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: 2026-05-19
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.019391
AAVE 0.000020
ADA 0.007059
AED 0.006518
AFN 0.110934
AKT 0.002202
ALGO 0.016527
ALL 0.145650
AMD 0.653146
AMP 2.121101
ANG 0.003197
AOA 1.630190
APE 0.012306
APT 0.001880
AR 0.000831
ARB 0.015184
ARS 2.477639
ATOM 0.000863
ATS 0.020977
AUD 0.002487
AVAX 0.000192
AWG 0.003177
AXS 0.001511
AZM 15.084970
AZN 0.003017
BAKE 2.400301
BAM 0.002982
BAT 0.018318
BBD 0.003549
BCH 0.000005
BDT 0.218081
BEF 0.061498
BGN 0.002982
BHD 0.000667
BIF 5.286949
BMD 0.001775
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002272
BOB 0.012300
BRL 0.008891
BSD 0.001775
BSV 0.000118
BSW 2.073411
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.004613
BTN 0.171061
BTT 5,516.165249
BUSD 0.001776
BWP 0.024127
BYN 0.004880
BYR 48.803941
BZD 0.003572
CAD 0.002440
CAKE 0.001255
CDF 4.072838
CELO 0.022055
CFX 0.030138
CHF 0.001395
CHZ 0.036095
CLP 1.599047
CNH 0.012075
CNY 0.012071
COMP 0.000081
COP 6.742316
CRC 0.803433
CRO 0.025396
CRV 0.007522
CSPR 0.600763
CUC 0.001775
CUP 0.042584
CVE 0.168106
CVX 0.001023
CYP 0.000892
CZK 0.037061
DAI 0.001776
DASH 0.000041
DCR 0.000105
DEM 0.002982
DFI 1.807280
DJF 0.315787
DKK 0.011392
DOGE 0.017015
DOP 0.105055
DOT 0.001421
DYDX 0.012270
DZD 0.235605
EEK 0.023853
EGLD 0.000453
EGP 0.094631
ENJ 0.041320
EOS 0.021939
ERN 0.026620
ESP 0.253654
ETB 0.279453
ETC 0.000199
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001524
EURC 0.001523
FEI 0.001781
FIL 0.001839
FIM 0.009064
FJD 0.003913
FKP 0.001323
FLOW 0.049182
FLR 0.212454
FRAX 0.001787
FRF 0.0100
FTT 0.005493
GALA 0.527820
GBP 0.001323
GEL 0.004741
GGP 0.001323
GHC 203.023699
GHS 0.020302
GIP 0.001323
GMD 0.131103
GMX 0.000268
GNF 15.567248
GNO 0.000015
GRD 0.519470
GRT 0.070562
GT 0.000250
GTQ 0.013529
GUSD 0.001779
GYD 0.371172
HBAR 0.019716
HKD 0.013898
HNL 0.047211
HNT 0.002155
HOT 4.472853
HRK 0.011486
HT 0.012238
HTG 0.232286
HUF 0.549722
ICP 0.000687
IDR 31.456689
IEP 0.001201
ILS 0.005151
IMP 0.001323
IMX 0.010425
INJ 0.000340
INR 0.171061
IQD 2.325314
IRR 2,339.333764
ISK 0.218611
ITL 2.951825
JEP 0.001323
JMD 0.280627
JOD 0.001258
JPY 0.282059
KAS 0.051354
KAVA 0.030815
KCS 0.000222
KDA 0.213354
KES 0.229501
KGS 0.155245
KHR 7.117762
KLAY 0.034119
KMF 0.7500
KNC 0.012360
KPW 1.597191
KRW 2.671229
KSM 0.000356
KWD 0.000546
KYD 0.001476
KZT 0.832741
LAK 38.927058
LBP 159.097755
LDO 0.004983
LEO 0.000176
LINK 0.000183
LKR 0.591042
LRC 0.109505
LRD 0.325264
LSL 0.029547
LTC 0.000033
LTL 0.005264
LUF 0.061498
LUNA 0.028039
LUNC 22.579073
LVL 0.001071
LYD 0.011269
MAD 0.016332
MANA 0.020137
MBX 0.045322
MDL 0.030711
MGA 7.425938
MGF 37.129688
MINA 0.031067
MKD 0.093945
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.725521
MNT 6.351599
MOP 0.014315
MRO 0.709566
MRU 0.070957
MTL 0.000654
MUR 0.083913
MVR 0.027409
MWK 3.088782
MXN 0.030711
MXV 0.003475
MYR 0.007053
MZM 113.350526
MZN 0.113351
NAD 0.029547
NEAR 0.001100
NEO 0.000614
NEXO 0.001995
NFT 6,274.777524
NGN 2.433220
NIO 0.065234
NLG 0.003360
NOK 0.016458
NPR 0.273826
NZD 0.003031
OKB 0.000022
OMR 0.000683
ONE 0.865796
OP 0.013823
ORDI 0.000426
PAB 0.001775
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.006073
PEPE 481.910841
PGK 0.007841
PHP 0.109518
PI 0.011692
PKR 0.494441
PLN 0.006467
POL 0.019524
PTE 0.305633
PYG 10.801583
QAR 0.006460
QNT 0.000024
QTUM 0.001965
ROL 79.417597
RON 0.007942
RPL 0.001023
RSD 0.178929
RUB 0.128621
RUNE 0.003965
RVN 0.321113
RWF 2.594807
SAND 0.024643
SAR 0.006655
SBD 0.014209
SCR 0.026054
SDD 106.522710
SDG 1.065227
SEK 0.016698
SGD 0.002272
SHIB 307.893823
SHP 0.001323
SIT 0.365329
SKK 0.045927
SLE 0.040649
SLL 40.649170
SNX 0.005729
SOL 0.000021
SOS 1.014125
SPL 0.000296
SRD 0.066063
SRG 66.062690
SSP 8.367030
STD 37.752649
STN 0.037753
STX 0.007429
SUI 0.001677
SVC 0.015529
SYP 0.196167
SZL 0.029547
THB 0.057891
THETA 0.008989
TJS 0.016519
TMM 31.121252
TMT 0.006224
TND 0.005154
TON 0.000882
TOP 0.004222
TRL 80,896.793623
TRX 0.004976
TRY 0.080897
TTD 0.012038
TUSD 0.001777
TVD 0.002487
TWD 0.056147
TWT 0.003714
TZS 4.617794
UAH 0.078338
UGX 6.688289
UNI 0.000503
USD 0.001775
USDC 0.001775
USDD 0.001777
USDP 0.001777
USDT 0.001776
UYU 0.071136
UZS 21.353183
VAL 2.951825
VEB 91,809,632.725323
VED 0.918055
VEF 91,805.536798
VES 0.918055
VET 0.263460
VND 46.728455
VUV 0.210717
WAVES 0.004669
WEMIX 0.006570
WOO 0.105086
WST 0.004783
XAF 1.0000
XAG 0.000023
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004805
XCG 0.003197
XCH 0.000639
XDC 0.057090
XDR 0.001298
XEC 241.936057
XEM 2.666569
XLM 0.012089
XMR 0.000005
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.181920
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001284
XTZ 0.005190
YER 0.423478
ZAR 0.029547
ZEC 0.000003
ZIL 0.451396
ZMK 33.541740
ZMW 0.033542
ZWD 0.642262
ZWG 0.045983
ZWL 114.898216

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.