Africa · Western Africa

Ivory Coast

Republic of Côte d'Ivoire

Flag of Ivory Coast
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC
🏛️ Capital
Yamoussoukro
👥 Population
31,719,275
📐 Area
322,463 km²
💱 Currency
West African CFA franc (Fr)
🗣️ Languages
French
📞 Calling Code
+225
🕐 Time Zones
UTC
🌐 Region
Africa / Western Africa

About Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast — officially Côte d'Ivoire — is West Africa's most economically dynamic country and one of its most rewarding travel destinations, a place where the vibrant energy of its commercial capital Abidjan, the largest French-speaking city on the continent after Paris, blends with lush tropical forests, mosaic-tiled Catholic basilicas, and the exuberant cultural traditions of over 60 distinct ethnic groups. When you arrive in Abidjan, you are immediately struck by its scale and modernity — glass towers reflect the Ébrié Lagoon, five-lane highways carry streams of vehicles, and the restaurant scene rivals any francophone capital for quality and ambition.

Away from Abidjan, Ivory Coast rewards slow exploration. The Taï National Park in the southwest protects one of West Africa's last remaining patches of primary tropical rainforest, home to chimpanzees, pygmy hippos, and over 140 mammal species. The man-made Kossou Lake in the centre of the country, created by Africa's largest dam, stretches through rolling savannahs where local fishermen paddle dugout canoes in the golden afternoon light. The northern town of Korhogo is the heartland of the Senufo people, renowned throughout the art world for their bronze casting, weaving, and mask-carving traditions that have influenced European modern art since the early 20th century.

The country's political stability, restored after a difficult decade of civil conflict that ended in 2011, has brought a remarkable economic renaissance and a growing confidence that is palpable throughout the country. Locals call it La Côte, and there is a distinct swagger to the way Abidjanais carry themselves — fashionably dressed, fluent in the Nouchi street French that mixes Dioula, English, and inventive slang, and intensely proud of a country whose cocoa and coffee exports fuel much of the world's morning rituals.

History & Background

Before European contact, the territory of modern Ivory Coast was home to a succession of powerful trading states. The Senufo people of the north, the Kong Empire (18th century), and the Mandé-speaking traders who brought Islam along the Saharan caravan routes all shaped the pre-colonial landscape. Portuguese navigators reached the coast in the 15th century, naming it after the lucrative ivory trade — the coast's elephants were among West Africa's densest populations before the trade decimated them. French influence grew through the 19th century, and after a series of military campaigns against Chief Samori Touré (one of West Africa's greatest resistance leaders), formal colonisation was established in 1893 as part of French West Africa.

Independence came on 7 August 1960 under Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who built close ties with France and created one of Africa's most prosperous post-colonial economies through cocoa and coffee exports. His legacy includes the extraordinary Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro — officially the world's largest Christian church — an eccentric monument to his political vision. After Houphouët-Boigny's death in 1993, political tensions around citizenship and ethnicity (Ivoirité) destabilised the country, leading to a 2002 civil war that split it in two along north-south lines. The 2010–2011 post-electoral crisis ended with Alassane Ouattara assuming the presidency and international recognition, beginning a remarkable period of economic recovery and political normalization that continues today.

Culture & People

Ivorian culture is extraordinarily rich and diverse, shaped by the traditions of over 60 distinct ethnic groups who speak languages from four major families — Kwa, Gur, Mande, and Kru — and who maintain distinct artistic, spiritual, and social traditions. French colonialism and the subsequent influence of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the country's founding president who ruled until 1993, layered a Francophone civic culture over these indigenous foundations, creating a society where Catholic churches stand beside mosques and traditional sacred groves, and where children study Victor Hugo in schools named after local chiefs. The result is a cultural syncretism that is creative, resilient, and intensely Ivorian.

Music is perhaps the country's most globally celebrated cultural export: coupé-décalé — a bass-heavy, brash, and joyful dance music that emerged from the Ivorian diaspora in Paris — took over West African dance floors in the early 2000s. Zouglou, an older social commentary music style born in the university campus dorms of Abidjan, remains deeply beloved at home. The Senufo, Baoulé, Bété, and other groups each maintain mask traditions, initiation ceremonies, and annual festivals that involve spectacular costumed performances, drumming, and communal feasting. Hospitality is a cultural cornerstone — guests are offered food before being asked their business, and refusing to eat is a significant social slight.

Food & Cuisine

Ivorian cuisine is a celebration of West Africa's tropical abundance — cassava, plantain, yam, rice, and an extraordinary variety of leafy greens, palm oil, and freshwater fish form the foundation of a cuisine that is earthy, flavourful, and deeply satisfying. Attiéké — fermented and grated cassava, with a texture similar to couscous and a pleasantly sour flavour — is the national staple, typically served with grilled fish (brochettes de poisson) marinated in spices, sliced tomatoes, and chilli. Garba, the street-food version of this dish sold from tin-roofed roadside stalls, is Abidjan's most beloved fast food and one of the cheapest, most authentic eating experiences in the city.

Groundnut (peanut) stew, palm-nut soup, and foutou (pounded plantain or yam eaten with the fingers) are staples across the country, varying in spicing and preparation from one ethnic group to the next. Seafood along the southern coast is excellent — fresh lobster, barracuda, and snapper are grilled directly over charcoal and served with rice and pepper sauce. In Abidjan's upscale restaurants and the many French-influenced brasseries of the Plateau neighbourhood, you can eat beautifully prepared Ivorian-French fusion cuisine alongside bottles of well-selected Bordeaux. The national drink is bangui — palm wine tapped fresh from the trees and sold in plastic bags or calabash gourds, mildly alcoholic and refreshingly different from anything found outside West Africa.

Top Attractions

  • Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro — The world's largest Christian church by area, a remarkable piece of papal-scale architecture rising improbably from the Ivorian bush, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1990.
  • Taï National Park — One of West Africa's last primary rainforests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to chimpanzees, pygmy hippos, and over 1,300 plant species; accessible via guided ranger treks.
  • Abidjan Treichville Market — The city's most atmospheric covered market, where vendors sell everything from griot-spiced chicken to handwoven kente cloth, fetish objects, and vibrant printed Ankara fabrics.
  • Korhogo and Senufo Villages — The cultural capital of northern Ivory Coast, where you can visit artisan workshops producing the distinctive Senufo mud-cloth textiles (korhogo cloth) and bronze-cast figurines.
  • Grand-Bassam — A UNESCO-listed colonial town 40 km from Abidjan with faded French colonial architecture, a long Atlantic beach, and excellent seafood restaurants — an easy and rewarding day trip.
  • Comoe National Park — West Africa's largest protected area, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covering savannahs, gallery forests, and the Comoé River, home to lions, elephants, and hippos.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Abidjan's road traffic is notoriously heavy — plan any city journeys to avoid morning (7–9am) and evening (5–8pm) rush hours, when gridlock can make short distances take hours.
  • Taxis in Abidjan operate as shared (woro-woro) or private — agree a fare before entering any private taxi; shared taxis follow fixed routes and are very affordable.
  • The CFA franc (XOF) is the currency, shared with several West African neighbours; credit cards are accepted at major hotels and supermarkets, but cash is essential for markets and restaurants.
  • French is the official language; learning a few basic French phrases significantly improves interactions outside tourist areas, where little English is spoken.
  • Malaria is present throughout the country — begin anti-malarial medication as prescribed before departure and use DEET-based mosquito repellent and bed nets consistently.
  • Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry — carry your International Certificate of Vaccination at all times as it may be checked at borders and some hotels.
  • Photography requires sensitivity — always ask permission before photographing people, markets, and religious ceremonies; some northern communities prohibit photography of sacred objects.

Visa Overview

Most visitors to Ivory Coast require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan for citizens of many Western countries. The visa-on-arrival fee is typically around USD 70 for a 90-day single-entry visa. Citizens of ECOWAS (West African Economic Community) member states may enter without a visa. It is advisable to check with the nearest Ivorian embassy before travel, as visa policies and on-arrival availability can change. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry.

Getting Around

Getting around Ivory Coast requires flexibility. Within Abidjan, the city's lagoon-straddling geography means that water taxis (pinasses) crossing the Ébrié Lagoon are often faster than road transport during rush hour. Interurban buses (UTB, STC) connect major cities including San Pédro, Bouaké, and Yamoussoukro, with journey times of three to seven hours. Bush taxis (minibuses) serve smaller towns and villages but depart only when full. Roads vary considerably in quality — northern routes often require a 4WD vehicle, especially after rain. Domestic flights operate between Abidjan and Korhogo.

Safety Notes

Ivory Coast has made substantial progress in security since the 2011 political crisis, and Abidjan and southern tourist areas are generally safe for visitors exercising normal precautions. Petty theft and opportunistic crime occur in crowded markets and bus stations. The northern border regions with Burkina Faso and Mali carry heightened risk due to Sahel security instability — check your government's current travel advisory before visiting remote northern areas. Driving after dark outside cities is inadvisable due to poor road conditions and livestock on roadways.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Ivory Coast.

West African CFA franc (XOF) Fr
Updated: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.024315
AAVE 0.000020
ADA 0.009285
AED 0.006401
AFN 0.110812
AGIX 0.022339
AKT 0.002779
ALGO 0.019470
ALL 0.142868
AMD 0.641334
AMP 3.907483
ANG 0.003143
AOA 1.600667
APE 0.012433
APT 0.002787
AR 0.000873
ARB 0.021790
ARS 2.601387
ATOM 0.001102
ATS 0.020977
AUD 0.002516
AVAX 0.000252
AWG 0.003120
AXS 0.001726
AZM 14.814629
AZN 0.002963
BAKE 2.319545
BAM 0.002982
BAT 0.019790
BBD 0.003486
BCH 0.000007
BDT 0.214853
BEF 0.061498
BGN 0.002982
BHD 0.000655
BIF 5.188618
BMD 0.001743
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002253
BOB 0.012073
BRL 0.009007
BSD 0.001743
BSV 0.000118
BSW 5.207423
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.032889
BTG 0.006040
BTN 0.166054
BTT 6,571.739005
BUSD 0.001741
BWP 0.023523
BYN 0.005061
BYR 34.164096
BZD 0.003510
CAD 0.002477
CAKE 0.001204
CDF 4.021288
CELO 0.025942
CFX 0.038957
CHF 0.001402
CHZ 0.096541
CLP 1.605557
CNH 0.011837
CNY 0.011832
COMP 0.000104
COP 5.825689
CRC 0.794215
CRO 0.029159
CRV 0.008153
CSPR 0.897419
CUC 0.001743
CUP 0.046191
CVE 0.168106
CVX 0.001449
CYP 0.000892
CZK 0.036872
DAI 0.001744
DASH 0.000050
DCR 0.000157
DEM 0.002982
DFI 2.097825
DJF 0.310398
DKK 0.011395
DOGE 0.022554
DOP 0.103295
DOT 0.001998
DYDX 0.013197
DZD 0.231795
EEK 0.023853
EGLD 0.000631
EGP 0.085615
ENJ 0.060223
EOS 0.024063
ERN 0.026143
ESP 0.253654
ETB 0.278786
ETC 0.000245
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001524
EURC 0.001526
FEI 0.001744
FIL 0.002207
FIM 0.009064
FJD 0.003914
FKP 0.001306
FLOW 0.062192
FLR 0.250744
FRAX 0.001762
FRF 0.0100
FTT 0.007317
GALA 0.760786
GBP 0.001306
GEL 0.004578
GGP 0.001306
GHC 198.010215
GHS 0.019801
GIP 0.001306
GMD 0.128529
GMX 0.000294
GNF 15.280923
GNO 0.000017
GRD 0.519470
GRT 0.091864
GT 0.000257
GTQ 0.013304
GUSD 0.001745
GYD 0.364815
HBAR 0.023082
HKD 0.013670
HNL 0.046661
HNT 0.007273
HOT 4.829819
HRK 0.011486
HT 0.048645
HTG 0.228136
HUF 0.539064
ICP 0.000791
IDR 31.359082
IEP 0.001201
ILS 0.005235
IMP 0.001306
IMX 0.012615
INJ 0.000357
INR 0.166054
IQD 2.285277
IRR 2,398.371797
ISK 0.219529
ITL 2.951825
JEP 0.001306
JMD 0.276114
JOD 0.001236
JPY 0.282088
KAS 0.056818
KAVA 0.038629
KCS 0.000241
KDA 0.299033
KES 0.225341
KGS 0.152441
KHR 6.988726
KMF 0.7500
KNC 0.015636
KPW 1.568760
KRW 2.671618
KSM 0.000495
KWD 0.000541
KYD 0.001450
KZT 0.823943
LAK 39.405256
LBP 156.518164
LDO 0.006452
LEO 0.000186
LINK 0.000218
LKR 0.583688
LRC 0.141854
LRD 0.316552
LSL 0.028329
LTC 0.000039
LTL 0.005264
LUF 0.061498
LUNA 0.035490
LUNC 28.388190
LVL 0.001071
LYD 0.011180
MAD 0.016320
MANA 0.025048
MBX 0.069301
MDL 0.030677
MGA 7.396034
MGF 36.980170
MINA 0.036763
MKD 0.093911
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.658912
MNT 6.246787
MOP 0.014080
MRO 0.696062
MRU 0.069606
MTL 0.000654
MUR 0.081928
MVR 0.026944
MWK 3.023294
MXN 0.030465
MXV 0.003454
MYR 0.007106
MZM 111.312785
MZN 0.111313
NAD 0.028329
NEAR 0.000875
NEO 0.000881
NEXO 0.002266
NFT 6,576.469597
NGN 2.388257
NIO 0.064158
NLG 0.003360
NOK 0.017144
NPR 0.265811
NZD 0.003063
OKB 0.000022
OMR 0.000671
ONE 1.394409
OP 0.016212
ORDI 0.000537
PAB 0.001743
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.005935
PEPE 638.995869
PGK 0.007668
PHP 0.107211
PI 0.015407
PKR 0.484891
PLN 0.006544
POL 0.023699
PTE 0.305633
PYG 10.601398
QAR 0.006344
QNT 0.000026
QTUM 0.002452
ROL 79.670002
RON 0.007967
RPL 0.000861
RSD 0.178810
RUB 0.134304
RUNE 0.004214
RVN 0.457320
RWF 2.554863
SAND 0.034932
SAR 0.006536
SBD 0.014104
SCR 0.024906
SDD 104.616602
SDG 1.046166
SEK 0.016824
SGD 0.002253
SHIB 398.078084
SHP 0.001306
SIT 0.365329
SKK 0.045927
SLE 0.039808
SLL 39.807698
SNX 0.007611
SOL 0.000022
SOS 0.995266
SPL 0.000290
SRD 0.065611
SRG 65.610719
SSP 8.277345
STD 37.627164
STN 0.037627
STX 0.010193
SUI 0.002333
SVC 0.015250
SYP 0.192665
SZL 0.028329
THB 0.057934
THETA 0.012424
TJS 0.016155
TMM 30.580799
TMT 0.006116
TND 0.005138
TOP 0.004197
TRL 81,594.535810
TRX 0.005307
TRY 0.081595
TTD 0.011810
TUSD 0.001747
TVD 0.002516
TWD 0.055930
TWT 0.005070
TZS 4.579654
UAH 0.077673
UGX 6.369447
UNI 0.000551
USD 0.001743
USDC 0.001743
USDD 0.001745
USDP 0.001748
USDT 0.001745
UYU 0.070150
UZS 20.858647
VAL 2.951825
VEB 112,319,045.333648
VED 1.123090
VEF 112,309.045596
VES 1.123090
VET 0.369456
VND 45.838578
VUV 0.209482
WAVES 0.006559
WEMIX 0.006732
WOO 0.147197
WST 0.004821
XAF 1.0000
XAG 0.000028
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004718
XCG 0.003143
XCH 0.001106
XDC 0.062028
XDR 0.001286
XEC 328.111379
XEM 4.071317
XLM 0.008730
XMR 0.000005
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.181920
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001522
XTZ 0.007004
YER 0.413055
ZAR 0.028329
ZEC 0.000004
ZIL 0.564995
ZMK 31.980970
ZMW 0.031981
ZWD 0.630755
ZWG 0.046751
ZWL 116.817239

No currencies match your search.

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Ivory Coast needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Ivory Coast?
The capital of Ivory Coast is Yamoussoukro.
What currency does Ivory Coast use?
Ivory Coast uses the West African CFA franc (Fr) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Ivory Coast?
The official language(s) of Ivory Coast include French.
What is the population of Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast has a population of approximately 31,719,275 people.
What region is Ivory Coast in?
Ivory Coast is located in Africa, specifically in the Western Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Ivory Coast?
The international dialing code for Ivory Coast is +225.
What time zones does Ivory Coast observe?
Ivory Coast observes the following time zone(s): UTC.
What is the current time in Ivory Coast?
The local time in Ivory Coast is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast covers a total area of 322,463 km².
How many states or provinces does Ivory Coast have?
Ivory Coast is divided into 20 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Ivory Coast in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Ivory Coast in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Ivory Coast?
Visa requirements for citizens of Ivory Coast vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.