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: 2026-10-05
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.016337
AAVE 0.000009
ADA 0.006392
AED 0.006261
AFN 0.109954
AKT 0.002152
ALGO 0.013019
ALL 0.139388
AMD 0.617616
AMP 2.694608
ANG 0.003070
AOA 1.564408
APE 0.010163
APT 0.002157
AR 0.000381
ARB 0.008480
ARS 2.612302
ATOM 0.000979
ATS 0.020977
AUD 0.002458
AVAX 0.000157
AWG 0.003052
AXS 0.001302
AZM 14.492022
AZN 0.002898
BAKE 7.099566
BAM 0.002982
BAT 0.016599
BBD 0.003410
BCH 0.000005
BDT 0.209655
BEF 0.061498
BGN 0.002982
BHD 0.000641
BIF 5.138440
BMD 0.001705
BNB 0.000002
BND 0.002185
BOB 0.020420
BRL 0.008901
BSD 0.001705
BSV 0.000085
BSW 4.104228
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.024056
BTG 0.002577
BTN 0.164428
BTT 4,552.795829
BUSD 0.001701
BWP 0.023547
BYN 0.005124
BYR 33.368724
BZD 0.003431
CAD 0.002435
CAKE 0.000683
CDF 3.940907
CELO 0.016213
CFX 0.031617
CHF 0.001415
CHZ 0.102009
CLP 1.670545
CNH 0.011441
CNY 0.011432
COMP 0.000068
COP 5.592796
CRC 0.781017
CRO 0.024971
CRV 0.004452
CSPR 0.661373
CUC 0.001702
CUP 0.040828
CVE 0.168106
CVX 0.000732
CYP 0.000892
CZK 0.037239
DAI 0.001703
DASH 0.000029
DCR 0.000093
DEM 0.002982
DFI 2.577055
DJF 0.304035
DKK 0.011394
DOGE 0.017893
DOP 0.102053
DOT 0.001405
DYDX 0.011778
DZD 0.227932
EEK 0.023853
EGLD 0.000382
EGP 0.089756
ENJ 0.051003
EOS 0.017681
ERN 0.025574
ESP 0.253654
ETB 0.278348
ETC 0.000190
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001524
EURC 0.001522
FEI 0.001703
FIL 0.001625
FIM 0.009064
FJD 0.003843
FKP 0.001291
FLOW 0.053915
FLR 0.236014
FRAX 0.001718
FRF 0.0100
FTT 0.006668
GALA 0.687490
GBP 0.001291
GEL 0.004425
GGP 0.001291
GHC 199.888565
GHS 0.019989
GIP 0.001291
GMD 0.126285
GMX 0.000203
GNF 15.005855
GNO 0.000014
GRD 0.519470
GRT 0.056962
GT 0.000154
GTQ 0.013028
GUSD 0.001706
GYD 0.356375
HBAR 0.016527
HKD 0.013378
HNL 0.045880
HNT 0.002968
HOT 3.807827
HRK 0.011486
HT 0.047212
HTG 0.223096
HUF 0.562114
ICP 0.000524
IDR 30.588574
IEP 0.001201
ILS 0.005203
IMP 0.001291
IMX 0.009383
INJ 0.000225
INR 0.164428
IQD 2.232142
IRR 2,973.458922
ISK 0.209140
ITL 2.951825
JEP 0.001291
JMD 0.269690
JOD 0.001209
JPY 0.269505
KAS 0.039924
KAVA 0.024752
KCS 0.000228
KDA 0.183475
KES 0.219578
KGS 0.149104
KHR 6.912281
KLAY 0.045212
KMF 0.7500
KNC 0.012114
KPW 1.532238
KRW 2.295802
KSM 0.000331
KWD 0.000527
KYD 0.001415
KZT 0.764656
LAK 38.426594
LBP 152.839266
LDO 0.003657
LEO 0.000191
LINK 0.000121
LKR 0.563446
LRC 0.162027
LRD 0.292776
LSL 0.028531
LTC 0.000024
LTL 0.005264
LUF 0.061498
LUNA 0.033598
LUNC 32.416341
LVL 0.001071
LYD 0.010911
MAD 0.016809
MANA 0.016783
MBX 0.057289
MDL 0.030439
MGA 7.597649
MGF 37.988246
MINA 0.010649
MKD 0.093367
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.579021
MNT 6.136338
MOP 0.013779
MRO 0.684701
MRU 0.068470
MTL 0.000654
MUR 0.082598
MVR 0.026357
MWK 2.954191
MXN 0.031078
MXV 0.003527
MYR 0.006970
MZM 108.829210
MZN 0.108829
NAD 0.028531
NEAR 0.000350
NEO 0.000670
NEXO 0.001982
NFT 7,092.966341
NGN 2.262628
NIO 0.062640
NLG 0.003360
NOK 0.016477
NPR 0.263208
NZD 0.003050
OKB 0.000014
OMR 0.000656
ONE 0.011662
OP 0.013017
ORDI 0.000378
PAB 0.001705
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.005900
PEPE 388.274352
PGK 0.007658
PHP 0.106969
PI 0.019627
PKR 0.472080
PLN 0.006689
POL 0.015703
PTE 0.305633
PYG 9.954176
QAR 0.006206
QNT 0.000007
QTUM 0.001736
ROL 81.472323
RON 0.008147
RPL 0.000893
RSD 0.178130
RUB 0.142974
RUNE 0.002182
RVN 0.714872
RWF 2.518436
SAND 0.023355
SAR 0.006393
SBD 0.013756
SCR 0.024309
SDD 102.337470
SDG 1.023375
SEK 0.017194
SGD 0.002185
SHIB 288.866107
SHP 0.001291
SIT 0.365329
SKK 0.045927
SLE 0.039290
SLL 39.289935
SNX 0.006780
SOL 0.000014
SOS 0.971594
SPL 0.000284
SRD 0.064473
SRG 64.472852
SSP 9.739484
STD 37.670294
STN 0.037670
STX 0.004320
SUI 0.001400
SVC 0.014918
SYP 22.135723
SZL 0.028531
THB 0.057436
THETA 0.007529
TJS 0.015698
TMM 29.835906
TMT 0.005967
TND 0.005098
TOP 0.004097
TRL 83,812.952312
TRX 0.005082
TRY 0.083813
TTD 0.011553
TUSD 0.001703
TVD 0.002458
TWD 0.054222
TWT 0.003001
TZS 4.487094
UAH 0.076674
UGX 6.800078
UNI 0.000189
USD 0.001705
USDC 0.001703
USDD 0.001703
USDP 0.001706
USDT 0.001703
UYU 0.068665
UZS 20.078907
VAL 2.951825
VEB 147,832,867.263168
VED 1.478329
VEF 147,832.867263
VES 1.478329
VET 0.196141
VND 44.351514
VUV 0.205337
WAVES 0.005667
WEMIX 0.008727
WOO 0.126412
WST 0.004730
XAF 1.0000
XAG 0.000028
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004614
XCG 0.003070
XCH 0.001083
XDC 0.051822
XDR 0.001259
XEC 209.864407
XEM 2.981881
XLM 0.007652
XMR 0.000003
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.181920
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001132
XTZ 0.005191
YER 0.403029
ZAR 0.028531
ZEC 0.000001
ZIL 0.475774
ZMK 33.483377
ZMW 0.033483
ZWD 0.617009
ZWG 0.045634
ZWL 114.027730

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.