Ivory Coast

The independent republic of the Ivory Coast lies on the south coast of the bulge of West Africa, consisting mainly of a vast plateau (except for mountains in the northwest extremity), hemmed in by five other countries and the Atlantic Ocean. Once, it and its main cities of Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, were showpieces of the continent, politically stable and economically sound, attractive not only in the physical beauty that abounds in the country but also boasting a rich culture.

The largest city, Abidjan, has a cosmopolitan flavour lent to it by its large French and Lebanese communities. Abidjan presents an attractive aspect, set on a lagoon and boasting high-rise buildings like the spectacular Hotel Ivoire. Abidjan has its landmark cathedral too: St Paul's was built in 1985 and consecrated by the Pope. The city has a vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere, offering a few good museums for sightseeing and a rainforest reserve called Parc du Banco for shady relaxation.

If and when Ivory Coast solves its political dilemmas it will undoubtedly once again emerge as one of the jewels of Africa, being able to utilise tourism as a means to help shrug off the debts incurred by its wasteful bureaucrats and years of unrest.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com