Geography
The Republic of Cote d'Ivoire in Western Africa, is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana.

Yamoussoukro is the official capital but Abidjan is the commercial and administrative centre.

The terrain consists of low coastal plain, undulating plateau, and mountains. Principal rivers are the Bandama, Cavally, Comoe and Sassandra.

The climate of Cote d'Ivoire is tropical along the coast and semiarid in the far north.

Environment
Protected areas on the World Heritage List are Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, Tai National Park and Comoe National Park.

The Mount Nimba Nature Reserve, on the borders of Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia, consists of mountain pastures and forested mountain slopes. The Reserve has a large variety of flora and fauna. Chimpanzees, known to use stones as tools, can be found in the Reserve.

Tai National Park [and Biosphere Reserve], primary tropical forest between the Cavally and Sassandra rivers, is the habitat of animals such as the pygmy hippopotamus, elephants, leopards, antelopes and diana and colobus monkeys.

The Comoe National Park [and Biosphere Reserve] is one of the largest protected areas in West Africa. Animals in the Park include baboons, lions and crocodiles.

Architecture
A number of examples of French Colonial architecture can be seen in Grand Bassam. Although some buildings are in need of renovation others are well maintained.

Yamoussoukro is famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the biggest churches in the world. There is also a large mosque.

The commercial centre of Abidjan is a modern city with office blocks, apartment buildings and a modern cathedral.

Population
The population of Cote d'Ivoire was estimated at 21,504,162 in 2011.

Languages
French is the official language in Cote d'Ivoire. There are sixty indigenous dialects; Dioula is the most widely spoken.

Religion
Islam is the main religion, followed by Christianity. A significant number of people have indigenous beliefs.

Food
Maize, millet, rice, yams and cassava are staple foods in Cote d'Ivoire. Fufu, made from plantains or yams, and gari, made from cassava, are traditional foods.

Palm oil and groundnuts are used in recipes; spicy sauces accompany meat and fish.

Stews are popular. Chicken is served with vegetables. Aubergines, beans, okra, onions, plantains, peas and tomatoes are eaten.

Fruits include bananas, citrus fruits, guavas, mangoes, papayas and pineapples.

Cocoa and coffee are grown locally. Palm wine and home-made beer are available.

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