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🇨🇮 Ivory Coast
Capital: Yamoussoukro
Yamoussoukro, the political and administrative capital of Ivory Coast
Yamoussoukro is the political and administrative capital of Ivory Coast, officially designated on March 21, 1983. Located in the central part of the country, it is the birthplace of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Ivory Coast’s first president, whose government oversaw much of the city’s development. Yamoussoukro is known for its broad avenues, government complexes and the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. Abidjan, the former capital, remains the country’s largest city and principal commercial center and continues to host many government and diplomatic functions.
đź“ś Timeline of Yamoussoukro
1960: Ivory Coast gains independence from France, with Abidjan serving as the national capital.
March 21, 1983: Yamoussoukro officially becomes the political and administrative capital of Ivory Coast.
1990: Pope John Paul II dedicates the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace on September 10.
Today: Yamoussoukro retains official capital status, while Abidjan remains the country’s main commercial city and hosts many national institutions.
đź“Š City Facts
Capital Since
March 21, 1983
Official Language
French
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Location
Central Ivory Coast
Time Zone
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0
Calling Code
+225
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
🏛️ Notable Landmarks
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
One of the world’s largest church buildings, the basilica was commissioned by Félix Houphouët-Boigny and dedicated by Pope John Paul II in 1990. Its design draws heavily on St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation
The Foundation for Peace Research is a major institutional complex in Yamoussoukro and has hosted government meetings, international gatherings and events associated with the Félix Houphouët-Boigny–UNESCO Peace Prize.
Presidential Palace and Crocodile Lake
The presidential complex is one of Yamoussoukro’s best-known sites. Artificial lakes around the grounds are known for their Nile crocodiles.
Yamoussoukro has served as the official political and administrative capital since 1983. Its government complexes, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace and institutions associated with Félix Houphouët-Boigny reflect the city’s planned development as a national capital, while Abidjan continues to function as Ivory Coast’s main economic center.
