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: 2026-08-20
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.020578
AAVE 0.000019
ADA 0.009566
AED 0.006540
AFN 0.116556
AGIX 0.031297
AKT 0.003464
ALGO 0.021632
ALL 0.141298
AMD 0.646426
AMP 4.642234
ANG 0.003190
AOA 1.635473
APE 0.013848
APT 0.003183
AR 0.000958
ARB 0.020360
ARS 2.666023
ATOM 0.001193
ATS 0.020977
AUD 0.002505
AVAX 0.000263
AWG 0.003188
AXS 0.001976
AZM 15.136571
AZN 0.003027
BAKE 2.560106
BAM 0.002982
BAT 0.028480
BBD 0.003562
BCH 0.000008
BDT 0.216685
BEF 0.061498
BGN 0.002982
BHD 0.000670
BIF 5.296727
BMD 0.001781
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002264
BOB 0.020454
BRL 0.009222
BSD 0.001781
BSV 0.000111
BSW 4.913826
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.030087
BTG 0.004058
BTN 0.170284
BTT 6,545.602639
BUSD 0.001780
BWP 0.023953
BYN 0.005384
BYR 34.898812
BZD 0.003577
CAD 0.002458
CAKE 0.001105
CDF 4.082357
CELO 0.028456
CFX 0.040659
CHF 0.001422
CHZ 0.139308
CLP 1.641164
CNH 0.011977
CNY 0.011977
COMP 0.000097
COP 5.436450
CRC 0.801742
CRO 0.035739
CRV 0.006825
CSPR 0.666775
CUC 0.001781
CUP 0.047185
CVE 0.168106
CVX 0.001101
CYP 0.000892
CZK 0.036846
DAI 0.001781
DASH 0.000056
DCR 0.000151
DEM 0.002982
DFI 1.789675
DJF 0.316293
DKK 0.011397
DOGE 0.023720
DOP 0.104004
DOT 0.002250
DYDX 0.016189
DZD 0.236339
EEK 0.023853
EGLD 0.000627
EGP 0.090201
ENJ 0.070377
EOS 0.026983
ERN 0.026712
ESP 0.253654
ETB 0.289411
ETC 0.000270
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001524
EURC 0.001535
FEI 0.001779
FIL 0.002645
FIM 0.009064
FJD 0.003918
FKP 0.001309
FLOW 0.061593
FLR 0.276969
FRAX 0.001796
FRF 0.0100
FTT 0.008580
GALA 1.235874
GBP 0.001309
GEL 0.004640
GGP 0.001309
GHC 197.052674
GHS 0.019705
GIP 0.001309
GMD 0.131966
GMX 0.000262
GNF 15.627885
GNO 0.000015
GRD 0.519470
GRT 0.127274
GT 0.000256
GTQ 0.013555
GUSD 0.001784
GYD 0.370419
HBAR 0.025127
HKD 0.013965
HNL 0.047609
HNT 0.010274
HOT 5.273416
HRK 0.011486
HT 0.015681
HTG 0.231617
HUF 0.554781
ICP 0.000768
IDR 31.701971
IEP 0.001201
ILS 0.005304
IMP 0.001309
IMX 0.017022
INJ 0.000383
INR 0.170284
IQD 2.319410
IRR 2,447.546247
ISK 0.216799
ITL 2.951825
JEP 0.001309
JMD 0.279754
JOD 0.001263
JPY 0.282003
KAS 0.066784
KAVA 0.043265
KCS 0.000244
KDA 0.379256
KES 0.230512
KGS 0.155900
KHR 7.172034
KLAY 0.072450
KMF 0.7500
KNC 0.016828
KPW 1.602497
KRW 2.481754
KSM 0.000578
KWD 0.000549
KYD 0.001479
KZT 0.821441
LAK 39.924454
LBP 159.175388
LDO 0.005256
LEO 0.000192
LINK 0.000170
LKR 0.585965
LRC 0.223846
LRD 0.322437
LSL 0.028672
LTC 0.000038
LTL 0.005264
LUF 0.061498
LUNA 0.040276
LUNC 35.248472
LVL 0.001071
LYD 0.011269
MAD 0.016481
MANA 0.026563
MBX 0.086115
MDL 0.030527
MGA 7.627547
MGF 38.137737
MINA 0.041672
MKD 0.094022
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.738741
MNT 6.406336
MOP 0.014384
MRO 0.709266
MRU 0.070927
MTL 0.000654
MUR 0.083645
MVR 0.027529
MWK 3.073781
MXN 0.030181
MXV 0.003445
MYR 0.007199
MZM 113.641542
MZN 0.113642
NAD 0.028672
NEAR 0.001021
NEO 0.000978
NEXO 0.002385
NFT 6,323.142085
NGN 2.398225
NIO 0.065342
NLG 0.003360
NOK 0.016611
NPR 0.272582
NZD 0.002996
OKB 0.000017
OMR 0.000685
ONE 2.468312
OP 0.020050
ORDI 0.000484
PAB 0.001781
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.005967
PEPE 614.756252
PGK 0.007995
PHP 0.109732
PI 0.019816
PKR 0.492301
PLN 0.006584
POL 0.021816
PTE 0.305633
PYG 10.655707
QAR 0.006482
QNT 0.000030
QTUM 0.002467
ROL 79.980558
RON 0.007998
RPL 0.001145
RSD 0.178895
RUB 0.149572
RUNE 0.004175
RVN 0.683124
RWF 2.611330
SAND 0.043114
SAR 0.006678
SBD 0.014247
SCR 0.025832
SDD 106.877867
SDG 1.068779
SEK 0.016806
SGD 0.002264
SHIB 375.842148
SHP 0.001309
SIT 0.365329
SKK 0.045927
SLE 0.040803
SLL 40.802814
SNX 0.008688
SOL 0.000021
SOS 1.009954
SPL 0.000297
SRD 0.067325
SRG 67.324613
SSP 10.095378
STD 37.593669
STN 0.037594
STX 0.013652
SUI 0.002523
SVC 0.015582
SYP 23.150732
SZL 0.028672
THB 0.058471
THETA 0.011848
TJS 0.016334
TMM 31.157763
TMT 0.006232
TND 0.005161
TOP 0.004242
TRL 85,398.139569
TRX 0.005331
TRY 0.085398
TTD 0.012038
TUSD 0.001783
TVD 0.002505
TWD 0.056696
TWT 0.004453
TZS 4.713368
UAH 0.079536
UGX 6.616672
UNI 0.000486
USD 0.001781
USDC 0.001780
USDD 0.001782
USDP 0.001783
USDT 0.001781
UYU 0.071251
UZS 20.916263
VAL 2.951825
VEB 138,239,338.271621
VED 1.379297
VEF 137,929.716153
VES 1.379297
VET 0.366884
VND 46.519434
VUV 0.210634
WAVES 0.009030
WEMIX 0.009202
WOO 0.161444
WST 0.004796
XAF 1.0000
XAG 0.000027
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004821
XCG 0.003190
XCH 0.001257
XDC 0.064019
XDR 0.001300
XEC 253.980010
XEM 3.803649
XLM 0.010368
XMR 0.000004
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.181920
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001605
XTZ 0.008175
YER 0.422180
ZAR 0.028672
ZEC 0.000003
ZIL 0.732614
ZMK 33.359930
ZMW 0.033360
ZWD 0.644477
ZWG 0.047495
ZWL 118.676672

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.