House painting The production of batik is developed - original paintings on fabrics depicting animals or plant patterns. Artist Ben Heine born in 1983 in Abidjan (Republic of Cote d'Ivoire), and now lives and works in Brussels. He is not only a talented illustrator, but also a polyglot: he is fluent in English, French and Dutch, and also speaks a little Polish , Spanish and Russian. Exhibitions of his works are held in many countries around the world. Conditions for the development of the tourism industry are good: favorable climate, a variety of rich flora and fauna, sandy beaches coast of the Gulf of Guinea and the original culture of local peoples. Attractions in Abidjan: National Museum(traditional arts and crafts, including a rich collection of masks), Chardy art gallery. A protected area in the Nimba Mountains in the territories of Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire. Located in the west of the country, on the border with Liberia. Created to protect one of the last tracts of equatorial rainforest in West Africa. The park is the last large remnant of the Upper Guinea jungle, which once occupied the territories of modern Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. About 90% tropical forests Cote d'Ivoire have been destroyed in the last 50 years. 1,300 species grow in the park higher plants, of which about 50 are endemic. The elephant population is about 750 individuals. Established in 1977, the park was originally designated a World Heritage Site due to the diversity of plants along the banks of the Comoe River, including intact areas of tropical rainforest. The floodplains along the Comoe River create seasonal grasslands that provide grazing land for the hippopotamus population. Three existing types African crocodiles (Nile, African narrow-snouted and blunt-snouted) live in various areas of the park, and migratory birds use its seasonal wetlands. The park is home to rare species of animals: the golden-helmeted kalao, the hyena-like dog, and the blunt-snouted crocodile. Golden-helmed kalao wild dog French colonial capital from 1893 to 1896, when administration was moved to Bingerville following an outbreak of yellow fever. Grand-Bassam remained the main port of the colony until the 1930s, when this function was transferred to Abidjan. The largest city in Cote d'Ivoire and the second most populous French-speaking city in the world after Paris. Its population is 3,802,000 people. Located on 4 peninsulas on the shores of the Ebrier Lagoon. Founded in 1896. Presidential palace The building, 158 m high, can accommodate 7,000 seated parishioners and another 11,000 for standing parishioners. For the construction of the basilica, marble was imported from Italy and colored glass from France. In the territory of modern Cote d'Ivoire in the 1st century BC they lived pygmies(a group of short Negroid peoples). It was the time of the Stone Age, the pygmies were engaged in hunting and gathering. Gradually, other African peoples began to move here, the first of them being the Senufo. The first Europeans began to land on the shores of modern Cote d'Ivoire in the 15th century. First of all, they were the Portuguese, as well as the Dutch and Danes. The Europeans bought ivory, gold, and slaves from the aborigines. The country's independence was proclaimed on August 7, 1960. Leader of the Democratic Party Houphouet-Boigny became its president. The principle of the inviolability of private property was proclaimed, but the country continued to remain an agricultural and raw material appendage of France, albeit with a good economy: in 1979, the Ivory Coast became the world leader in the production of cocoa beans. At the end of the 1990s. political instability increased. On December 25, 1999, a military coup took place in the country, organized by Robert Guei, a former army officer. He held presidential elections in 2000, but did not win them; the leader of the opposition was recognized as the winner of the elections Laurent Gbagbo. On September 19, 2002, a military mutiny was carried out against him in Abidjan, organized by Robert Guei. During the rebellion, Gaei was killed. The rebellion was suppressed, but served as the beginning of a civil war between political factions representing the north and south of the country. Since late 2002, Liberia has intervened in the conflict. France took Gbagbo’s side and helped the president with its armed forces. Coffee Country
City of Cut Leaves
The secret center
Homeland of the head of state
Provincial capital
General information
Heart of the capital
(all pictures are clickable)
Map of Cote d'IvoireState symbols
The orange stripe symbolizes the savanna and the fertility of the land in the north of the country, the white stripe symbolizes peace and unity, and the green stripe symbolizes hope and forests in the south of the country.
The flag of Niger has similar colors and the same interpretation, on which orange, white and green stripes are located horizontally. The flag was adopted on December 4, 1959.
State structure
Head of State– President, elected by direct vote for a term of 5 years with the possibility of re-election once. He appoints and removes the prime minister.
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Capital- Yamusukro.
The largest city- Abidjan.
Official language- French. There are about 60 African languages, of which the most widely spoken is Gyula(language of intertribal communication).
Territory– 322,460 km².
Administrative division– 19 regions, which are divided into 81 departments and 2 districts.
Population– 22,400,835 people. Average life expectancy: 55 years for men, 57 years for women. Urban population about 50%.
Religion– Muslims 39%, Christians 33% (represented by Catholics, Pentecostals from the Assemblies of God, Methodists, Adventists), aboriginal cults 11%, atheists 17%.
Economy– well-developed agriculture; important producer of cocoa (first place in the world) and coffee (third place in the world).
In the forests, valuable species of wood are harvested (including black (ebony) wood), and Hevea juice is collected (for the production of rubber). Sheep and goats are bred for agricultural needs; commercial fishing is carried out.
Oil and gas are produced mainly from continental shelf. Deposits of nickel, manganese and iron ores, bauxite, diamonds and gold are also being developed. Export: cocoa, coffee, timber, oil, cotton, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, fish. Import: petroleum products, industrial goods, food.
Education– literacy: 60% men, 38% women. Primary 6-year education is compulsory from the age of 6. Secondary 7-year education from age 12 takes place in two cycles. A network of educational institutions providing vocational and technical education has been created. The higher education system includes 3 universities and 8 colleges.
Sport- most popular look– football.
Armed forces– the national army was formed in 1961. The armed forces consist of ground forces, air force, navy, paramilitary presidential guard and a 10,000-strong contingent of reservists. Gendarmerie and police units. people In December 2001, compulsory military service was introduced.Nature
There are many national parks, in this regard the country ranks one of the first in West Africa.
Fauna: jackals, hyenas, leopards, elephants, chimpanzees, crocodiles, antelopes, hippopotamuses, buffalos, cheetahs, wild boars, lions, monkeys, panthers, etc. Several species of lizards and poisonous snakes. A lot of fish.Culture
Artistic folk crafts are developed: weaving baskets and mats from ropes, straw and reeds, pottery, painting external parties houses, manufacturing jewelry made of bronze, gold and copper, weaving.
Professional art began to develop after independence. Famous artist Kadjo Jdeims Hura.
He recently unveiled a series of huge 3D pencil drawings. Their highlight is that the master himself gets “inside” virtual reality, at least, looking at the paintings, this is exactly the impression one gets.
Modern literature based on the traditions of oral folk art and develops mainly in French. The most important of the writers is considered to be a poet, prose writer and playwright Bernard Dadier.
Music and dance art is an important part of the culture of the peoples of Côte d'Ivoire. musical instruments Balafons, tom-tom drums, guitars, kora (xylophone), rattles, horns, harps and lutes, rattles, trumpets and flutes are common.
In 1938, the Native Theater was created in Abidjan.
The first film “On the Dunes of Solitude” was shot by director T. Basori in 1963.Tourism
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ivory Coast
Mont Nimba
The reserve contains three main types of vegetation: mountain meadows, forests and savanna. Meadows grow on the top of the mountain. Lower down the slope there are myrtaceae. Forests are mainly located in the valleys and at the foot of the mountain. Endemic species also live on the territory of the reserve. The viviparous toad is found here, as well as the western subspecies of chimpanzee.
Tai National Park
It is located at an altitude of 80 to 396 m, the highest point is Mount Nyenokue. The park is located on a plateau intersected by several deep valleys. All drainage from the park occurs in the Kavalya River basin. There are swamps in the southwest of the park.
Among the mammals, there are 11 species of monkeys, including chimpanzees and several species of monkeys, pygmy hippopotamus, bongo, African buffalo, and several species of duikers.
Comoe National Park
Historic city of Grand-Bassam
Other attractions of the country
Abidjan
Yamoussoukro
The administrative capital of Cote d'Ivoire. Yamoussoukro is home to the largest church in the world - the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix, the architecture of which is reimagined based on the motifs of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome.
Story
In the XV-XVI centuries. The Mande tribes came from the north, pushing back the Senufo. At the beginning of the 18th century. The Mande created the state of Kong, which became an important trading and Islamic center in West Africa.Colonial period
But the first settlers were French missionaries who landed there in 1637. Their first settlement was destroyed by the aborigines. In 1687 a new French mission was created.
Since 1842, a new wave of French interest in the Ivory Coast began. They restored the fort of Grand-Bassam and their protectorate over almost all the coastal tribes.
From 1887, within two years, the French concluded treaties with most of the tribes from the coast to the modern northern border of the country. In 1892, borders were established with Liberia, in 1893 - with British colony Gold Coast (modern Ghana).
In 1895, Ivory Coast was incorporated into French West Africa. The French began to develop the production of export crops there (coffee, cocoa, bananas, etc.), mine diamonds, gold, manganese ore, and develop forest resources. They also developed infrastructure: they built railways, highways, and seaports.
In 1946, Ivory Coast was granted the status of an overseas territory of France. In March 1958, the Autonomous Republic of Ivory Coast was proclaimed.Independence
But in the 1980s. prices for coffee and cocoa on world markets fell, and in 1982-1983. There was a severe drought in the country. The economic recession began. In 1993, Houphouët-Boigny died, and the country was led by Henri Conan Bedier.
In 2003, an agreement was reached between the official authorities and the rebels to end the clashes, but the situation continued to remain unstable.
A lasting peace agreement was only signed in the spring of 2007.
At the end of 2010, presidential elections were held in Côte d'Ivoire, which resulted in an acute political crisis, and then civil war. During a joint operation between the UN and French troops, Laurent Gbagbo was removed from power and became the new president Alassane Ouattara.