Côte d'Ivoire has existed as an independent country since August 7, 1960. ¹⁾

Lying on the border between Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea, Mount Nimba is the highest peak in both countries. It belongs to the Nimba Massif. It rises to an altitude of 1,752 meters above sea level. ²⁾

The flag of Ivory Coast consists of three equal vertical stripes. At the left edge is an orange stripe symbolizing the national spirit and the savannah. Through the very center stretches a white stripe alluding to purity, and the connection between north and south. The last stripe of green symbolizes hope and the country's natural resources. It was modeled after the French Tricolore flag. It has been in place as an official symbol since December 3, 1959. ³⁾

Bandama is the longest river flowing through the country. ⁴⁾

Côte d'Ivoire is home to more than 28 million people. Compared to 1955, the country's population has grown by 22 million. It is estimated to double by 2050. ⁵⁾

Didier Drogba is one of the most accomplished of all Ivorian soccer players. In addition to his beautiful goals for his national team, he also contributed to the end of hostilities in his country. ⁶⁾

Every day, 30,000 barrels of oil are produced in Ivory Coast. The daily demand is nearly 23,000 barrels. ⁷⁾

The tallest building in the country is the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Yamoussoukro. Built in 1990, the temple is 158 meters high. ⁸⁾

Côte d'Ivoire's political capital is Yamoussoukro, and its economic capital and largest city is the port city of Abidjan. In 1983, the city of Yamoussoukro was designated as the official political capital of the Ivory Coast. However, almost all political institutions and foreign embassies are still located in Abidjan. ⁹⁾

Ivory Coast is the world's leading producer of cocoa beans, supplying 33 percent to the world. Cocoa is used to produce chocolate. ¹⁰⁾

Côte d'Ivoire has won only one Olympic medal: a silver medal in the men's 400 meters in 1984. ¹¹⁾

Queen Abla Pokou is the legendary founder of Ivory Coast and is said to have led the Baoulé people of Ghana there in the mid-1800s. ¹²⁾

French is the official language of Côte d'Ivoire. Other languages spoken in Ivory Coast include Anyin, Dan, Baoule, and Dioula. ¹³⁾

Ivory Coast's national soccer team is nicknamed “Les Eléphants” (the elephants). ¹⁴⁾

Tai National Park is an ancient forest home to pygmy hippos. It is one of the last remaining areas of virgin rainforest in West Africa. Here you can see trees up to 50 meters high, with massive trunks and supporting roots. ¹⁵⁾