Population 17,654,843

Capital City Yamoussoukro (190,000)

Largest Cities Abidjan, Bouaké, Daloa, Yamoussoukro, Korhogo

Currency CFA Franc


Latitude/Longitude 5º33' N, 4º03' W

Languages French (official), and local dialects



Religions Christian, Muslim, others

Land

Land Area 320,763 sq km (123.847 sq miles) - slightly larger than New Mexico

Landforms Most of Cote d'Ivoire (north to south) is a forested plateau, one that gradually slopes down to the Atlantic Ocean coastal areas. Exceptions are the edges of the Guinea Highlands (4000 - 5000 ft. peaks) on its western border with Guinea, and in the far northwest, and the elevated savanna and forest of the northeast.

Major rivers drain the plateau, including the Bandama, Komoe and Sassandra. Large lakes include Loc de Ebire and Loc de Kossou.

Highest Pt. Mt. Nimba (1,752 m) (5,748 ft)

Lowest Pt. Gulf of Guinea (0 m) (0 ft)

Natural Resources: petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay, cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, hydropower