Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast, a major economic hub in Western Africa, currently has a population of approximately 34 million people. The nation is characterized by its significant agricultural output and a rapidly growing economy, with current estimates placing the GDP per capita at 3,066 USD.
Where is Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast
- Continent
- Africa
- Country
- Ivory Coast
- Coordinates
- 8.00°, -5.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 34M
- Area
- 322,463 km²
- Density per km²
- 104 / km²
- Growth rate
- +2.44%
- Annual growth
- +816.3K people
- Daily growth
- +2.2K people
- World population share
- 0.41%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Ivory Coast
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Yamoussoukro
- Region
- Africa
- Area
- 322,463 km²
- Languages
- French
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (Fr)
- Timezones
- UTC
- UN Member
- Yes
Neighboring Countries
Economy
The economy of Ivory Coast is among the fastest-growing in Africa, with recent data indicating an annual GDP growth rate of 6.0%. This expansion is driven largely by the country's status as the world's leading producer of cocoa, alongside significant exports of coffee and petroleum. Currently, the nation ranks 78 of 212 globally for total GDP and 9 of 54 within the African continent. The unemployment rate is estimated at 2.3%, which ranks 165 of 186 globally, while the GDP per capita ranks 2 of 16 in Western Africa.
Society
Social development indicators show a mix of progress and ongoing challenges, with the adult literacy rate currently standing at 50%, a figure that ranks 160 of 170 globally. Current estimates show a life expectancy at birth of 62.11 years, placing the country 202 of 215 in global rankings. Digital connectivity is expanding, as approximately 41.4% of the population uses the internet, ranking 171 of 212 globally. The fertility rate remains high at 4.23 births per woman, contributing to a steady annual population growth of 2.4%.
Climate & Environment
The climate is predominantly tropical, featuring a humid southern coast and a semiarid northern region. There are three distinct seasons, including a warm and dry period from November to March and a hot, wet season from May to July. This climate supports the nation's diverse ecosystem, ranging from coastal lagoons to dense inland forests.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- presidential republic
- Independence
- 1960-08-07 (France)
Ivory Coast operates as a presidential republic where the president serves as both the head of state and the head of government. Under the framework of the Third Republic established by the 2016 constitution, the executive branch wields significant authority, with the president elected by popular vote for 5-year terms. The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate. While Yamoussoukro is the official political capital, Abidjan remains the de facto administrative and economic heart of the country, housing most government ministries and foreign embassies. The legal system is primarily based on French civil law alongside customary law. Current political dynamics are characterized by a multi-party system, though the ruling party often maintains a strong presence. The government prioritizes infrastructure development, regional security, and integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
History
Before European arrival, the region was home to several significant states, including the Gyaaman Kingdom and the Kong Empire. French contact intensified in the mid-19th century through trade treaties, leading to the formal establishment of a French colony in 1893. Ivory Coast achieved full independence from France on 7 August 1960. For the next 3 decades, the country was led by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, whose policies fostered a period of remarkable economic prosperity known as the Ivorian Miracle. During this time, the nation became a pillar of stability and a leading agricultural exporter in Africa. Following the death of Houphouët-Boigny in 1993, the country entered a period of political volatility and ethnic tension, exacerbated by a decline in global commodity prices. This instability culminated in two civil wars between 2002 and 2011. The first conflict divided the country into a rebel-held north and a government-held south. After a period of transition and the resolution of the 2010 post-election crisis, Ivory Coast entered a phase of rapid reconstruction and modern development. Recent years have seen the nation reclaim its position as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, focusing on urban modernization and regional leadership.
Notable Facts
- The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is recognized as the largest church in the world, with a dome reaching 158 m (518 ft) in height.
- Ivory Coast is the global leader in cocoa production, supplying approximately 40% of the world's total crop used for chocolate manufacturing.
- The nation's highest point, Mont Nimba at 1,752 m (5,748 ft), is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site shared with Guinea and is home to more than 200 endemic species.
- Abidjan is often referred to as the Paris of West Africa due to its cosmopolitan atmosphere, French cultural influence, and the Plateau business district skyline.
- The country maintains a diverse religious landscape, with current data showing 42.9% of the population identifying as Muslim and 33.9% identifying with various Christian denominations.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Mont Nimba (1,752 m)
- Lowest Point
- Gulf of Guinea (0 m)
- Coastline
- 515 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in Ivory CoastExplore weather and climate data for cities in Ivory Coast
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Yamoussoukro
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January best | 35°C / 23°C | 38°C / 26°C | 1days (3 mm) Excellent | 10.4h Excellent | 63% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| February | 36°C / 24°C | 40°C / 28°C | 4days (17 mm) Good | 10.4h Excellent | 63% Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| March | 35°C / 24°C | 41°C / 28°C | 15days (93 mm) Wet | 10.2h Excellent | 72% Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| April | 34°C / 24°C | 40°C / 29°C | 14days (67 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 76% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| May | 33°C / 24°C | 39°C / 29°C | 16days (77 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 79% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| June | 31°C / 23°C | 36°C / 28°C | 20days (97 mm) Wet | 8.8h Good | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July best | 30°C / 23°C | 34°C / 26°C | 13days (56 mm) Wet | 7.8h Good | 82% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| August best | 29°C / 23°C | 33°C / 26°C | 15days (102 mm) Wet | 6.7h Fair | 82% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| September | 30°C / 23°C | 35°C / 27°C | 21days (150 mm) Wet | 8.5h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| October | 31°C / 23°C | 37°C / 28°C | 21days (142 mm) Wet | 9.5h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 32°C / 23°C | 38°C / 27°C | 10days (39 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 81% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| December best | 34°C / 22°C | 37°C / 26°C | 3days (12 mm) Excellent | 10.4h Excellent | 71% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 35°C / 23°C . Feb: 36°C / 24°C . Mar: 35°C / 24°C . Apr: 34°C / 24°C . May: 33°C / 24°C . Jun: 31°C / 23°C . Jul: 30°C / 23°C . Aug: 29°C / 23°C . Sep: 30°C / 23°C . Oct: 31°C / 23°C . Nov: 32°C / 23°C . Dec: 34°C / 22°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 3 mm. Feb: 17 mm. Mar: 93 mm. Apr: 67 mm. May: 77 mm. Jun: 97 mm. Jul: 56 mm. Aug: 102 mm. Sep: 150 mm. Oct: 142 mm. Nov: 39 mm. Dec: 12 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Ivory Coast is approximately 34M (2024).
The capital of Ivory Coast is Yamoussoukro.
Ivory Coast's GDP per capita is $3.1K (2024).
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 62.11 years (2024).
Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km² (124,504 sq mi).
Ivory Coast has a moderate population density of 104 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Ivory Coast's population is growing rapidly at 2.4% per year — among the fastest in the world.
Based on GDP per capita, Ivory Coast falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $3.1K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
The official language of Ivory Coast is French.
Ivory Coast uses the West African CFA franc (Fr) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Ivory Coast are January, July, August, December, based on climate data for the capital.
Current estimates show the population of Ivory Coast is approximately 34 million people. The nation is experiencing steady growth at an annual rate of 2.4%, ranking as the 50 of 215 most populous country globally and the 3 of 16 largest by population in the Western Africa subregion.
Ivory Coast holds a strong economic position, ranking 78 of 212 globally for total GDP and 9 of 54 within Africa. Recent data indicates a robust annual GDP growth rate of 6.0%, supported by its leadership in the global cocoa market and expanding industrial sectors.
The GDP per capita in Ivory Coast is currently estimated at 3,066 USD. This figure ranks 158 of 212 globally and 17 of 54 in Africa. In its subregion, the country holds the 2 of 16 highest GDP per capita rank, reflecting its role as a regional economic leader.
According to the latest available data, the adult literacy rate in Ivory Coast is 50%. This places the nation at a rank of 160 of 170 globally. Education remains a primary focus for government development initiatives as the country seeks to improve workforce skills and social outcomes.
Life expectancy at birth in Ivory Coast is currently 62.11 years. This health indicator ranks the country 202 of 215 globally. While the nation has seen improvements in healthcare infrastructure, it continues to address challenges related to infectious diseases and maternal health to boost overall longevity.
Approximately 41.4% of the population in Ivory Coast uses the internet, which ranks the country 171 of 212 globally for digital penetration. Mobile technology and urban development, with 54.0% of the population residing in urban areas, are key factors driving the expansion of digital access.
Ivory Coast holds a global population rank of 50 of 215 countries. In regional terms, it is ranked 16 of 54 in Africa and 3 of 16 in Western Africa. These rankings confirm its status as one of the most populous and influential nations in the West African subregion.
The population density of Ivory Coast is an estimated 105.3 people per km² (272.7 people per sq mi). This is an increase from the official 2023 density of 98 people per km². While the interior remains more sparsely populated, coastal areas and the city of Abidjan exhibit much higher concentrations.
The annual population growth rate in Ivory Coast is 2.44%, according to recent official data. This robust growth is primarily driven by a high crude birth rate of 31.56 per 1,000 people. The country experiences a net population increase of approximately 2,131 people every single day.
The fertility rate in Ivory Coast is 4.23 births per woman, which is the 18th highest rate globally out of 215 countries. Although fertility has begun to decline slowly as the country urbanizes, it remains a major factor in the nation's consistent and rapid population expansion over the decades.
Approximately 54.0% of Ivory Coast's population lives in urban areas, according to the latest official data. This urbanization rank of 145 of 215 globally reflects a significant shift toward city living. Abidjan serves as the primary urban magnet, attracting residents with diverse economic and social opportunities.
All Indicators
Explore Ivory Coast's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
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Infrastructure
Geography
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