People of Côte d’Ivoire
A Cultural Overview
Ivory Coast, or Côte d’Ivoire, is a West African country known for its economic vitality, cultural diversity, and significant contributions to African art and music. It is home to numerous ethnic groups, each with its own distinct traditions.
Ethnicity and Language: The country’s major ethnic groups include the Akan, Krou, Mandé, and Gur. French is the official language, with local languages such as Baoulé, Dioula, and Yacouba also spoken.
Culture and Heritage: Ivorian culture is celebrated for its dance and music, particularly Zouglou and Coupé-Décalé, which have gained popularity across Africa and beyond. The country is also known for its elaborate masks and stilt dancing, central to many traditional ceremonies.
Social Fabric: Ivory Coast’s society is marked by its ethnic diversity and the importance of family. Despite political challenges and social divisions, Ivorians maintain a strong sense of national identity, with an emphasis on reconciliation and unity.
Where Côte d'Ivoire is on the Map of
Africa
Côte d'Ivoire at a Glance
Independence: 7 August 1960
Capital: Yamoussoukro
Population: 26,378,274
Languages: French, Bété, Dyula, Baoulé, Abron, Agni, Cebaara Senufo
Area: 322,463 square kilometres
Provinces: Abidjan, Bas-Sassandra, Comoé, Denguélé, Gôh-Djiboua, Lacs, Lagunes, Montagnes, Sassandra-Marahoué, Savanes, Vallée du Bandama, Woroba, Yamoussoukro and Zanzan.
Ethnic groups: 41.1% Akan, 27.5% Dyula Maninka, 17.6%, Voltaiques / Gur, 11.0% Kru, 2.8% Other
Ivory Coast is bordered by Guinea to the northwest, Liberia to the west, Mali to the northwest, Burkina Faso to the northeast, Ghana to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean) to the south.
